Slugs Cruze to First Win of the Season

The Slugs opened the season with a 7-3 victory over the Salt Lake City Ranchers, the team pundits have picked to win the division.

Brian Simontachi and Hiram Mercedes both hit solo home runs and all but one Slug in the starting line up collected a hit.

“It was a complete team effort,” said Herm Bradley, the Slugs bench coach.

The Slugs used a surprise starter, Jason Boyd on the mound. While many anticipated Dean Lange to get the ball opening day it was journeyman Boyd who held the Ranchers in check for the first two innings, giving up a run on three hits, before giving way to Milt Thompson.

“It is something we may use from time to time this year,” said pitching coach Frank Perez. “We are short on guys who can go deep into games and give us quality starts. So we may pop one of our veterans in there for a few innings before making way for Thompson.”

Thompson who has been known to throw 40-50 pitches a game has troubles when his arm is asked to go much further than that. The Slugs seem poised to use him frequently and limit his pitches this season taking him out of a starters role.

“If one of our older guys can keep us in a game early then we can pop ole Milty in there who will give us 3 to 4 solid innings and have the ability to bounce back a day later,” added Perez.

The team did not rule out using Thompson as the set up man either.
The Slugs continue their series with the Ranchers tonight. The Slugs have indicated that Boyd would be starting again tonight and Thompson is available in the bullpen if necessary.