For seven months and five days or so, I’ve been looking forward to this day in Omaha. The O-Royals opener is almost as exciting for me as MLB Opening Day, which is obviously the best day of the year.
There’s a lot to look forward to – reunions, new faces, and new challenges. A LOT happened at Rosenblatt tonight, and I’m exhausted. So here are just a few quick notes from Omaha’s 6-4 win:
Blake Wood made his AAA debut. He picked up a 2-inning save after Gaby Hernandez and Victor Marte got through 7 innings. Wood struck out his first batter, and that ended up being his only K. He did allow one run, but only 2 hits and no walks. (Based on his numbers, I’m guessing the walkless performances will not be common.)
Also making his Omaha debut was David Lough. Obviously this is something prospect nerds have been anticipating for a long time, and it was great to have Lough on the Opening Day roster instead of having to await his arrival. He singled twice, struck out once, and scored one run. He also made a tremendous diving catch in the 9th.
Marc Maddox also also played his first Triple-A game tonight. I was actually a little surprised to see him here, but I think that since we don’t have Gordon and Aviles rehabbing here, and apparently Mario Lisson is on the DL, it was time for a promotion. Maddox singled and walked.
Congrats to all 3 of these guys on their promotions and successful debuts!
Kila Ka’aihue homered in the 3rd inning – it was an absolute no-doubter. Jordan Parraz hit a homer of his own the following inning. I think I heard him say he juuuuust missed homering in his first at-bat as well. So it sounds like he is seeing the ball nicely.
That’s all I’ve got for the moment. It was an exhausting – but successful – opener for everyone. The team won, the staff operations all went smoothly, the weather was wonderful, and the fans walked away with a record amount of free stuff (in addition to seeing some great baseball!). It was a great way to start our season here, in Rosenblatt’s final season. Now, I must sleep! Game two tomorrow!
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