WASHINGTON, D.C. — My dad treated several of us to the Nats vs. Braves game. It was his first visit to Nationals Park. Though the game was delayed for an hour by a rain delay we still had a good time. The poor performance of the home nine in all areas of the game did not diminish our good time either, nor did the precocious kid from Richmond who was rooting for the Braves — I gave as good as I got. My father said, “I need to go to more ballgames with you.”

A few other things:

• I still haven’t heard “Bustin’ Loose” at Nationals Park yet. 🙁
• Sweet Caroline was not played!
• “Heart” would have been quite appropriate.
• I had two half-smokes, all the way. SOOOOOOOO good. The lines still need more efficiency though.
• Once again, Metro worked well.
• John Lannan had a rough outing, but he also had some defensive mistakes behind him.
• Jason Bergmann failed to cover home plate — my dad wondered if Bergmann knew he had to field too. The young thrower was sent down to Columbus for re-education.
• Pitching coach Randy St. Claire has his hands full.
• The clock was way off.
• Replays are on the HD screen now.
• Can’t anybody play this here game?!
• I love the new ballpark and in about two years, when the neighborhood grows around it, I think more people will too.

[flickr : Nationals vs. Braves, 4.12.2008/slideshow]

Nats Keep Skidding, Demote Bergmann – The Post
Nats lose, make changes – The Wash. Times
Nats struggling to find offense – The Free Lance-Star
Francoeur has 2 homers, 7 RBIs in win – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Club Expects To Activate Peña Today – The Post
Lannan amiss on game plan, pitch location – The Wash. Times