[Fantasy Skipper]

The 1994 season has officially kicked off, and what a start for our Colorado Rockies! Mile High Stadium was absolutely rocking as the team hosted the Philadelphia Phillies for Opening Day.

Opening Day: From the Owner's Suite
(The owner's suite at Mile High Stadium is alive with the murmur of the crowd below. Arthur Sterling III is leaning forward in his seat, eyes glued to the field. Caleb Thorne stands nearby, a tablet in hand, but also intently watching the action.

Arthur Sterling III: (As the Phillies score three in the top of the first) "Well, that's not exactly the start we envisioned, is it, Caleb? Gooden's gone, but it seems we still can't keep them off the scoreboard early. Three runs in the first for Philadelphia...that's a tough way to open."

Caleb Thorne: "It's a challenge, Mr. Sterling. The Phillies came out aggressive. But Melido Perez is settling in. He gave up those early hits, but he's got good composure. And our offense responded well in the bottom half."

(The Rockies score a run in the bottom of the first, making it 3-1)

Arthur Sterling: "There we go! Jerry Browne with the double! See, that's what I like to see! We get punched, we punch back. This team's got some fight. What are your early impressions of the energy out there, Caleb? The crowd is electric!"

Caleb Thorne: "The attendance is phenomenal, Mr. Sterling --there has to be over 70,000 fans here for Opening Day. The energy is certainly translating to the dugout. We're seeing aggressive swings, and the defense look sharp early on. Browne, in particular, looks very comfortable at the plate and in the field"

(Later in the game, the Rockies have pulled ahead 4-3, and it's the bottom of the sixth)

Arthur Sterling III: "Now this is the kind of game I was hoping for! Melido's battling on the mound, and we're getting those timely hits. Berroa's home run in the fourth was a beauty! That's the power we need at Mile High. And Browne, another double! He's a machine out there today."

Caleb Thorne: (Nodding, a hint of satisfaction) "Melido has been very efficient since that first inning. And that was a good piece of hitting from Berroa, capitalizing on the altitude. We're getting contributions across the lineup. Speaking of Melido..."

(On the field, Melido Perez steps to the plate with a runner on base. He rips a single, driving in a run.)

Arthur Sterling III: (Leaping to his feet, cheering) "He drives in a run! Melido Perez! The pitcher! I love it! That's the kind of hustle, the kind of professional at-bat you want to see. Makes it 5-3! That's a huge insurance run!"

Caleb Thorne: "Indeed, Mr. Sterling. That hit from Melido is exactly what we talk about -- a pitcher helping his cause with the bat when it matters. He was very focused on executing."

(In the top of the eighth, the Phillies score a run, making it 5-4. Jack Armstrong comes in to close it out in the ninth.)

Arthur Sterling III: "Alright, Armstrong for the save. This is what it comes down to. One-run game. The nerves are setting in. This is why we pay these guys, Caleb. You feel good about this bullpen?"

Caleb Thorne: "Armstrong has proven he can handle high-leverage situations. His stuff is sharp. I think our bullpen may surprise some people."

(Armstrong gets the final out, and the crowd erupts.)

Arthur Sterling III: (Slapping Caleb on the back, a wide grin on his face) "YES! A WIN! A HOME OPENING DAY WIN! What a game! Melido Perez, the Player of the Game, you called it! And Armstrong with the save! That's how you kick off the season, Caleb! That's how you show them what Rockies baseball is all about!"

[Caleb Thorne: (A rare, full smile) "A hard-fought victory, Mr. Sterling. The team showed resilience after a tough start, and key players delivered. A successful outcome for Opening Day. It sets a positive tone for the season ahead."