Redlegs Win Season Opener 20-15

"Legend of the Week" Kirk Cooper Leads Redlegs Attack!

Kirk Cooper driving in two of his seven RBI on opening day.

The Blue Jays ran into a buzz saw against the Redlegs and Kirk Cooper, who made the impossible look fairly routine as he pounded out four hits (4-4) including a double and seven RBI in a 20-15 slugfest in the season opener for both teams.

With game time temperatures barely above freezing, Coop provided the heat on the mound as well, keeping the Jays offense in check for three innings and the win. Manager Ron Cortese said after the game: “Coop called me at 7am complaining about the cold and wanted to cancel the game - then he had the best game of is life - he should play in the cold every game!”

Photo op with the newest father/son tandem, Ron and Chris Cortese

The new faces for the Reds, who braved the strong winds and frigid temps, included former Black Sox, Greg Fowler, who solidified the lead-off spot while playing solid defense in center; Eric Neil, the opening day left fielder, and Chris Cortese, who gives the Reds their first-ever father-son partnership. Commish Ron added, "I've coached Chris from Little League on up, winning 4 championships along the way, but just playing on the same field with him for the first time - Priceless!"

Coop closes out the game for the win.

The opening day lineup included veteran Nelson Taveras, who split the catching duties with second-year player Chris French; Matt Gaugler, the Reds starter; Lonny Schwartz at first base; Ron Cortese the DH; and Tideman Penland at third base.

Blue Jays Make Strong Start

by Jody Zarbano

The Blue Jays kicked off their inaugural season in Legends against the veteran Redlegs. With 10 new players taking the field, the Jays showed a fiery competitive spirit, hitting up and down the lineup, and displaying aggressive base running.

While figuring it out on the mound, the Blue Jays played even baseball with the Reds through 6 innings with the score tied at 12-12. A tough 7th inning in the field blew open the game for the Redlegs. But a determined Blue Jays team fought back, finally running out of time, losing 20-15.

This is a very talented Blue Jays team, with a great attitude. Watch out for the Jays.

Thunder South Win On Opening Day 14-6

by Bob Schwier

The Thunder South pounded out 22 hits en route to an opening day win vs the Nationals. Chris Colletti Sr. pitched five outstanding innings to pick up his first win of the season.

Leading the way offensively for the Thunder were Dave Harmon (3 hits); Chris Colletti Jr. (3 hits plus one monster home run); Bobby Schwier Jr. (3 hits and one home run); "Wood Bat" Brent (2 hits including one towering home run); and Nick Colletti (3 hits).

Offensive stars for the Nationals were Chris Herald (2 wind-aided home runs), Kevin Mallon (2 doubles - this is not a misprint!!!); Rich Goad and Al Torres (2 hits apiece). Curtis Caram shut the Thunder out in the final 3 innings.

Flying Squirrels Start Off On The Right Foot

by Curtis Nadeau

Coming off a terribly disappointing loss in last spring's championship game, the Flying Squirrels hope to repeat their methodical navigation through the 19+ division and get back to where they once stood.

On opening day around the country, the Flying Squirrels took aim at the Knights in game one of that journey. The Squirrels' "one game at a time, one at-bat at a time" mentality had them clicking from the get-go.

In the first inning, they plated three runs, followed by another 4 runs in the 2nd inning as they jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead. Pitching owned the day for the Squirrels as they tallied 16 total strikeouts as a team, and the outfielders didn't see a fly-ball all day.

Legend-O-The-Week Nominee Justin Britt led the offensive charge going 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and 5 RBIs. Britt coupled his offensive handy work with 3 solid innings on the mound scattering 3 hits and giving up no runs.

Flying Squirrels rookie Erick Bridge had a strong opening day on the mound as well, striking out 5 batters and scattering 2 hits in 3 innings of work while also holding the Knights scoreless.

The Squirrels held a 14-0 lead before the Knights got on the board with a couple runs in the 7th inning and one more in the 8th. With the 14-3 victory, the Flying Squirrels get off on the right foot and start the season 1-0. The next couple of weeks, the Flying Squirrels schedule pits them up against two bitter rivals. They head to South County to take on the veteran savvy Hurricanes next weekend followed by a championship rematch against the rival Outlaws in two weeks.

Gashouse Gang Makes Up Seven-Run Deficit

by Gerry Britt

The Gashouse Gang earned a small measure of revenge against the Generals as they clawed back from a 7-0 deficit to tie it at 7-all and exploded for 10 runs in the 7th to win. Jason Rakjkqowski stopped the bleeding, at one point striking out 6 in a row. Skipper Gerry Britt led the attack with a 3-4, 5 RBI day. Brad Smith crossed the plate for 4 runs. The Nationals players, who were watching from the sidelines and waiting for their own game to start, asked for autographs after the game.

Games of April 3