ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - For the sixth time in his St. Louis Cardinals career, Adam Wainwright will likely start the home opener at Busch Stadium this season. And this one will be big for many reasons...
"That's a well-deserved honor and we're excited for him," Cardinals manager Mike Shildt says after announcing Wainwright will start the second game of the season, to set him up to also start the April 8 home opener.
Hopefully, Wainwright and the Cardinals can end their home opener losing streak, as St. Louis is 0-5 when he starts the first game of the season at Busch Stadium (2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018). But honestly, no matter the score at the end of the game, it's going to be a very, very special afternoon in St. Louis.
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Here's why:
– Yadier Molina will be back behind the plate to catch Wainwright for a 16th season. He also caught all five of Waino's previous home opener starts.
– Although only about 15,000 fans will be in attendance, it'll be the first time since 2019 that fans will be back in Busch Stadium. It will feel and sound like a full house.
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– It may be the 276th game together for Wainwright and Molina as a battery. They may finish the season with the 4th most starts together by a pitcher-catcher combo in MLB history. They're currently 6th, behind Mickey Lolich & Bill Freehan (324), Warren Spahn & Del Crandall (316), Red Faber & Ray Schalk (306), Don Drysdale & John Roseboro (283) and Red Ruffing & Bill Dickey (282).
– Fans will finally get to welcome them back, after both were free agents this offseason. It was the first time ever that Molina tested the market.
First pitch on April 8 is set for 3:15 and you can hear it on KMOX (1120 AM and 98.7 FM).
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