Pirates prepare for opening night

Team hosts Cardinals Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Larson Playfield

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake Pirates kick off their season on Friday against the Cardinals of Tacoma at Larson Playfield at 7:30 p.m.

The Pirates, in their third year of play in the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League, are looking forward to winning a second championship, a feat they accomplished in just their second year.

The WCCBL is a summer league giving collegiate players an opportunity to hone their skills as they aspire to play in the big leagues and gives scouts the chance to see them in play.

Pitcher Andrew Stueve of Empire, Calif. called Moses Lake "somewhere new to check out" and he's happy to "get to play baseball" between years as he studies business at California State University.

Players are selected by college coaches to represent their college in the WCCBL. Pirates volunteer Teri McCurry said they "not only sent the best players, but the best boys also."

"How excited they are to be here," McCurry said of the players ranging in age from 18 to 21 who make up the young 23-player team.

The Pirates are coached this year by Trevor Brown, who in 2001 was drafted by the San Diego Padres. Brown is in his third year with Oklahoma State University.

Moses Lake is the smallest community to host a WCCBL team and every game on the home schedule is a theme night adding to the "family fun" element of play at Larson Playfield, according to team owner Brent Kirwan.

Kirwan and his wife Amy see the games as "lots of fun," but winning another championship is what Amy has in mind.

"I want another trophy," she told players as they met for the first time this season.

The Pirates play 29 home games and 21 games on the road this season in addition to hosting the WCCBL all-star game in July.

For a complete schedule and more information, visit the Pirates' Web site at www.mlpirates.com.