Morning Sports Podcast: Thursday, March 30th

Sports Radio 960 WSBT

You couldn't prove it by the weather this morning, but it is spring, and Major League baseball returns today for the 20-23 season. For the first time in decades, all 30 teams will play their openers today in 15 cities. The Chicago Cubs begin 20-23 in the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field this afternoon, with a 2:20 eastern time game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Hope springs eternal on opening day, but the Cubs have made several moves over the winter that should make the team better this year. They will be counting on improvements among their young players, as veteran world series champions like Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, and Trey Mancini join the team. Marcus Stroman takes the hill for the Cubs today.

The White Sox will open the season against the defending champion Astros in Houston tonight at 7, the game to be heard here on Sports Radio 960 WSBT. Last year's Cy Young Award runner up and former South Bend Cub Dylan Cease gets the opening day start for the Sox, as they seek redemption after a disappointing 20-22 season. The Sox have plenty of talent, but need to stay healthy to make the impact they would like. Tim Anderson, Yasmani Grandal, Eloy Jiménez, Luis Robert Jr. and Yoán Moncada all missed significant time with injuries last year. Tonight's game time is 7pm in Houston. The home opener is Monday against the San Francisco Giants.

Notre Dame football continues spring practice this week on campus, working through the process that culminates in the Blue Gold Spring game on April 22nd. Defensive coordinator Al Golden enters his second year running the defense, saying he's focused on teaching the schemes and plays the Irish will need during the 20-23 season. We are your home for Notre Dame football and men's basketball, Sports Radio 960 WSBT.

In the NBA: the Chicago Bulls lost at home to the LA Lakers, 121-110. In Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers fell to the Milwaukee Bucks, 149-136.

Tonight in hockey: the Blackhawks host the St. Louis Blues in Chicago. The Detroit Redwings are at home against the Carolina Hurricanes.

College basketball resumes tomorrow with the women's Final Four national semifinals; the men follow on Saturday, with title games on Sunday and Monday, all on Sports Radio 960 WSBT.

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