NARROWLY AVOID GOLDEN SOMBRERO IN THE PROCESS >>>

Stymied by bad starting pitching and a lackluster offense, the Rainiers lost last night's season opener in Sacramento by a score of 6-2.

Sure it's the first of 144 games. But everybody remembers their first time. And the Rainier's lost their first time in 2011.

Thoughts on the Game:

-The Weekly Volcano bought a Minor League Baseball package from MiLB.tv that was supposed to allow us to watch the game. However, we didn't check into all the blackouts and game restrictions before purchasing the package. Needless to say, we weren't' able to watch the game. Needless to say, we may have wasted $24.99.

-Had we watched the game, we would have seen starting pitcher Luke French struggle. French gave up six runs and 10 hits in four innings of play. His early season ERA ballooned to 13.50. We're bummed we missed the game, but glad we didn't have to watch French get shellacked.

-Like their major league affiliate Seattle Mariner's, the Rainier's looked anemic at the plate. They managed only three hits. The Rainier's were 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. This was only one game and their offense will surely turn around. No team could stay this bad for an entire season. Right?

-Mike Wilson and Matt Tuiasosopo had three strikeouts apiece. Tuiasosopo avoided the coveted golden sombrero in his last at bat by singling down the middle. He may have had three strikeouts, but singling in his final at bat made for a so-so day.

-Mike Wilson's one hit was a double. It's a bummer to see these guys strike out three times, but it's nice they had some of the (few) hits. In an outing with few bright spots, we take some comfort in the fact that Wilson and Tui avoided complete meltdowns.

-Dustin Ackley had zero hits but drew two walks. Again, a sort-of-not-really bright spot.

The Rainier's go for redemption against the River Cats tonight at 7:05. Rainier's right hander Blake Beaven will face the River Cats' Guillermo Moscoso. We hate to say it, but here at the Volcano we fear the River Cats might win again. Simply because we can't imagine a guy named Guillermo Moscoso losing at anything. Ever.