WASHINGTON, D.C. — They say that you may see something new in every baseball game.* That was the case yesterday, as the Washington Nationals hosted the San Francisco Giants. The visitors walked 9 Nats and hit 3 of them with pitches, but only gave up a run. The Giants played with fire throughout the game as Jonathan Sanchez loaded the bases in the first and second inning. At one point, I recall his pitch count being 24 balls and 14 strikes in the second inning. The Giants had some misadventures fielding as well, but DC could only take advantage of this with one run.

John Lannan pitched well, only giving up a home run to Eli Whiteside in the 3rd. In the seventh, with two men on, manager Jim Riggleman had Lannan walk Whiteside intentionally. I disagreed with the decision, even more so when Lannan was kept in for the next batter, Aubrey Huff. Lannan walked Huff too, focing in what would be the winning run. Another tough loss for Lannan. He did have an excellent 1-6 double-play on a comebacker to the mound. Lannan chased Huff around between 2nd and 3rd, tagged him and caught Pat Burrell trying to steal second. The video is worth watching.

The Nats had a chance to win it in the 9th. Two batters walked and Jayson Werth got his by a Brian Wilson pitch. Adam LaRoche worked the count full, but struck out to end the game.

Oh and Ryan Zimmerman needs abdominal surgery. Ugh.

This was my second game at Nationals Park of the season, the first since Opening Day. The crowd, which included a healthy mix of Giants fans, occupied about 70% of the stadium. Good enough to give a little buzz in stands. My wife and I went with members of my office, something we’ve been trying to do forever. I didn’t get a half-smoke because I wasn’t hungry when we arrived and by the time I was, the line was too long.

*It is worth noting, that if you are late, you may not see any of it