Nationals’ win streak ends at two with loss to Phillies – The Post
Yesterday got off to such a good start for the Washington Nationals. They battered Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels for 4 runs by the middle of the fourth inning. They had the home team on the ropes less than half way through their Opening Day. People started tweeting about ruining Phillies Opening Day, revenge for a week earlier, and that is when things turned. Oh and that Washington stater Jason Marquis, who was constantly licking his fingers, came undone after second base umpire, cantankerous Joe West, called a ball without a pitch being thrown. West said Marquis didn’t wipe his fingers, Marquis disagreed, but lost his composure. The tiny Paul Schrieber strikezone, it was tiny for Hamels too but probably not as much, did not help matters and by the end his outing, 7 Phillies had crossed the plate. Final score 7-4, Fleas.

Earning Respect – Nats Insider
Manager Jim Riggleman deliberately got himself ejected because he argued balls and strikes, but the larger point was he wanted the Nats to be as respected by the umpires as the 2-time defending NL champion Phillies. Whether it will work, we’ll see, but good for him making the move to stand up for his players.

Generally speaking, I think the “respect” issue is not as big a deal in MLB and NFL than in the NHL and NBA. There has certainly been some memorable umpiring in Philadelphia with the Nats in town though.

No game today, the DC boys return tomorrow evening.

I’m down to 1-3 in the Cheesesteak/Half-Smoke Challenge.