The Akron RubberDucks are pretty much prepared for everything as the team’s home opener looms Thursday night.
Sacrifice fly ball? Check.
Stealing a base? Check.
Snow. Well ...
The team’s infield turf and improved drainage system that was replaced just a year ago will be put to the test as heavy rain is expected in the Akron area Wednesday into Friday.
The National Weather Service warns an inch to 2 inches of rain is expected to fall throughout the region by week’s end.
The rain will not only test the field at Canal Park, but also area streams and rivers as the onslaught of April showers drenches those burgeoning May flowers.
“Rivers are elevated due to recent rain events, and the additional rainfall will likely lead to more flooding,” the weather service advises.
Things will get tricky early Friday morning as temperatures are predicted to dip to near the freezing mark before rising as the day progresses.
The National Weather Service says there will be little to no accumulation, while other weather prognosticators — like Weather Underground — say as much as 3 inches could fall for the morning commute.
Team General Manager Jim Pfander said the RubberDucks are prepared for whatever Mother Nature or the Bowie Baysox throws at them at first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Thursday.
“It looks like we are going to have every form of precipitation possible this week,” he said.
Craig Webb can be reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3547.