The Montreal Expos took on the Atlanta Braves in their regular season opener on Mar. 31, 2003. The Expos were without star right fielder Vladimir Guerrero because he was suspended for his role in a Mar. 10 bench-clearing brawl during spring training, but Montreal still managed to come away with a 10-2 win at Turner Field.

Braves pitcher Greg Maddux was rocked for nine hits, five runs (four earned) in seven innings of work. Tony Armas jr. gave up five hits and one earned run over six innings.

Shortstop Orlando Cabrera hit a home run, while Guerrero’s replacement, Ron Callaway, went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

“It was an honor to start the opening game,” Armas said, per the AP. “My fastball was the only thing working for me. My breaking pitch was not good. It was a little chilly, different from the scenario in Florida. My grip on my breaking pitch was not good, but I won’t blame that on the cold.”


(Baseball Reference)

Endy Chavez hit a triple in the first inning, when Braves outfielder Gary Sheffield crashed into the fence. Sheffield banged up his right shoulder on the play, but he stayed in the game.

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(Feature Image Credit: Getty)