The Florence Y’alls will kick off their season Thursday with a three-game series against the Québec Capitales at Thomas More Stadium.
Gates open to fans at 5:30 p.m., with the first pitch is set for 6:44 p.m.
Thursday’s game will be Florence’s fourth season under the team name, Florence Y’alls. It will also be the Y’alls second year under Field Manager Chad Rhoades who has been preaching a change of culture.
Right-hander Ryan Watson is set to take the mound Thursday for his first Opening Day start in professional baseball. Watson earned the nod early on in Spring Training after only a handful of bullpen sessions and simulated game innings.
“Watson finished the season with good pitch ability and progression through each start and he came in from the offseason without missing a beat,” Rhoades said in a press release. “He has garnered calls from multiple affiliated organizations and we feel his poise and calmness under pressure fits perfect with our mold of the number one guy.”
The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Florence Y’alls and Thomas More University hat. In addition, fans will also see the return of Thirsty Thursday, which features $1 10-ounce drafts and $2 20-ounce drafts.
The Y’alls finished 38-58 last season and missed out on the playoffs. They bring back 10 players from last year’s roster.