Opening Day at a Glance

by Max Winters

Spring Training has run its course, and now the RBIs and groundouts and foul tips all mean something. The action kicks off with a slate of eight games tomorrow afternoon, and we have got a preview of each one for you. Let's take a look at how the opening games might play out, including probable starters.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Augusta Lobstermen @ Montreal Expos
Dale Howe vs. Cristian Casey
- Augusta may be short on arms in their starting rotation, but they are very strong at the top with Dale Howe. Even so, the Expos will toss a $9-million man on the mound that should outduel the Lobstermen's finest. Cristian Casey can go deep into ballgames and has a better offense supporting him. And never underestimate home field on opening day.
Prediction: Montreal 5, Augusta 1
Actual: Montreal 4, Augusta 0

Kansas City Masterpiece @ Cincinnati Boomers
Darrell Bennett vs. Greg Ross
- Cincinnati has not selected an opening day starter yet, and Kansas City's is subject to change. But assuming these two toe the rubber head-to-head, it will be an interesting battle of "bend, don't break". Unless Bennett's nerves get to him, he should do just enough to deliver a win to the Masterpiece.
Prediction: Kansas City 6, Cincinnati 4
Actual: Kansas City 10, Cincinnati 2

Atlanta Crackers @ Charlotte Knights
John Burroughs vs. Hamish Harvey
- This NL South showdown figures to be a dandy. Two legitimate aces should keep this a low-scoring nailbiter. If it gets to the closers, Atlanta has the edge, but Charlotte should position itself out in front and hold on, barely.
Prediction: Charlotte 3, Atlanta 2
Actual: Charlotte 5, Atlanta 4

Arizona Flip-Floppers @ Oklahoma City Kingfishers
Hooks Perisho vs. Ron Moran
- It is hard to find a hole in Perisho's game, and it may be difficult for the Kingfishers to do so as well. On the other side, Ron Moran is a threat to throw a complete game shutout every time he takes the ball. In a pitcher's park, expect a defensive war. The Kingfishers have more bats, so they get the edge.
Prediction: Oklahoma City 2, Arizona 0
Actual: Arizona 5, Oklahoma City 2

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Chicago Gangsta' Chimps @ Cleveland Lake Mistakes
Tommy Martin vs. Edgar Leon
- Neither starter is a boneified ace, but Leon is a slight notch above Martin. Neither lineup jumps off the page at you either. The Jacobs Field faithful should leave happy, though, if only because they outlast the Chimps.
Prediction: Cleveland 7, Chicago 5
Actual: Chicago 6, Cleveland 0

Huntington Guyandottes @ Hartford Hartattacks
Coco Casey vs. Terry Bordick
- Probably the most intriguing matchup of opening day given that both teams are expected to be big players in the AL this season. Bordick is 10 years older than his counterpart, and his wily finesse style should pace his team to a win. But this one is really up for grabs.
Prediction: Hartford 4, Huntington 3
Actual: Hartford 2, Huntington 1

Nashville Sounds @ Texas Longhorns
John Suzuki vs. Danny Harville
- The Longhorns are going to rely on their offense to help them contend this year. But Danny Harville will intimidate no one, and this matchup could easily turn into the highest-scoring affair on day one. If the Sounds' offense shows up, they'll win this one going away.
Prediction: Nashville 9, Texas 5
Actual: Nashville 8, Texas 0

Colorado Damage @ Anaheim Angels
Ugueth Melendez vs. Brendan Norton
- This is another matchup where the starters have not been confirmed, but the pitchers listed here represent the best option for each franchise. Anaheim fields a superior team and Melendez has a tendency to implode due to control issues. Colorado would need a lot of help to win this one.
Prediction: Anaheim 6, Colorado 2
Actual: Colorado 3, Anaheim 0

Of course, the excitement of the regular season beginning is that the unpredictable game we all know and love will run its course, and frequently produces wild results. So buckle your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, because the boys of summer have arrived.