For the first seven innings, the Lancaster Barnstormers' vaunted lineup was mostly quiet.

In the eighth inning, it showed everyone the damage it can inflict.

The Barnstormers erupted for eight runs to knock out the Bridgeport Bluefish 10-2 in front of an Atlantic League record 8,485 fans at Clipper Magazine Stadium Friday night.

Lancaster's offense, billed as one of the best in the team's brief history, delivered.

"It's a good, balanced lineup," manager Von Hayes said. "It's all about putting together quality at-bats. Our guys were a little anxious at the start, swinging at a lot of offspeed stuff, but they settled down and started working the pitchers. It was fun to watch."

The Barnstormers remain perfect in season openers. They're 4-0 all-time.

This one had a little added meaning. It was Hayes' debut as skipper and it was the home debut for many of the starting position players.

Ian Bladergroen and Brian Stavisky — two newcomers — led the offensive charge.

Bladergroen's two-run double snapped a 2-2 tie in the eighth. The first baseman, who played for the Road Warriors last season, wanted to come to the Clip because of its enthusiastic fans and cozy right-field dimensions.

He enjoyed both Friday night.

Bladergroen went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and three RBIs. He lined a solo homer into the picnic area in right in the second inning.

After traveling all of last summer, it was good to be home.

"It was a great atmosphere," Bladergroen said. "The fans were intense with the opening ceremonies. I'm not going to lie. I had butterflies going the first couple of innings."

Stavisky put on his own show. The right fielder went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and launched a mammoth home run in the eighth that cleared the second tier of advertisements in right-center field.

Many believe Stavisky isn't long for the Atlantic League and will be among the first players signed. The Barnstormers are going to appreciate his bat for as long as he's here.

"It was a great crowd," Stavisky said. "The fans were really fired up. A lot of guys had good games. It was nice to just fit in with everyone."

Zack Parker turned in a workmanlike performance in his first outing. The lefty, tabbed as the team's No. 1 starter, allowed two earned runs in six innings.

The Barnstormers are counting on Parker to lead their rotation. This was a good step in that direction.

"He got in trouble there early," Hayes said. "A couple of pitches didn't go his way. But he kept his composure. I've got to hand it to him. He didn't get too flustered and made some pitches when he had to."

Although the Bluefish put Parker in a 2-0 hole after two innings, the Barnstormers quickly erased the deficit.

Bladergroen's homer in the second and Stavisky's RBI single in the third made it 2-2.

That's where it stayed until the eighth, when the floodgates opened.

This was the beginning of a new era for the Barnstormers, who finished 57-69 last season. Hayes has helped bring an influx of talent through connections gained while managing in the minors with the Oakland A's and Arizona Diamondbacks.

There's a sense among the few returning players that this team is capable of major improvement and this offense is likely to torment opposing pitchers.

Friday night was a good start.

"We certainly have enough guys in the lineup to hit some gaps and pop one, especially in this park," Hayes said.

If opening day is about renewal, this was perfect for the Barnstormers.

Last season felt like it was miles away and it seemed like good times lay ahead.
INSIDE THE BARN: Ryan Cullen pitched two scoreless innings of relief and earned the win … Mike Woods reached base safely four times and scored twice ...

The Barnstormers continue their three-game series against the Bluefish tonight at 7. Righthander Tim McClaskey makes his debut for Lancaster. Tim Drew, the brother of J.D. and Stephen Drew, pitches for Bridgeport.

• CONTACT US: Assistant sports editor Jason Guarente can be reached at 291-8777 or jguarente@lnpnews.com.