WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the fourth and final time of the 2008 season, I took in a game at Nationals Park yesterday. In this battle between the two worst teams in the National League, the home team proved it stood alone at the bottom. Nevertheless, despite another loss (6-2) at the hands of the San Diego Padres, I had a great time in my first visit since my son was born.
[flickr : Final Nats day game of 2008/slideshow]
- I rode my bike from Pentagon City to Nationals Park and used the bike valet. This worked out pretty well, although perhaps I will have only one half-smoke when cycling home next time. I love the ride along Maine Ave. and M Street SW past the waterfront.
- I used one of those “pay $40 and get a bunch of coupons for Nationals Park” from a co-worker of mine. We wound up getting two $33 seats in section 229 for the price of one. Not a bad deal. The box office employee was very thorough in finding Fritz and me our seats. It took a while as upper deck seats were apparently sold out, though many fans most have chosen to show up dressed as empty seats.
- The national anthem singer, Tynisha Keli, missed a verse. That is okay because it meant we got to hear less of hear terrible singing. She also botched “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch.
- Odalis Perez got behind early and then struck out 11 batters. The offense did not help him a bit.
- Nor did the defense.
- The Racing Presidents rode Segways. Teddy got stuck in the right field corner. Tom won.
- Ryan Zimmerman hit a home run while I was in line for the aforementioned half-smoke. He also drove in the only other run.
- We had a good group around us of season ticketholders, tourists and locals.
- Fritz left early. For once, he did not miss anything.
- Saw the Nats320 folks in the corridor.
- Manny Acta argued a call (he was right, by the way) on a runner at first, but did not get ejected.
- Hopefully, I’ll be back on the afternoon of April 13 for Opening Day against the Phillies. The really need to open during the day again.
In Defeat, Pérez Finds Solace in Revived Career – The Post
Lonely at NL bottom for the Nationals – The Wash. Times
