It’s an annual tradition. I get all ginned up for opening day. The anticipation builds, the excitement keening up to fever pitch. The day arrives with a thrill of optimism. And I spend the night shivering in the rain. Tale as old as time. It’s the annual rite of passage known as Opening Day in the Eastern League!
But let’s not let a little freezing rain throw a wet blanket over Opening Night! Not when Luis Matos, Patrick Bailey, and Ismael Munguia were all set to make their Double A debuts. It’s Opening Night! A night to savor, even if a warm blanket and a hot toddy were occasionally necessary. So, let’s take in the sights and sounds of the night as the minor league season stepped out of its soft open phase and got things going in earnest.
PS: Matos, Bailey, and Munguia did NOT make their Double A debut, as waves of sogginess forced a postponement, and I waited out the evening eating press box food. Bad for everyone. Sigh.
HITTER of the NIGHT: Wade Meckler (Eug), 3 for 4, 2b (1), 2 RBI, BB
PITCHER of the NIGHT: Hayden Birdsong (SJ), 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Time for the Saturday supplemental, where we answer important questions, like: can Melvin Adón succeed against big league hitters? Ask Fernando Tatis, Jr.!
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