2023 Opening Day

The 11th annual WBA season kicked off earlier that usual on a brisk April day as the Tigers and Reds opened up the 2023 campaign with a two-game set. Former teammates toed the rubber in Sean McDonnell and Ryan Casano, who both showed out, posting scoreless frames through five. With both a lengthened and widened field, the long ball isn't expected to appear as frequently this year. However, Casano still managed to put one over the left field fence to give his team their first win of the season in walk-off fashion. McDonnell still had himself a game on both ends, striking out four over 5.2 innings along with a 3-for-7 performance at the plate. Mikey Ferro went 2-for-6 for Detroit but despite having several opportunities to put across runs, the Tigers were shutout in their season opener (Tigers 0, Reds 1).

The Marra brothers squared off on the bump in the second game, but it wasn't the ideal start for rookie Vincent Marra, who struggled with some command issues early on. Brian Marra on the other hand, proved to be a reliable no. 2 for this Reds pitching staff, tossing six innings without giving up an earned run. B. Marra and Ryan Casano provided the only offense for the Reds as well, each recording two hits and driving in one run. V. Marra's debut lasted just three frames before Mikey Ferro came in to relieve him of his duties, keeping the Reds hushed from that point on. McDonnell posted another two hits for his team but once again, it wasn't enough fire power. Cincinnati pulled off another one-run win, starting their season off on the right foot (Reds 2, Tigers 1).

The Gambardella brothers took the field for the first time while wearing the same jersey. The two active Hall of Famers each opened up the season against the Reds with a solo home run early on. Bobby Gambardella faced off against Ryan Casano on the mound and despite a couple of quick long balls, it was pretty quiet on the offensive end. Brian Marra manufactured a run for the Reds, on top of recording three hits in the game. However, the lone run wasn't enough to hold off the Nationals in their season opener. B. Gambardella struck out four, allowing just one run through six innings, continuing his dominance from last season (Nationals 2, Reds 1).

The Tigers continued their search for their first win as they faced the Nationals in the final Opening Day affair. Aaron Bartlett and Bobby Gambardella led the Nats offense with three hits apiece while Anthony Gambardella kept Detroit's lineup pretty quiet up until the sixth inning. Down three runs, Sean McDonnell continued his production for the Tigers with a missile of a home run to bring his team within one in the final frame. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they would fall victim to a third straight loss by one run, starting their season with an 0-3 record. Drew Zimmerman went 2-for-6 for the Nationals, driving in one run. Washington's offense appears to be pretty balanced thus far as they start their year off with two wins (Tigers 2, Nationals 3).