Biscuits open 2023 season on the road at Pensacola tonight
Left-hander starting pitcher Mason Montgomery is one of several familiar faces back with the Biscuits for the 2023 season. He is scheduled to start the Biscuits opener at Pensacola tonight. (File Photo)
By GRAHAM DUNN
The old adage that nothing beats Opening Day in baseball is true.
Even if it happens on the road.
The Montgomery Biscuits are scheduled to begin the 19th season of Double A baseball tonight in Pensacola. Hopefully the weather will allow it.
Weather forecasts show showers are likely at game time for tonight’s first pitch, scheduled for 6:35 at Blue Wahoo Stadium.
The two teams last met in the 2022 Southern League playoffs with the Wahoos winning the Divisional round best-of-three series, 2-1. The Wahoos went on to beat Tennessee in the championship round to earn the franchise’s first-ever title.
Montgomery reached the playoffs for the seventh-straight time last year and the ninth time in franchise history. The quest for a 10th trip to the post season begins tonight.
The Biscuits roster has several familiar faces from last year’s squad as well as manager Morgan Ensberg, who will lead the Biscuits for a fifth season.
While the majors are getting used to several rules changes, minor league baseball is ahead of the curve, already having pitch clocks and larger bases. The only adjustment will be in sync with the Majors that batters must be ready with eight seconds on the clock. The baseballs will be modified to allow pitchers to get better grips and the players will be allowed to use PitchCom if they choose.
Like the Majors pitchers will be limited to two disengagements, i.e. pickoffs or attempts or any other removal from the rubber. Defenses will also follow MLB rules where infielders are required to stay on the assigned side of the field. And no infielder will be allowed to have a foot in the outfield grass when the pitch is made.
The Biscuits will play a three-game set this weekend and will open the home portion of the schedule on Tuesday against Tennessee. For tickets, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com.