The Raiders had to wait a little bit longer for opening day, but it finally happened Wednesday. Three Rivers, playing its first game since March 7 after last season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, won 6-3 on the road against Drury JV on Wednesday. Three Rivers was scheduled to have its season opener on Feb. 12, but it was canceled due to weather. Softball, which also had to cancel games due to weather, has its season opener Friday. Three Rivers leadoff hitter Stefen Turino had three of the team's nine hits, drew three walks got an RBI and scored a run. He also stole three bases. Cade Cancilla and Alex Cauley doubled in their only hits.

Three Rivers coach Tyler Smith, in his first season after replacing Stacey Burkey who retired last spring, used six pitchers in the nineinning opener, with nobody going longer than three innings. Chad Donze got the start and struck out four with two hits and a walk allowed over three innings. Jake Uber (1-0) got the win after pitching the next three innings. He allowed five hits and a run with a walk and a strikeout. Hunter Gray, Austin Brock, Kieran Hall and Trey Nicholson each pitched an inning or less in relief. The Raiders take on Spoon River and Shawnee on Saturday afternoon at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau.

Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic