Tuesday, April 7, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 3
Royals looking to cage Orioles in home opener
The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Wetter permitting, the Kansas City Royals will try to make it 3-0 in 1998 home openers today.
The Royals, starting their first full season under manager Tony Muser, beat Baltimore 4-1 on opening day last week, ending a game of five straight road openings losses. Then they bested Minnesota 9-5 in what could turn out to be the 'Twins' last home opener in Minneapolis.
Under a threat of thunderstorms, the Royals will launch their 30th home season this afternoon when left-hander Glendon Rush (0-1) opposes Baltimore's Scott Erickson (1-0).
The Royals, coming off a second straight last-place finish in the AL Central, went 3-3 on their season-opening road trip and won one of three games in Baltimore.
Muser, who replaced the fired Bob Boone last July, spent much of the training camp drilling the Royals on fundamentals. There also have been personnel changes from the crew that
opened last year's home season with a 6-5 victory against Baltimore.
"I don't think you'll see this team making so many little mistakes," said pitcher Jeff Montgomery.
Among the new features at Kauffman Stadium will be new and brighter lights. All light fixtures and wiring were replaced during the winter, and two additional light standards were installed in left and right-center field. The new bulbs are smaller but brighter.
"It was the best-lighted park in baseball at one time, but the technology has changed," said general manager Herk Robinson. Also new is the backstop screen behind home plate. The old overhanging screen, which tended to obscure the field from directly behind home plate, has been replaced with a single upright screen designed to enhance fans' view.
Fans also will see different faces on
OPENING ACTIVITIES
Kansas City (3-3) vs. Baltimore (5-1)
I p.m. today at Kauffman Stadium
Kansas City: Glendon Rusch, L(0-1)
Baltimore: Scott Erickson, R(1-0)
Kansas City native Maurice Greene, who holds world records in the 100- and 60-meter dash, will throw the ceremonial first pitch.
The Orioles' only loss this season came to Kansas City on opening day.
the mound (Rusch for the injured Kevin Appier), at catcher (Mike Sweeney for Tim Spehr), right field (Larry Sutton for Jermaine Dye), shortstop (Felix Martinez or Shane Halter for Jay Bell), center field (Johnny Damon for Tom Goodwin), third base (Dean Palmer for Craig Paquette) and designated hitter (Terry Pendleton for Joe Vittio).
Kansas City native Maurice Greene, who holds world records in the 100- and 60-meter dash, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
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NBA playoff spots up for grabs
The Associated Press
With two weeks left in the regular season, the NBA playoff picture is unsettled in many ways.
All eight Western Conference teams have been known for weeks. And, Chicago is a lock to win the East.
beyond that, not much is hammered down.
The race continues among Chicago, Seattle and Utah for the best record leaguewide; and Washington, New York, Orlando and New Jersey are competing for the final two spots in the East.
For seeding and homecourt advantages in the first and second rounds, Phoenix is intent on catching San Antonio, Indiana has a chance to overtake Miami, Cleveland can catch Atlanta and the Hawks can pass Charlotte.
Orlando coach Chuck Daly said.
"You play the schedule, 82 games. Unbelievable things happen." His team dropped to 10th place in the East after losing a crucial game Sunday at Wash-
But for either scenario to happen, the Bulls would have to lose one of their final seven games — home matchups
day at Washington
The Magic Wizards, Nets and Knicks have the most at stake. Those with the most to gain are the
Bulls, SuperSonics and Jazz.
Chicago, on a 12-game winning streak, has a one-game lead in the loss column on both Seattle and Utah. The Bulls must finish one game ahead of the Jazz, who own the tiebreaker advantage.
If Chicago and Seattle finish with the same record, the tiebreaker would be determined by their records against playoff teams in their conference.
In Miami, Alonzo Mourning is expected back from a fractured cheekbone tonight at Minnesota or tomorrow at New York. The Heat also expect to have Jamal Mashburn and P.J. Brown for the playoffs.
with Washington, Orlando, Indiana and New York and road games at Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia.
If the season end of the 1-8 and 2-7 matchups would look l i k e walkovers except for Miami-New York.
But with
But with losses in four of their last five games, the Knicks are at risk of dropping out of the playoffs. Only one game ahead of eighth-place New Jersey in the loss column, the Knicks have six games remaining: Atlanta, Miami (twice), Washington, Toronto and Chicago.
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See What Spring has in Store for You
Save 25% to 65% percent every day on famous brands including: Banister Shoe, G.H. Bass Outlet, Big Dog, Book Warehouse, Bugle Boy, Claire's Accessories, Corning Revere, Dress Barn, Dress Barn Woman, Famous Footwear, J. Crew, Jones New York, L'eggs/Hanes/Bali, Leather Loft, London Fog, Mikasa, Oneida, Rocky Mountain, The Hot Spot, Van Heusen, Vormehr Gallery, Wallet Works, and More.
KU RECREATION SERVICES
Join us for exciting Spring Events:
Every Wednesday 9am - 10am: Baby Parade on the River Level.
Saturday, April 4, 10am-2pm: Employment Marketplace, sponsored by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.
March 2 - April 12: Jones New York Event in Support of Breast Cancer Research in Suite 310. Purchase a scarf and $10 will be donated in support of Breast Cancer Research.
Saturday, April 4: Children's Miracle Network Bake Sale at West entrance, sponsored by L'eggs/Hanes/Bali/Playtex
Saturday, March 21: Quilt Raffle at West entrance to support Meals on Wheels.
LAWRENCE RIVERFRONT PLAZA
35 Stores = Downtown Lawrence (785) 842-5511
Mon.- Sat. 10, 9, Sun. 12-6
INTRAMURAL SPORTS ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Wrestling Tournament:
Whiffleball Tournament:
Upcoming Events!
...Tennis Doubles
...Golf
...Rescheduled Soccer Tournament
$10 entry fee per individual
$10 entry fee per team
- entries close for both on Wednesday, April 8th.
For more information, please call 864-3546 or stop by the Office of Recreation Services in 208 Robinson.
KansasBaseball
Today...
KU vs. Ft. Hays State 7:00 pm
Quarter Dog Day!
Hot dogs will be sold for
25¢ while supplies last!
WIN $20,000
Pitch three strikes in Kelly Services Strike Out Contest and you'll win $20,000!
Tomorrow...
KU vs. K-State 7:00 pm
If you missed the first human dot race...you have to see this one! Pick the winning dot and you could win a gift certificate from Rusty's Outdoor Sports.
At every game this season... win 6 free bagels from Bagel & Bagel with a KU shutout... win a calzone from Old Chicago when KU hits four home runs, or catch foul ball and win a free large pizza... lucky number giveaways... and more!
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