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Best Opening Day starts in Kansas City Royals history

By Leigh Oleszczak

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 04: A detailed view of the ceremonial Opening Day logo home plate used during the pre-game ceremonies prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 4, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Royals 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 04: A detailed view of the ceremonial Opening Day logo home plate used during the pre-game ceremonies prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 4, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Royals 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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Dennis Leonard #22 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Dennis Leonard #22 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Royals Best Opening Day Starts – No. 8: Dennis Leonard (1979)

Coming off their third straight ALCS loss (to the Yankees nonetheless), the Royals were hoping to finally get past their postseason woes and make a splash. They entered the 1979 season with Dennis Leonard — their second-round pick in the 1972 draft — as their No. 1 pitcher.

Leonard excelled on the mound on Opening Day, throwing six scoreless innings and allowing just six hits while striking out four batters. The Royals won a narrow 2-1 contest over the White Sox, making Leonard’s performance that much more spectacular.

Leonard had been a great pitcher leading up to the 1979 season, but this was one of his weaker campaigns, as he finished the year with a 4.08 ERA through 236 innings.

The Royals finished the 1979 season with a winning record but unfortunately did not make the postseason.

Leonard had four total Opening Day starts, but the performance he had in 1979 was by far his best. He’s not only responsible for one of the best Opening Day showings by a Royals pitcher, but Leonard is one of the best pitchers in Royals history.

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