The Ducks overcame messy field conditions and an early 2-run deficit to beat the Jays 5-4 on opening day. Randy Patton (W, 1-0) threw a complete game and the Ducks scored 3 runs in the sixth in the comeback win.

Dillon Williams and TJ Morgan hit doubles for South Oakland. Tom Pulice had two hits in the victory.

South Oakland plays next on 5/3 vs East Pittsburgh at Springview Field, 8:30pm

Season Preview

As it always seems to, the NABA season arrived out of nowhere. The off-season was eventful and also very dull. Days felt like weeks, but the months flew by.

South Oakland returns the bulk of its roster from last season. We’ve also added three former Ducks who took hiatuses of varying lengths, another Black Sox all-time great, and some pitchers who are hopefully good and ready to give us innings.

We need a number two starter to emerge. If one does, we should be right there at the end of the season. If not, we will need to win a bunch of high scoring games when Randy isn’t starting. This is familiar territory for us.

This will be the Ducks 19th season. It is hard to keep a team together for a long time. It’s also hard to find pitching. I think there is a correlation.

Speaking of pitching

I’d like to thank the Blackstones and Billy for their service as they re-embark on their Jays journey. They were good teammates. May the Jays stay together for 20 years and their dugout be a picture of serenity.

League Round-Up

The Grizzlies moved up to AAA and will renew their rivalry with the Oilers. Senators dropped down to A. Sheraden and Keystone Oaks will replace Bauerstown and the Senators in AA. The Piranhas return for their second season.

The new teams are young, so they likely will avoid some of the attendance problems and joint inflammation issues facing many AA teams.

South Hills and Cranberry are the AA Ships of Theseus. Both teams saw significant roster turnover.

The Bandidos look poised to start 1-7 before winning 16 straight to finish out the regular season. Hopefully we get them early.

The Eagles will probably take 2 of 3 from us no matter where they finish in the standings.

D2 will sandbag all season and then make a deep run in the playoffs. They always have great pitching depth, and they already started the season with a questionable rainout.

Look for Devils manager and NABA legend, Rich Rodi to post his betting odds/power rankings on the blog this summer. A good blogger knows when to delegate.

Good luck to all, and thanks for reading. Double A should be wide open this year. I bet everyone finishes exactly .500.

Quack