On Deck: Opening Day in Detroit

 

by Mickey Stryker

 

The Royals will begin the 1977 season on the road, in Detroit, with a three-game series at Tiger Stadium beginning this Thursday.  The pitching matchup will feature Paul Splitoroff for the Royals (11-8, 3.97 ERA in 1976) and Dave Roberts (16-17, 4.00 ERA in 1976) for the Tigers. 

 

The Tigers finished 5th in the American League East last season.  Centerfielder Ron LeFlore led the team with a .316 average, while rookie first baseman Jason Thompson led with 17 home runs.  Tigers rookie sensation Mark Fidrych had a fine season, winning the Rookie of the Year Award and finishing 2nd for the Cy Young Award.  Fidrych, who is perhaps known best for his strange antics on the field, finished the year with 19 wins.

 

When asked if he was nervous for Thursday's game, Manager Maty McNeil simply said, "No."

 

The Matchups:

 

Thursday : KC - Splitoroff (11-8, 3.97 ERA) vs. DET -Roberts (16-17, 4.00 ERA)

Saturday : KC - Hassler (5-12, 3.61 ERA) vs. DET - Bare (7-8, 4.63 ERA)

Sunday :  KC - Colborn (9-15, 3.71 ERA) vs. DET - Ruhle (9-12, 3.92 ERA)

 

Remember, fans, the Royals love Miller Lite.  Miller Lite, its baseball royalty!