The Royals opened the season at home on Monday, April 8, in a three-game series versus the Toronto Blue Jays. In his second straight opening day start, Bud Black faced off against the Blue Jays' Dave Stieb and allowed only a single earned run on four hits as the Royals won, 2–1. Stieb held the Royals scoreless for 6 innings before giving up the game-winning runs on a double by Willie Wilson.
On April 8 at home, the Royals began their season in a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. In his second consecutive opening day start, Bud Black faced Dave Stieb and allowed only one earned run on four hits as the Royals won, 2–1. Stieb kept the Royals scoreless for six innings before Willie Wilson hit a double to score the game-winning runs.