MOSES LAKE - The crack of the bat, the slap of leather and the excited chatter of a young team coming together in their first practice were what the players of this year's Moses Lake Pirates experienced on Wednesday as they prepared for their home opener against the Cardinals of Tacoma.

The Pirates' first practice was a light workout with about half the team in attendance and first year head coach Trevor Brown was "certain" that he would have a full roster in town for Friday's game.

"Some of the boys still have classes," he explained.

The practice was held to simulate game conditions and get the players used to playing "with the sun in their eyes," according to Brown - something many of the "players haven't done in the past."

Coach Brown called Larson Playfield "one of the best in the nation."

"A lot of home games have been won right here," he said, which is in part due to the "very supportive fans."

Brown had nothing but praise for the fans and feels he has a lot to prove to live up to last years championship team, a feat he said he's "up to."

Game time on Friday is 7:30 p.m. and it's Magnet Night sponsored by Domino's Pizza.