Opponent: Chicago White Sox
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: Safeco Field
TV: Fox Sports Net (cable)
Radio: KIRO (710 AM)
Pitchers: Seattle left-hander Jamie Moyer (20-6, 3.43 earned run average last year) vs. right-hander Todd Ritchie (11-15, 4.47 last year with Pittsburgh)
Going against the numbers: Ruben Sierra batted .321 against left-handed pitchers last year and Mark McLemore just .169. It was McLemore, however, who started in left field Monday as the Mariners faced White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle.
The reason was two-fold, manager Lou Piniella said.
Sierra had battled a sore hamstring through most of spring training and Piniella believed another day of rest, especially on a cool afternoon, would help. He also felt McLemore, whose versatility was a key element in the Mariners’ record season last year, deserved the honor of starting on opening day.
Buhner night: The Mariners and their fans will honor an all-time favorite before today’s game on “Jay Buhner Night” at Safeco Field.
Pregame ceremonies will start about 6:30 p.m. to celebrate the retirement of the popular outfielder, who played 13 seasons with the Mariners. All fans at tonight’s game will receive a Jay Buhner placard.
Pack the place: Monday’s crows of 46,036 was the largest regular-season crowd in Safeco Field history, beating the 45,972 last Aug. 20 against Detroit.
Kirby Arnold
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