World Series Notes : Hurst Will Face Darling in Opener

Manager John McNamara named left-hander Bruce Hurst to start for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Mets in the World Series opener at New York Saturday night.

Hurst (13-8), who has not pitched since going six innings against the Angels at Anaheim Stadium last Sunday, was Boston’s logical choice. He will face right-hander Ron Darling (15-6) of the Mets.

Right-hander Dennis (Oil Can) Boyd, the winning pitcher in the sixth game of the American League championship series Tuesday night, is expected to pitch in Game 2 Sunday, and ace Roger Clemens, who nailed down the pennant Wednesday night, probably will pitch Game 3 Tuesday night at Boston.

However, McNamara said Clemens could start Game 2, depending upon how he feels after pitching with just three days’ rest in the playoffs.

For the Mets, Dwight Gooden is expected to start Game 2, followed by left-handers Bob Ojeda and Sid Fernandez in Games 3 and 4 at Fenway Park.

No left-hander has beaten the Red Sox at Fenway Park in a postseason game since James (Hippo) Vaughn in 1918. Ojeda, however, spent six years in Boston before being traded last winter.

Tom Seaver has been declared out of the World Series with a knee injury, so if Boston goes back to a four-man rotation, Al Nipper would pitch Game 4.

Bill Buckner may not be able to play in the first game of the World Series because of leg injuries, but the Red Sox aren’t concerned.

Since the designated hitter won’t be used in Games 1 and 2 (and 6 and 7, if necessary) at New York, the Red Sox would simply go with DH Don Baylor at first base in place of Buckner. The designated hitter will be used in Games 3, 4 and 5 at Boston. Buckner should be able to play by then.

John Kibler of the National League will head the umpiring crew that will work the Series, Commissioner Peter Ueberroth’s office announced.

Kibler, who will be participating in his fourth World Series, will be joined by Ed Montague and Harry Wendelstedt of the National League, and Joe Brinkman, Jim Evans and Dale Ford of the American League.

The National Weather Service said the opening game of the World Series will be played in fair and cool weather at New York. Conditions are expected to be dry with the temperature in the 50s.