While tomorrow marks Opening Day for the local boys of summer downtown, another home opener is taking place on campus today.

The Oakland University baseball team faces the Western Michigan Broncos this afternoon at 3 p.m. While this is the twenty-fifth game of the season for the Golden Grizzlies, it marks the first contest of the year held in the friendly confines of the OU baseball field.

“Each year we open up with a lot of road games,” said Head Coach John Musachio. “It can wear guys out a bit, but that’s just the nature of the beast playing up north here in Michigan.”

Coming into his fifth season at the helm of the program, Musachio is looking at the home opener as the start of something special for Oakland.

“The guys are very excited to finally be playing at home,” Musachio said. “It’s going to be great to actually have the last at-bat. That will definitely be a psychological advantage for our guys.”

That very psychological advantage was seen the last time these two teams met on the diamond. Last week, Oakland lost at Western Michigan in ten innings on a walk-off single.

Hopefully today’s game will have a different outcome, with the home team scoring the winning run. One player who Oakland will look to for power is senior Aaron Cieslak.

From his cleanup spot in the order, Cieslak has carried the Oakland attack, leading the team with a .313 average, five home runs, 19 RBI and .563 slugging percentage. Over the past five games, the senior outfielder hit .364 and was named the Summit League Player of the Week for his efforts.

“Aaron is definitely a leader both on and off the field for us, and he has really hit his stride lately,” Musachio said. “He is playing with a lot of confidence right now, and that takes a lot of pressure off other guys because he is in the middle of the lineup and is a guy we depend on. The other guys can really take a deep breath seeing Aaron drive the ball the way he is, so we can relax and play better as a team.”

Musachio pointed out some of those other guys who are also making an impact, referring to two freshmen infielders, Spencer Marentette and Robby Enslen, as players who are key to Oakland’s success.

The coach also singled out two upperclassmen, senior outfielder Tim Ryan and junior third baseman Mike Carson. Musachio called Ryan a leader and said that Carson is a key to the offense of the Golden Grizzlies.

Ryan stole four bases last week, bringing his career tally to 70. He only needs 10 more to tie the school record in that category.

Overall, Musachio is excited for opening day and the opportunity it brings.

“Our goal is to make the Summit League Tournament this year,” Musachio said. “If we achieve that goal we’re going to be in the position to make a run at a league championship.”

Students are encouraged to head on down to the baseball field this afternoon to cheer on the Golden Grizzlies. Freshman left-hander Bryan Jagielo will deliver the first pitch at 3 p.m.