OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

Nick Soulis · 05-02-2025, 11:22 PM

Opening Day

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants

Sarge Leads Charge On Opening Day
Incredible Debut For Matthews Who Goes 5-5

Name: Screenshot 2025-05-02 213649.png
Views: 199
Size: 13.5 KB

April 3, 1984 | Candlestick Park – San Francisco, CA

Opening Day at Candlestick Park delivered all the drama fans could ask for as the Chicago Cubs outlasted the San Francisco Giants 5–4 in a 10-inning showdown to kick off the 1984 Major League Baseball season. It was a game defined by timely hitting, clutch pitching, and a standout performance from Cubs left fielder Gary Matthews, who went a perfect 5-for-5 and delivered the game-winning RBI in the top of the tenth.

The Cubs, now 1–0, put up 15 hits but struggled to bring runners home early, leaving 15 men on base. But persistence paid off. Matthews’ tenth-inning single off Giants reliever Greg Minton (0–1) scored Ryne Sandberg and proved the difference. “Exciting game to play in,” Matthews said postgame. “Getting the win makes it even better.”

Chicago broke through first in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Jody Davis, and added single runs in the fifth, seventh, and eighth to build a 4–2 lead. But the Giants (0–1) wouldn't go quietly.

San Francisco responded with a pair of runs in the sixth off starter Dick Ruthven, with Al Oliver driving in two. Solo home runs from Jack Clark in the eighth and Chris Brown in the ninth – both off reliever Lee Smith, who blew the save – tied the game at 4–4 and electrified the 32,058 in attendance.

Smith (1–0) stayed in to pitch through the ninth and picked up the win despite the blown save, while Rich Bordi locked things down in the tenth for his first save of the season. Bordi navigated a leadoff walk and a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the inning to seal the deal.

Despite the loss, the Giants had several bright spots. Johnny LeMaster tripled and reached base three times, and Dusty Baker added a pinch-hit single. Al Oliver led the team with two RBIs, and the Giants racked up 11 hits of their own.

On the mound, Mark Davis started strong for San Francisco, throwing 5.2 innings of two-run ball, but a taxed bullpen couldn’t hold down the Cubs’ relentless offense. Chicago saw strong relief from Tim Stoddard and Bordi, offsetting Smith's shaky outing.

Both teams showed flashes of offensive firepower and defensive polish – the Cubs turned two double plays and committed no errors, while the Giants matched them in the field but couldn’t outpace Matthews’ bat.

Notable Performances:

Gary Matthews (CHC): 5-for-5, 2 RBI, 1 SB, 1 2B – Player of the Game

Jody Davis (CHC): 2-for-5, HR, 1 RBI

Jack Clark (SF): Solo HR (8th), 1 RBI

Chris Brown (SF): Solo HR (9th), 1 RBI

The Cubs will look to carry the momentum into the rest of the series, while the Giants will aim to bounce back and even the score.

Game Time: 3 hours, 33 minutes
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 56°F, wind blowing out to center at 12 mph
Attendance: 32,058

**League News**
Lonnie Smith of the Cardinals drives in six runs as St. Louis embarrases the Dodgers 10-0.

05-02-2025, 11:22 PM	#6
Nick Soulis Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago IL Posts: 4,236	Opening Day Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants Sarge Leads Charge On Opening Day Incredible Debut For Matthews Who Goes 5-5 April 3, 1984 \| Candlestick Park – San Francisco, CA Opening Day at Candlestick Park delivered all the drama fans could ask for as the Chicago Cubs outlasted the San Francisco Giants 5–4 in a 10-inning showdown to kick off the 1984 Major League Baseball season. It was a game defined by timely hitting, clutch pitching, and a standout performance from Cubs left fielder Gary Matthews, who went a perfect 5-for-5 and delivered the game-winning RBI in the top of the tenth. The Cubs, now 1–0, put up 15 hits but struggled to bring runners home early, leaving 15 men on base. But persistence paid off. Matthews’ tenth-inning single off Giants reliever Greg Minton (0–1) scored Ryne Sandberg and proved the difference. “Exciting game to play in,” Matthews said postgame. “Getting the win makes it even better.” Chicago broke through first in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Jody Davis, and added single runs in the fifth, seventh, and eighth to build a 4–2 lead. But the Giants (0–1) wouldn't go quietly. San Francisco responded with a pair of runs in the sixth off starter Dick Ruthven, with Al Oliver driving in two. Solo home runs from Jack Clark in the eighth and Chris Brown in the ninth – both off reliever Lee Smith, who blew the save – tied the game at 4–4 and electrified the 32,058 in attendance. Smith (1–0) stayed in to pitch through the ninth and picked up the win despite the blown save, while Rich Bordi locked things down in the tenth for his first save of the season. Bordi navigated a leadoff walk and a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the inning to seal the deal. Despite the loss, the Giants had several bright spots. Johnny LeMaster tripled and reached base three times, and Dusty Baker added a pinch-hit single. Al Oliver led the team with two RBIs, and the Giants racked up 11 hits of their own. On the mound, Mark Davis started strong for San Francisco, throwing 5.2 innings of two-run ball, but a taxed bullpen couldn’t hold down the Cubs’ relentless offense. Chicago saw strong relief from Tim Stoddard and Bordi, offsetting Smith's shaky outing. Both teams showed flashes of offensive firepower and defensive polish – the Cubs turned two double plays and committed no errors, while the Giants matched them in the field but couldn’t outpace Matthews’ bat. Notable Performances: Gary Matthews (CHC): 5-for-5, 2 RBI, 1 SB, 1 2B – Player of the Game Jody Davis (CHC): 2-for-5, HR, 1 RBI Jack Clark (SF): Solo HR (8th), 1 RBI Chris Brown (SF): Solo HR (9th), 1 RBI The Cubs will look to carry the momentum into the rest of the series, while the Giants will aim to bounce back and even the score. Game Time: 3 hours, 33 minutes Weather: Partly Cloudy, 56°F, wind blowing out to center at 12 mph Attendance: 32,058 League News Lonnie Smith of the Cardinals drives in six runs as St. Louis embarrases the Dodgers 10-0. Last edited by Nick Soulis; 05-02-2025 at 11:37 PM.