April 5, 1999: Cardinals fall 10-8 to Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Night at Busch Stadium
On this day 16 years ago, the St. Louis Cardinals suffered a 10-8 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Night at Busch Stadium. Coming off the excitement ofMark McGwire‘s record-breaking 70-home run season in 1998, there was plenty of excitement surrounding the slugger, and he certainly did his best to quench that excitement, hitting a fifth-inning solo homer off Brewers starterDavid Weathers.
The rest of the Cardinals’ offense did their best to support McGwire, and the team collected a total of 11 hits for the day. CatcherEli Marreroand left fielderShawon Dunstonled the way, both going 3-for-5, while second basemanPlacido Polancoadded two hits in his first Opening Day start.
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Unfortunately, the Cardinals’ pitching couldn’t do enough to make the offense viable. Starter Donovan Osborne was removed after throwing 49 pitches while giving up one earned run in two innings. He was replaced by right-handerMike Busby, who allowed a two-run homer to Brewers catcherDave Nilssonand was ultimately tagged for four earned runs in two innings.Manny Aybarfollowed him and allowed another two runs, and while the game got tight in the ninth inning, with the Brewers’Bob Wickmanand Cardinals relieverJuan Acevedoeach allowing three earned runs, but Milwaukee ultimately pulled out on top.
The game was the Cardinals debut for several players. It was shortstopEdgar Renteria‘s first game in a Cardinal uniform after spending his first three seasons with the Florida Marlins. The same followed for veteran outfieldersEric Davisand Shawon Dunston.
Next: This Day in St. Louis Sports History: April 4
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