WASHINGTON, D.C. — My personal schedule did not allow for any blogging following the 7th D.C. Opening Day of the 21st century which is exactly 7 more than I ever thought we would see.

As many others have pointed out, it was cold and damp. We were seated in section 228 which is kind of misleading. It sounds low, but it is actually that tier on the first base side separated by the bite between the first and second deck. We were in row X which was the last row — to our backs was a chain link fence and the Anacostia River. It was probably colder than a few rows down, but we were covered at least. I wouldn’t recommend 228 though, the right field corner was not visible (couldn’t see Jason Heyward’s home run which might not seem so bad in retrospect). Additionally, the food options are pretty limited over there, though there was a import draft beer stand just down the stairs with Newcastle, Dos Equis and HHeineken (ugh). I paired the Newcastle with my half-smoke. My wife, who was at her first Opening Day, said the Flippin’ Pizza she had was okay, but greasy.

As for the game, the Nats fielded well, pitched well but only got a man on third twice and never past it. ¡LIVAN! gave up a run in each of the first two innings, but settled down to punch out 15 in a row. He’s never won an season-opening start with the Nats, but certainly pitched well enough to put a curly W in the book. Jayson Werth made a couple of nice catches (though he bobbled a wet liner early) in right and got a hit in his first D.C. at bat. Adam LaRoche made a couple of nice plays at a first too. Overall, a good day in the field for the Nats, but without any runs it was for naught. Still, Opening Day, even a cold one is a welcome part of the spring and an annual holiday. Metro also performed very well which made the day that much more pleasant.

Some other observations:

• Mike Rizzo didn’t embarrass himself of the team during his brief remarks — not sure why he was speaking to us.
• The organ was playing “Heart” from Damn Yankees during pregame. It should really be a staple of the Nationals Park experience.
• It is always good to see James Brown, a co-owner of the team, as the pregame MC.
• No flyover due to the weather
• Charlie Brotman inducted several people into the DC Sports Hall of Fame which was previously the Ring of Stars at RFK Stadium, then the Hall of Stars, now the Hall of Fame. It is always good to see Brotman participating in the pageantry.
• I forgot my camera card, so no photos beyond the one I snapped with my cell phone. Oops.
• Nats spell honoring wrong & Nats spell John Lannan’s name wrong