Rangers: The standing-room-only crowd of 46,650 was the largest on Opening Day in team history. Luis Alicea started at second base while Mark McLemore rested his strained left hamstring.

Red Sox: Jose Offerman had the first four-hit Opening Day by a Boston player since Mike Greenwell in 1995. Closer Tom Gordon pitched a perfect ninth for his 47th save in his past 48 opportunities. He has converted 44 straight saves since his last blown save on April 14 of last season.

Royals: The crowd was the fifth-largest for Opening Day in team history. Kansas City turned four double plays. George Brett, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer, threw out the first pitch and was given a standing ovation. Two huge action pictures of Brett have been hung on the wall in the visiting team bullpen facing the stands with a "Cooperstown Countdown" ticking off the days until the ceremony.

Tigers: Detroit started on the road for the seventh straight year. Jack Morris had the last Detroit no-hitter on April 7, 1984, which remains the earliest on the calendar.

Pub Date: 4/06/99