The second-largest opening day crowd in Kansas City T-Bones history saw the club begin its 10th season on Thursday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
It was the New Jersey Jackals that celebrated, however, with a 17-7 win in front of 7,026 people.
Former Major League Rookie of the Year and Kansas City Royals infielder Angel Berroa led the Jackals (1-0) with a perfect night at the plate.
“It’s good to be back in Kansas City,” Berroa said with a smile after the game.
New Jersey got off to a quick start with two runs in the first inning off of Kansas City starter Josh Rainwater. The Jackals added four runs in the second, three in the third and four in the fourth. Rainwater (0-1) gave up 10 runs – all earned – and 11 hits.
Kansas City, Kan., native and Bishop Ward graduate Beau Stoker, playing in his first professional game, gave the T-Bones (0-1) their first run of the game with a solo home run in the third inning. Stoker, who also doubled and singled, scored three of the T-Bones’ seven runs.
The T-Bones’ record for the largest opening day crowd is 7,208 people. That was two years ago, May 28, 2010, against Fargo-Moorhead.
The T-Bones and Jackals continue their four-game series on Friday night at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, with first pitch set for 7:05.
Nick Singleton (0-0) is scheduled to pitch for the T-Bones against Matt Chico (0-0) for the Jackals.
