Moosic, PA - The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees open the 2010 season with nine straight games at PNC Field as the team looks for its fourth consecutive International League North Division title. Opening night 2010 is Thursday, April 8th with a 7:05 PM first pitch vs. the Buffalo Bisons; the triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Following the game the skies above PNC Field will illuminate with the first fireworks show of the season.Following the four game season opening series with the Bisons, April 18th- 11th, the Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins), will be in for a pair of games, April 12th and 13th. The season opening home stand concludes with three straight games vs. the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals), April 14th, 15th and 16th. All games on the opening home stand will begin at 7:05 PM with the exception of Saturday, April 10th and Sunday, April 11th, which both begin at 1:05 PM.
"Opening night is always a special event and the 2010 home opener will be no different," said Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees President Kristen Rose. "We get the opportunity to welcome home the most successful team in the International League over the last three seasons as well as begin the push for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees fourth straight division title and second Governors' Cup championship in three seasons."
The 2010 season will feature 10 post game fireworks shows. Every Friday night home game at PNC Field beginning with the May 14th game vs. the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) will wrap up with a post game fireworks display. The Yankees will celebrate the Independence Day holiday on July 3rd with fireworks following the 7:05 PM game with Syracuse. The other non-Friday firework's game takes place following the final regular season home game on Saturday, September 4th vs. the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston Red Sox).
2010 will feature special group days at PNC Field recognizing various community organizations. Two dates have been set aside for the younger Yankees fans, with school days at PNC Field on Thursday, April 29th and Thursday, May 13th, both dates feature special start times of 11:05 AM. Standard start times for the 2010 season are 7:05 PM for games Monday through Saturday and 1:05 PM for Sunday games in April, May and July. Sunday games in June and August will start at 5:05 PM.
Rivalry games fill a big portion of the 2010 schedule as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will play a total of 24 games against three of the Yankees biggest rivals. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has dominated the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Philadelphia Phillies triple-A affiliate, taking 10 of 16 games in 2009 and 24 of 32 games all time with the franchise from Allentown. The Yankees host Lehigh Valley on April 23rd through April 26th. The IronPigs are back at PNC Field prior to the IL All-Star break on July 10th and 11th and then wrap up their regular season visits on August 26th and 27th.
The Pawtucket Red Sox make three appearances at PNC Field in 2010: June 21st through the 24th, August 9th and 10th and the final two home games of the regular season at PNC Field, September 3rd and 4th. Both games on September 3rd and 4th will feature post game fireworks.
The New York Mets top affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons and the Yankees will play triple-A's version of the "Subway Series" over the Bisons three 2010 trips to Northeast Pennsylvania. After opening the season against Buffalo, the Yankees host the Bisons on August 11th and 12th and August 28th and 29th.
Once again in 2010, PNC Field will also play host to some of the hottest entertainment acts in Minor League Baseball, which will be announced at a later date.
Individuals and groups seeking information about Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees season ticket packages, group tickets and sponsorship opportunities or information on booking a Yankees speaker are encouraged to contact the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees by calling (570) 969-2255 or find the Yankees on the web at www.swbyankees.com.
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