>>Cubs Double Up Marlins On Opening Day
(Miami, FL) — Ian Happ homered on the first pitch of the game and major league season as the Cubs went on to beat the Marlins 8-4 on Opening Day at Marlins Park. Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber also hit solo home runs for the Cubs, who are seeking their third straight NL Central Division title. Steve Cishek picked up the win in relief of starter Jon Lester, who allowed four runs, three earned, in just three-and-a-third frames.
>>Cubs At Marlins
(Miami, FL) — The Cubs and Marlins play the second of four games at Marlins Park tonight. Chicago sends Kyle Kendricks to the mound opposite Miami’s Caleb Smith. The series runs through Sunday.
>>Davidson’s Three Homers Highlight White Sox Rout Of Royals
(Kansas City, MO) — Matt Davidson became just the fourth player in major league history to hit three home runs on Opening Day as the White Sox outslugged the Royals 14-7 at Kauffman Stadium. Tim Anderson went deep twice and Jose Abreu also homered for Chicago. James Shields gave up four runs before getting an out, but got through six innings to get the win.
>>White Sox At Royals
(Kansas City, MO) — The White Sox continue their three-game series at the Royals tomorrow night. The set goes through Sunday. Lucas Giolito toes the rubber for Chicago. Kansas City counters with Ian Kennedy.
>>Cardinals Crushed By Mets In Opener
(Flushing, NY) — The Cardinals gave up five runs in the fifth inning and lost 9-4 to the Mets in their season opener in New York. Carlos Martinez was touched for five runs in four-and-a-third innings to take the loss. Yadier Molina homered and Jose Martinez went 3-for-4 with a home run for the Redbirds.
>>Cardinals Sign Closer Holland To One Year Deal
(Flushing, NY) — The Cardinals have a new closer. Multiple reports say they’ve agreed to a one-year, 14-million-dollar contract with Greg Holland. The 32-year-old right-hander was one of the last free agents still on the market. Holland led the National League last year with 41 saves for the Rockies.
>>Cardinals Resume Series With Mets Tomorrow
(Flushing, NY) — The Cardinals are off today. They resume their season-opening series against the Mets tomorrow afternoon at Citi Field. Michael Wacha will start the second game of the year for St. Louis, while New York sends Jacob deGrom to the mound. First pitch is at 12:10 p.m.
>>Heat Take Down Bulls
(Miami, FL) — Josh Richardson tallied 22 points to help the Heat beat the Bulls 103-92 in South Beach. All five Chicago starters scored in double-figures led by David Nwaba with 15 points. The Bulls have lost seven straight to drop to 24-and-51. They’re at the Magic tonight.
>>Blackhawks Crush Jets
(Chicago, IL) — Tomas Jurco scored twice to help the Blackhawks rock the Jets 6-2 at the United Center. Patrick Kane, Brandon Saad, Erik Gustafsson and Alex DeBrincat also scored in the win. Emergency goalie Scott Foster had to play due to injuries to Anton Forsberg and Collin Delia. He stopped seven shots. Chicago has already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Blackhawks visit the Avs tonight.
>>Loyola-Chicago Takes On Michigan In Final Four Tomorrow
(San Antonio, TX) — Loyola-Chicago is hoping their incredible March Madness run continues. The 11th-seeded Ramblers take on third-seeded Michigan in the Final Four tomorrow night in San Antonio. Tip time is 5:09 p.m. on TBS. Loyola is 32-and-5, while the Wolverines sit at 32-and-7. The winner advances to play top-seeded Villanova or Kansas on Monday in the National Championship Game.