Fast facts for Chicago Cubs home opener
After opening the season with stops at Miami, Cincinnati and Milwaukee, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field for Monday's home opener, which will be 103rd at Wrigley. Here's a primer to get you to, and through, the game.
Today's game
Opponent: Pittsburgh Pirates
Gates open: 11:20 p.m.
First pitch: 1:20 p.m.
Ceremonial first pitch: Cubs Hall of Famers Andre Dawson, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg and Billy Williams
God Bless America: Julianna Zobrist, wife of Cubs infielder Ben Zobrist
National anthem: Wayne Messmer
7th inning stretch: Loyola Ramblers basketball team
For the record: Cubs are 54-47-1 in Wrigley Field openers and 80-60-2 in Chicago openers.
On the mound: After Jon Lester had three straight starts in Wrigley openers (2015-17) Tyler Chatwood gets the call today. He's the first Cubs right-hander to pitch the Wrigley Field opener since Edwin Jackson in 2013.
Just for fans
New amenities: New cocktail and wine bars will be open, and four new concessions have been added with new dishes such as smoked short ribs, Chick-Ago sandwich and Polk Street breaded pork shoulder, among others. Garrett's popcorn will be available at a variety of locations. Clark Street Grille also open.
Just for players
New look: The dugouts have been moved and are bigger and taller, plus new batting cages, a video room and weight room have been installed.
Last year
Ninth-inning heroics: The Cubs hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers for their 2017 home opener, winning a 3-2 night game at Wrigley with a two-out single by Anthony Rizzo for the walk-off victory. Wade Davis got the win.
History lessons
Going 9: In 2010, the Cubs hosted the Brewers for their home opener and pounded out 13 hits in a 9-5 victory. Xavier Nady drove in 3 runs, and Marlon Byrd had 3 hits with Ryan Dempster getting the win.
Shipwrecked: The Pirates have defeated the Cubs the past three times they've met at Wrigley for the Cubs home opener (2011, 2004, 2002). The 2004 game was a rout with Pittsburgh winning 13-2 behind a 17-hit attack. Greg Maddux took the loss, lasting just 3.2 innings and giving up 5 earned runs on 8 hits.
Source: Chicago Cubs, baseball-reference.com