Westport – A night of celebration turned into a night of firsts that ended in a bittersweet conclusion as the Merrimack Owls bested the Westport Fleas 3 games to 1 during the opening series at the new Asbury Park.

A lack of consistent offensive firepower plagued the Fleas from the onset as they failed to string hits together hits in a lineup filled with rabbits.

“Our starting pitchers did a really good job of keeping potential big innings from developing. Their team had some opportunities and our guys made pitched when they had to,” Owls manager Ryne Sandberg said during post-game interviews.

“GET OUT OF MY FACE!” were the only words that Fleas left fielder Barry Bonds could muster in the locker room after the game.

With a top run output of 13 runs during the 4 games, Fleas manager Buck O’Neil will undoubtedly look to shake up a lineup still looking for it’s identity.

Westport – After years of planning and development, Asbury Park in Westport is set for the opening day of the Kansas City Baseball League. Bunting has been hung from the upper rafters, the beer taps have been attached and media has begun to stream into the city to cover the event.

“What a special day… a real special day,” said Fleas manager Buck O’Neil during a late afternoon batting practice session. “Our loyal fans have deserved this for a long, long time and I know we can bring them a winner this season. I remember back when I was playing, this stadium would have been called ‘heaven,’ not Asbury Park.”

Even the Fleas their longtime rivals, The Merrimack Owls are impressed. “When I came through the tunnel and looked out at this park I got goose bumps,” Owls Lifetimer Dale Murphy said during yesterdays media day/batting practice. “This league does not get new stadiums very often, so when you get the chance to open one up, it is a really special thing that I am so proud to be a part of.”

League treasure and game inventor Ethan Allen was given a tour by O’Neill yesterday morning. “WOW,” was Allen said with a smile.

Stacked Rosters
With lineups stacked with the best sluggers, amazing rabbits and two lifetime players each, this years KCBL is certain to be a run-scoring, record-breaking, slug-fest! Lets take tonight’s games for example. How would you like to face the top 4 in Merrimack’s lineup? Eddie Stanky (career), Ty Cobb (career), Ted Williams (1941 season) and Dale Murphy (1987)? How about the on base prowess of Westport? Billy Hamilton (career), John McGraw (1897 season), Joe Cronin (1938 season), and Jimmy Foxx (Career)?

Lineups like this give new definition to “Murders Row.”

Have an up-to-date look at tonight’s action with the scoreboard below. Estimated start time: 5:45 central time.