It was Opening Week action in the NBL and
Pedro Rodriguez looked like he was in midseason form for the Arizona Wildcats, striking out 10 batters in a four hit shutout as the Arizona Wildcats beat the Philadelphia Liberty 1-0.
Aruturo Silvera drove in the only run of the game on a solo homer in the bottom of the first for Arizona. The loss wasted a solid return to the mound for
Jose Garcia, making his first start since going down with a partially torn labrum before the playoffs began last year.
Eddie Cicotte made his first career start for the Milwaukee Bisons, and it was a good one. The 27 year old pitched a complete game six hit shutout as the Bisons beat the Motors 1-0 in an Opening Week win.
Jim Roy drove in the only run of the game with a two out single in the top of the second.
After making four starts last year
Stan Coveleski is back starting for the Los Angeles Bombers, and picked up the win as the Bombers beat the Crescents 7-3. All 3 of the Crescents runs came in the ninth inning.
Mark Cruz had a big day for the Bombers going 2-2 at the plate with a pair of walks, solo homer, and RBI double.
Francisco Salazar added a three run homer for the Bombers.
Smoky Joe Wood struck out nine while allowing just 2 hits in a shutout against the Muskies, as the St Louis Lions won the game 6-0. Wood added two RBI with a fifth inning triple in the win.
Jose Escamilla of the Tampa Pirates was named the number one prospect in the NBL this year. The 24 year old starting pitcher looks to be the heir to 35 year old
Ronald Zuwiski in Tampa. Zuwiski did win his first start of the year though, beating the Breakers 4-3.