Cubs Will Meet Pirates in Home Opener

The Chicago Cubs will open their 1986 home season April 18 against the Pittsburgh Pirates and close with a three-game series against the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals.

The team opens its 71st season at Wrigley Field with a 10-game home stand featuring the Pirates, Cardinals and Montreal Expos.

The Cubs play 10 homes games in April, 16 in May, 11 in June, 12 in July, 16 in August, 13 in September and the three games with the Cardinals beginning Oct. 3

Chicago has 28 games slated for 3:05 p.m. starts, up from 18 in 1985.