Opening Day

The words "Play Ball" has finally echoed the start of the season as half the world began play. Two upsets, well maybe not but they were shutouts, highlight the opening day festivities.

In New York, the Mets recorded an unusual feat of shutting down the Phillies with a 3-0 shutout win. The star of the game, Chun-Lim Satou, went 3 for 4 but didn't garner an RBI or a run scored, go figure.

In Dover, Boston went down to defeat in grand fashion with a 8-0 shellacking. Star of the game, Cesar Rincon, went 8 innings for the win trying to atone for last years utterly disappointing season.

In Arizona, the Dodgers took the lead in the top of the 11th but the bull pen failed as Arizona tied it in the bottom half before star of the game, Darren Cambridge's 3-run blast sealed the deal.

In Pittsburgh, the Pirates pitching staff shut down the Reds offense in a 5-2 victory. Bill Riley became the star of the game going 3 for 4 knocking in 2, who would have thought that.

In Helena, the Hot Pockets pitching staff had a habit of serving up gopher balls. The Angels had 17 hits, 4 dingers and 3 doubles among them in the 9-6 win.

In Mexico City, the Marlins escaped with a 4-3 win in extra innings. The play that tied the game in the top of the ninth leaves me wondering though. I am sure there could have been a play at the plate instead of trying for a double play that didn't happen either. Then again IJ's sister may have played an important role somewhere.

Seattle took batting practice in Minnesota with their 12-1 demoralization of the Twinkies. Winston Maxwell went 8 innings for the win on his quest for a third straight 20 win season. Ariel Serra was the star of the game with a 2 for 2 performance, both were homers, 2 walks with 5 RBI's and 3 runs scored.

In Arlington, Kansas City had several big innings drubbing the Rangers 11-4. Star of the game, Neil Rigdon had two homers one of which was a grand slam that accounted for 4 of his 7 RBI's. Black Bart got the scoring started early with a quick 2-run blast in the first.

Stay tuned in as the second half of opening day will be forthcoming.