PLATTSBURGH -- The Champlain Valley Baseball League begins its season today with a new format. The league has expanded from seven teams to eight and there will be no byes this season.

There are four doubleheaders on tap today, beginning at noon.

The Plattsburgh Cardinals return as CVBL playoff champions.

The Meron's/Renzi's Expos, the new entry into the league, will be comprised of several players on the Plattsburgh State baseball roster.

Also, the league will be divided into two divisions for regular season play.

Each team will play two doubleheaders against teams in its division and one twinbill against teams from the other division, making for a 20-game schedule for every team.

One division will have perennial league title threats the Lyon Mountain Miners and C.R. Tunes Mudhens leading the way, along with the Adirondack Timberjaxx and the Fourth Ward A's.

In the other division will be the Plattsburgh Cardinals, Loreman's Royals, Meron's/Renzi's Expos and the defending playoff runner-up Hockey Plus Padres.

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Today's schedule

Adirondack Timberjaxx at Lyon Mountain Miners (2), Big Ball Diamond, noon

C.R. Tunes Mudhens at Fourth Ward A's (2), Lefty Wilson Field, noon

Meron's/Renzi's Expos at Hockey Plus Padres (2), Saranac, noon

Plattsburgh Cardinals at Loreman's Royals (2), South Acres, noon