MLB Season Opens, Cubs at PIttsburgh, Cardinals at Cincinnati

Padres Rally Past Dodgers

(San Diego, CA) -- Seth Smith's pinch-hit homer in the eighth sparked a three-run rally and sent the Padres to a 3-1 win over the Dodgers in front of a record crowd at Opening Night from Petco Park. Chris Denorfia went 2-for-4 and knocked in a pair with a single off Brian Wilson. Dale Thayer recorded the win and Huston Street notched the save after Andrew Cashner allowed one run and struck out five over six frames in the start for San Diego. Hyun-Jin Ryu fanned seven and walked three during seven innings of three-hit ball in a no-decision for Los Angeles. Wilson was charged with the loss after allowing all three runs in the eighth without recording an out. A.J. Ellis was 2-for-3 with a walk while Carl Crawford knocked in a run for the Dodgers, who fell to 2-1 on the young season.

Cubs Open Season In Pittsburgh

(Pittsburgh, PA) -- The Cubs lift the lid on the 2014 campaign today, taking on the Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Jeff Samardzija  takes the ball for the Cubbies, while the Bucs counter with left-hander Francisco Liriano. First pitch from the Steel City is scheduled for noon.

The Cubs officially placed three pitchers on the disabled list yesterday. Jake Arrieta, Kyuji Fujikawa and James McDonald are all on the shelf. Arrieta is scheduled to throw a simulated game today. McDonald went to the 60-day DL, clearing a 40-man roster spot.

Cardinals Open Season In Cincinnati

(Cincinnati, OH) -- The Cardinals lift the lid on the 2014 season today, taking on the Reds at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Adam Wainwright takes the ball for the Redbirds, while Cincy sends Johnny Cueto to the hill. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 this afternoon.

 Cardinals second baseman Mark Ellis will start the season on the disabled list. The veteran aggravated a sore knee last week in Florida. Infielder Pete Kozma will open the season on the 25-man roster, while rookie Kolten Wong starts at second base.

White Sox Host Twins To Open Season

(Chicago, IL) -- The White Sox open up the 2014 season today against the Twins at U.S. Cellular Field. Left-hander Chris Sale takes the mound for the Sox while Minnesota counters with Ricky Nolasco. First pitch from the South Side is set for 3:10.

In his final Opening Day before retirement, White Sox captain Paul Konerko is likely to be on the bench. Manager Robin Ventura says Konerko won't start today against the Twins, breaking a streak of 16 straight Opening Day starts. Ventura did not reveal the entire lineup Sunday.

Sunday, March 30 Scoreboard

MLB National League

San Diego Padres 3, Los Angeles Dodgers 1

 

MLB American League

No Games Scheduled

 

MLB Exhibition

Houston Astros 6, Aguila De Veracruz 1

Monday, March 31 Schedule (All Times Central)

MLB National League

12:05 p.m. - Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates

12:10 p.m. - Washington Nationals at New York Mets

1:05 p.m. - Philadelphia Phillies at Texas Rangers

1:10 p.m. - Atlanta Braves at Milwaukee Brewers

3:10 p.m. - St. Louis Cardinals at Cincinnati Reds

6:05 p.m. - Colorado Rockies at Miami Marlins

8:40 p.m. - San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks

 

MLB American League

12:08 p.m. - Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers

2:05 p.m. - Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles

3:10 p.m. - Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox

3:10 p.m. - Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays

9:05 p.m. - Cleveland Indians at Oakland Athletics

9:05 p.m. - Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

 

MLB Interleague

1:05 p.m. - Philadelphia Phillies at Texas Rangers