Bowling Green Hot Rods outfielder Manny Sanchez smiles as he autographs a poster on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, in front of 6-4-3. (Austin Anthony/photo@bgdailynews.com)

The Bowling Green Hot Rods will raise the curtain on the 2016 season, hosting the Dayton (Ohio) Dragons on Thursday at 6:35 p.m.

It’s only the third time since the franchise began in 2009 that Bowling Green opens the season at Bowling Green Ballpark, but the second time in three seasons.

“It’s great to be able to come out here and have opening day in front of your home fans,” Bowling Green infielder Brandon Lowe said. “You can’t ask for much more.”

Last year the Hot Rods opened with nine straight on the road, so second-year manager Reinaldo Ruiz said he’s happy to get this season started at home. The stay will be brief, with only two home games before heading out on the road.

“It was tough for us to start on the road, especially because we have long rides,” Ruiz said. “Even though it is only two games it is going to be exciting to start at home. Hopefully we can get off to a good start.”

Right-hander Jose Mujica will get the ball in the opener. Mujica, who made eight starts with the Hot Rods at the end of last year after starting the year in Short Season Low A Princeton (W. Va.) in the Appalachian League, is rated as the 27th best prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays system according to MLB.com.

“He’s got some experience,” Ruiz said. “We had him here in the second half last year and he did a good job. It’s a no-brainer he was going to be the No. 1 starter for us. He’s got the talent to be the No. 1. Hopefully he can perform well.”

Cincinnati native Cameron Varga will start the second game of the series. Varga said he is excited about pitching in Bowling Green and expects to see plenty of friends and family.

“It was really cool because my wife’s family lives close to here,” Varga said. “It’s very easy for them to come to the games and watch. It’s convenient. I was really excited for it.”

Michael Velasquez, Angel Yepez, Genesis Cabrera and Alexis Tapia are tentatively scheduled to round out the six-man rotation.

While the stay at home will be brief, the players are hopeful that a couple of wins can get the momentum going in the right direction. After the Dayton series, Bowling Green will play 12 of the next 16 on the road.

“It’s always good to get a few wins, get your confidence going and your morale up,” BG infielder Kevin Padlo said. “We’ll do our best to make that happen. Once that happens, we will roll right along.”

— Follow Bowling Green Hot Rods reporter Micheal Compton on Twitter @mcompton428 or visit bgdailynews.com.