The Loons began their season looking for their first season opening victory since 2010 when Matt Magill and Nick Buss were first year Loons.

During a pre-game interview with Loons announcer Brad Golder, Loons manager Bill Haselman gave an indication of his coaching approach when asked about his managerial style: “Making sure fundamentals are done properly – hitting the cut off man, getting bunts down, covering bases, pitchers fielding their position. If we do those things we have a chance to win a lot of games.” Haselman indicated he wants his team to be aggressive and keep the pressure on the opponents. He serves as third base coach while hitting coach Johnny Washington coaches at first base.

Within the first two innings Malcolm Holland stole a base, Kyle Farmer went from first to third on a hit and run single by third baseman Paul Hoenecke.

The game also featured a bit of the power potential on this young team. Jesmuel Valentin hit a long double in his first at bat. Joey Curletta and Jacob Scauvazzo also doubled while Justin Chigbogu hit the first Loons homer of 2014, a two run shot. Chigbogu at 240 pounds also tripled. Kyle Farmer had a strong opposite field hit to drive in two runs. On a cold damp night the Loons were ahead 9-0 after six innings. They didn’t score again in a 9-0 opening day victory.

On the mound, nineteen year old Jonathan Martinez went six innings, striking out eleven while giving up only two hits. He threw 74 pitches, 55 for strikes. Francisco Villa followed with two scoreless innings. Mark Pope who pitched in the Independent Frontier League in 2013 finished up with a scoreless ninth inning. Loons pitchers struck out sixteen Tincaps.

Martinez struck out 11 in his opening day start for the Loons.
(Photo credit – Tim Goessman)

There were a couple of roster surprises. Alex Santana who has played third base exclusively during his minor league career started in left field. Pitcher James Campbell has been slotted into the starting rotation. Bill Haselman indicated that the pitchers will be limited to a maximum of about 85 pitches or six innings at least for the first few times through the rotation.

Loons pitching coach Bill Simas spent part of the off season in Caracus, Venezuela working with a team on which there were some Dodger prospects.

Also of interest, Burt “Happy” Hooten is the pitching coach for the Fort Wayne Tincaps.