4/3/08: Chiefs Shutout Bats on Opening Day

On a gorgeous day at Alliance Bank Stadium, there was an even better view than the new grass. That view was the pitcher's mound, where both the Syracuse Chiefs and the Louisville Bats were involved in an amazing pitcher's duel. Highly touted Bats prospect Homer Bailey only made one glaring mistake today, but it was enough to give the Chiefs the victory on opening day. That mistake came in the fourth inning, as Adam Lind rocketed a shot that hung up long enough for a solo home run to straight away center field. That was the only run Bailey (0-1) gave up, and it was all Syracuse needed, as David Purcey pitched a gem. Purcey (1-0) pitched six innings, giving up only two hits, while striking out seven batters. The trio of Bill Murphy, Mike Gosling, and Shawn Camp completed the shut out for the Chiefs. Syracuse did get an insurance run in the eighth inning, after a Joe Inglett line drive double brought home Jorge Velandia, who had tripled two batters earlier.

Toronto continues to confuse me, as I now have no clue who the starting rotation will be for the Chiefs. Mike Gosling and Bill Murphy seemed like possibilities to be in the rotation, but their use in the game this afternoon makes me doubt that.

Top prospect for the Reds' Jay Bruce struggled in his first game this year, going 1 for 4 and striking out twice.

Kevin Barker (listed as on the 7 day DL) was out for practice in the field, but he did not play today. I have a feeling he will get at least one start in his return series to Syracuse.

I learn something new everyday, apparently. Watching the replay of the game on tv tonight, we were informed that Lee Gronkiewicz had a great spring training this year with Toronto. Well, maybe he performed well, but it would have been in a Red Sox uniform, as I reported here previously. I think simple "I don't knows" are a little more appropriate than spurting out a random guess as a fact, but then again, I guess that's just my preference. Just a pet peeve of mine, especially in the Syracuse media..where I've read in the Post Standard that Karl Goehring let in a goal for Binghamton a few months ago (he was Syracuse's backup at that point and DID NOT play in the game overall). But enough with that rant.

Syracuse takes on Louisville again Friday at 2pm (weather pending)

Probable pitchers: Matt Maloney (LOU) vs Josh Banks (SYR)