Great Start; Kiermaier to Rays

Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun

I wasn’t able to get out to Tuesday’s game. The wrap and the Herald-Sun pretty much tell the tale. Good post-game interview with pitcher Enny Romero.

Season: 5-3; Home Stand: 5-3
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun

You have to credit the Bulls marketing crew for the crowd that was there for today’s game. Reportedly they sold 7,500 tickets to the kids for an Education Day, get-away day game that was over by 2 pm.

Some decent baseball as well. The Knights came out swinging. To their regret, I’d say. Bulls pitchers got 16 Ks (they are 97 on the year for an average of over 12 per game). When I asked a Bulls player at yesterday’s First Pitch luncheon who had the best arm amongst the youngsters, he mentioned Matt Andriese. Andriese collected 8 K’s and looked mostly quite good.

Ray Olmedo had his first start in the leadoff spot and did his job. He got on base 3 out of 4 times, including an RBI double.

Overall, a solid opening home stand. The Bulls leave town in good health and seem to be shaking out. This road trip is shorter than usual. They will be back for two days next week

Outside the game —

• Jeff Beliveau got in a perfect inning with the Rays on Wednesday night and then was optioned back to Durham. Rays Manager Joe Maddon said that they would be looking for a left-handed hitter to fill the Matt Moore hole because the Rays are beginning a interleague game with the Cincinnati Reds. Kevin Kiermaier, who sat out today’s game was called up immediately the game and is on his way to Cincinnati.
• Spectacular video from opening day at the Bulls blog. Must See!