Pitch, Hit & Run Team Championship

"First & foremost you must win your Team Championship to be eligible to compete in The All Star Game National Finals," said Matt Perez, Coordinator for "Pitch, Hit & Run" out of Atlanta, Georgia. "Every kids here knows--if they don't finish in first place, there will be no tomorrow."

Standing on the field at New Nationals Park--Mr. Perez and I were speaking--moments before 16 Kids, all Sectional Champions in their age groups, were about to begin a major competition. The Pitch, Hit & Run Team Championship for Our Washington Nationals was about to take place. These kids, from The District of Columbia, Virginia and Delaware had advanced on the strength of their youth baseball skills. Winners potentially moving on to compete in The National Finals--during The 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium--in The Bronx--this July.

This Team Championship was taking place on Saturday June 7th--The Time: 10:AM


Four groups of four different age group kids were on hand to show off their proficiency in the game. 7 & 8 Year Olds; 9 & 10 Year Olds, 11 & 12 Year Olds; and 13 & 14 Year Olds were the groupings. Each Sectional Champion must compete in the following skills competitions.




Pitching: From 45 Feet--How many times can you hit the strike zone target in six pitches. It's not about speed, it's about accuracy.




Hitting: Off a Tee, Three Swings to determine how far and how accurately you can place a baseball from home plate on a line to dead centerfield. Distance is reduced by the feet and inches any hit ball lands to the right or left of the centerfield lined tape measure.




Running: Simply how fast, on one attempt, each child can run 160 Feet (just past second base) to home plate. No do-overs.

Not only was the competition tough--to reach New Nationals Park was a long enduring process. Matt Perez explains: “At this point they have already competed in a local competition hosted by their local ball club, YMCA, park and recreation centers—which began on March 1st. From there, the winners advance to Sectional Competitions—all the local winners--which takes play in May. Then, after these kids first win their age group in Sectional Competition--their scores are compared against the other sectional winners in The Washington Nationals Team Market. The top four in each age group advance to participate today.”


And even if any of these 16 kids on hand at New Nationals Park win their Age Group--they are not guaranteed a spot in The National Finals. “Their scores will be compared against all the other Team Champions at all the other ballparks," stated Perez. "So, we will not know who will actually advance to The All-Star Game until the end of June—when the last Team Champions are named. Remember, only the top three overall from each age group (from all the Team Winners) will advance to the All-Star Game for the National Finals.”

All 30 Major League Baseball Clubs participate. In conjunction with Major League Baseball, each team provides the venue for their Team Championships. And if you were wondering--all Maryland Kids compete in The Baltimore Orioles Market. Not really sure why Delaware is linked to DC though. But whether you live in Fargo, North Dakota or Birmingham, Alabama--each kid is actually competing NATIONWIDE with every other child in their age group. That's a big competition for children.

None of whom seemed overly phased by the spotlight of playing on a Major League Field this past Saturday at New Nationals Park. In fact, most seemed to enjoy the opportunity. Their parents watching and taking pictures from the stands--quite envious.



Saturday's Washington Nationals Team Champions will be notified later this month whether or not they have qualified--based on their skills results--to The National Finals in New York City.

Just another Community Effort supported by Our Washington Nationals.

Listless

Not going blame this loss on the heat.

Not going to blame this loss on injured players out of Our Lineup.

Not going to blame this loss on a rookie--making his MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT on the mound.

And not going to blame "The Guz" for being hit in the head on a bad hop grounder. A sure inning ending double play ball that became a single--scoring the eventual game winning run.

No--I am not going to blame today's 6-3 loss by Our Washington Nationals to The San Francisco Giants on any of those issues.

As Our Team is just disjointed right now. Too much in flux. Too many changes. Too many, if's and's and but's. Some of which are totally out of anyone's hands.

But, I will question how listless the performance on the field was at New Nationals Park this Sunday--after Washington lost their three run lead.
Too bad--because Garrett Mock pitched his heart out until he wilted in the top of the fifth inning--thanks to some key double plays turned behind him. With his 90 MPH Fastball not moving well this afternoon--Mock spent the first four innings of this game surviving on his off speed stuff. And when that curve and slider abandoned his arm--Garrett Mock was in a whole lot of trouble. A balk and seven straight balls thrown by Our Number 50--setting the stage for the game changing moments.
And when Mock issued a bases load walk sending the first run of the game home for San Francisco--Garrett also found out he was being sent to the showers and then being sent on to Columbus. First Day In The Big Leagues--Over. Still--at that time--Our Manager Manny Acta thanked him publicly, on the mound, with a pat on the shoulder. And this Big Texan was greeted warmly by his new teammates and some newly found fans clapping behind Our Washington Nationals First Base Dugout. Our New & Now Former Number 50 had received his Fresh Cup of Coffee in The Major Leagues. Now--he was heading back to The Minors--for more seasoning.

Garrett Mock had stumbled, but at that point was not defeated--in this game. Washington still had a chance to win. They were up by two.

At least until the more seasoned Saul Rivera came on to produce a 27 pitch performance of his own--allowing three more runs to score--all charged to Mock. The eventual game winning run scoring on a bad hop grounder to Cristian Guzman. A deflected ball that Our Number 15 would have surely scooped to complete an inning ending Double Play.

Seemingly, when things are going bad--the only breaks you receive are the bad ones. "The Guz" and Mock deserved better.

With The San Francisco Giants now taking an unexpected 4 to 3 lead--it appeared Our Washington Nationals had run out of gas. For the remaining three and one-half innings played--there was little energy shown. Did The $4 Per Gallon Cost for Gas having anything to do with it? And when Washington loaded up the bases in the bottom of the 5th and did not score--what little juice remaining inside New Nationals Park was zapped away--evaporated into the humid and thick air above.

Even the traditional "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" rendition during the 7th inning stretch had little fan participation. As Sohna said--at the time: "So where's Exxon Mobil (Sponsor of The Stretch) to refill everyone's tank. Anything to spark and revive Our Players and Our Fans."

So very true. So very necessary. Too bad there would no further revivals this day.

The last three innings of this encounter were simply played out. No spark from Our Washington Nationals.

A Strange Day at the ballpark it became. Sadly, even The African Queen and I retired to the cooler comforts of The Stars & Stripes Club in the 8th--just to rejuvenate our spirits--talking with friends--before returning to our seats for the 9th and final frame of this Listless afternoon affair.

Final Score From Game Time Temperature 94 Degrees New Nationals Park: The San Francisco Giants 6 and Our Washington Nationals 3.

Game Notes & Highlights.

Although Barry Zito was credited with the win for The Giants--what's happened to this former Cy Young Award Winner. The one time holder of "The Best Curve Ball In The Game." Two Wins and Nine Losses in 2008 for one of the top lefthanders in the game--just a few short years ago. Moving across The Bay from Oakland to San Francisco has done nothing for his career. Sad really. He was so fun to watch as a member of The Athletics.
To his credit--Lastings Milledge is beginning to hit the ball better and a little more consistently at the plate--although he is not a three hole hitter. Today, Our Number 44 blasted out a solo shot off Zito in the bottom of the first and blooped singled home Willie Harris for Washington's second run in the third. But Lastings had The African Queen and I shaking our heads in the top of the 4th when The Giants Aaron Rowand (Great Player By The Way) hammered a Mock fastball deep to the wall in centerfield. Drifting back, running hard, Milledge showed all the athletic talent he possesses--then proceeded to display the baseball instincts he lacks. With the baseball coming down inside the park--Lastings jumped to catch the stroked hit--well before the wall. Then saw the baseball land Below His Arm. The bouncing hit resulting in a double for Rowand. With similar speed, a good outfielder would have caught that drive. Lastings Milledge needs some outfield work.

By the way--when Milledge hit his Home Run--he proceeded with the Football Handoff, The Pointing to The Sky, then added a new twist to his personal celebration--Lastings turned his helmet upside down and asked for donations from his teammates at the Dugout Step. NO--I DON'T LIKE THAT. Never Will.

On the very same bloop single by Lastings in the third that plated Harris, Elijah Dukes also showed inexperience when--while running from first base and the play in front of him--proceeded to round second base too far--heading toward third. San Francisco Leftfielder Fred Lewis threw to his third baseman--Jose Castillo--who tossed to Ray Durham to record the final out of the inning and kill a potential big inning for Washington.

Speaking of mistakes--if Joel Hanrahan can consistently reach 97MPH on his heater--why in world is he throwing Joe Bowker an 0-2 off speed slider--right over the heart of the plate? Talented and the possessor of a fabulous arm--Our Number 38 needs to harness his power and learn how to pitch. This Two Run Home Run Pitch in the 7th was the distance maker for San Francisco--closing this game out--early.

Despite being hit on the noggin by an errant ground ball--"The Guz" continues to wield a Hot Bat--two more hits today. But, I would love to see Cristian Guzman come up to the plate and take more pitches--with runners in scoring position. Hacking away with a pitcher in trouble--not always the smart decision in the batters box.

Abe won The President Race--easily distancing the field. His lead so great, he waltzed backward across the finish line.

There were a host of Kids Oriented Events today at New Nationals Park.

Before the game began--Little League Teams from throughout the Washington, DC Area--participated in The Youth Parade. Thousands of Players, Coaches and some Parents walked into New Nationals Park from Centerfield onto the warning track--then walked clockwise around the track--exiting from centerfield.

Each child under 12 Years of age--received a specially marked Curly "W" child's size baseball glove as a gift upon entering the stadium.
Kids and Adults alike could participate in Signature Sunday--the 20 Minute Autograph Session held at 12:15 each Sunday Home Game. Today's participants--Jesus Flores, Odalis Perez, Brian Sanches and Charlie Manning.

And Kids Ran The Bases afterwards--another Sunday Home Game Tradition--weather permitting.


Finally, before today's game, Sohna and I attended Our Washington Nationals Winners Announcement of their Father of The Year Essay Contest. 12 Children and Their Fathers were honored in ceremonies in The Party Suites down the left field line at New Nationals Park and on the field before the game. One Deserving Father was named Father Of The Year. As you may recall--Nats320 wrote about this competition earlier this year. And The African Queen and I were there for The Finals.
This was a very moving ceremony--quite touching actually. Much more coming on Our Washington Nationals Honoring DC AREA Fathers later. In case you may not know, Our Washington Nationals were involved in Seven Different Public Service Events over the past few days. As much as the baseball on the field is the primary focus for Our Fans--there is committment being shown off the field by Our Team for those in need--and those in need of being recognized.

Today's InGame Photos--(AP) Luis M. Alvarez
All Other Photos--Nats320 (All Rights Reserved)

Trying To Understand

Sorry, I just don't get it.

For the second consecutive night--Our Manager Manny Acta allowed one of Our Pitchers to remain on the mound in trouble--with not a single person warming up in the bullpen.

Manny--My Friend--you know I love ya. But, Friday night you left Jason Bergmann in the game FAR TOO LONG. Our Number 57 HAD NOTHING GOING FOR HIM. Sorry, but it is true. And despite your "Hombre A Hombre" discussion (to put it mildly) with Jason--all was lost a few minutes later when Bergmann was taken deep by The San Francisco Giants Jose Castillo. Reminder--at no time was ONE SINGLE RELIEVER up and warming in Our Bullpen--until Our Washington Nationals were down and out 8-0.

That was LAST NIGHT (I almost want to Pronounce that like the P.A. Guy at New Nationals Park whose voice I LOVE and always get a kick out of his "LAST NIGHT" routine just before Our Washington Nationals take the field of play before each game. He's good by the way).

Fast Forward to "TONIGHT".

With nothing but Zeros on the board between the same two teams--Shawn Hill begins to tire in the 8th inning. Who could possibly blame him on as a muggy and humid a night that Washington, DC is famous for. No--Our Number 41 had not been stellar--but he had kept Washington in the game once again. And what a surprise--on this hot night--Our Offense was ICE COLD--giving Hill no relief.

Help which totally failed with one out in the 8th--when Last Night's Giants' Hero--Jose Castillo--singled up the middle. Randy Winn then followed with an opposite field liner down the left field line. A resultant double that found Wily Mo Pena trotting (NOT RUNNING BY THE WAY) to pick up the carom into short left field. A baseball that ricocheted off the inset seats behind third base. San Francisco runners now standing on 2nd and 3rd with one out.

OK, My Friend--Our Washington Nationals are now "OFFICIALLY" in trouble. Luis Ayala is warming up in the bullpen. You do the right thing--and make a double switch. After consulting with Home Plate Umpire Brian Runge you take Hill and FLop out of the game--replacing them with Our Number 56 & Willie Harris.

Manny--those are understandable and good moves. Luis has been sharp of late. Felipe Lopez not so. You need to keep the game close--as you are not sure Our Washington Nationals can plate even one run.

Of course Ayala trotting out wearing a Curly "W" Cap while the REST OF OUR TEAM is wearing the "DC" Version--should have sent off the alarm bells right away. Red "DC" Jersey--Red Curly "W" Cap--do not match. Being superstitious--I was wondering if this bad omen crossed your mind? Just curious by the way.

Anyway, as solid as this mound appearance appeared on paper--the physical capabilities of Our Number 56 were not up to stuff. Luis Ayala may well have one wicked slider, but the only wicked movement anyone witnessed at New Nationals Park in this decisive inning of the game--was the vicious lightning bolts--threatening all night--now moving over the field of play. The Skies were getting rough. Ayala was about to get ROUGHED UP.

There were some serious Bang!! Zoom!! of The Fireworks!! coming but this natural phenomena had nothing to do with "Another Curly W In The Books!!"

The Resultant Game Changing Half Inning:

Single by Bengie Molina to left--scoring Castillo. 1-0, San Francisco.

Ray Durham Walk. Bases Loaded. Still One Out.

Rich Aurilia single to center scoring Winn. 2-0 San Francisco. Bases Still Loaded.

John Bowker GRAND SLAM over the right centerfield scoreboard wall. 6-0, San Francisco. (Bowker must have felt like Robert Redford in "The Natural". The Lightning Bolt flashed at the appropriate time over New Nationals Park during this key At-Bat. Although this time--in real life--the home run did not break the light towers--sending the ballpark into darkness. If it had--you would have known The Baseballs Gods were at work and having fun).

Manny--Luis Ayala entered this scoreless game at 8:58PM.

Manny--Luis Ayala had lost this game at 9:07PM.

Everyone has a bad day--it's understandable and expected. But why in the world--for two consecutive days--you had NOT ONE SINGLE PITCHER WARMING UP IN YOUR BULLPEN? Not a sole at the very--MOST CRUCIAL--portion of each game?

Like I said: I don't get that?

Understanding Our Bullpen has been overworked. Understanding that Ayala, Saul Rivera & Big Jon Rauch can't pitch each and every day. Understanding you are trying to illicit trust in your players on the field. And Understanding Our Offense is lucky to cobble together a few runs most any game right now--there comes a time when YOU simply HAVE TO UNDERSTAND--PULL YOUR PITCHER.

We might not have been able to come back from even a One-Zip deficit this evening. But the fact you left Luis Ayala in the game--well after everyone in the park knew he was through--gave us ZERO CHANCE TO WIN--in a close ball game.

Like None.

The Players Play and their Abilities most always decide the outcome. But please remember--Your Ability to maneuver those chess pieces--known as Major League Baseball Players--is a trusted right of yours to play. You know I love ya--but I just do not agree with your bullpen usage over the past two games.

Sorry--My Friend.
Final Score from Humid, Hot--then Lightening filled New Nationals Park--The San Francisco Giants Six and Our Washington Nationals Zero--Zip--Nada.

Game Notes & Highlights

How many times have I written this before? Shawn Hill pitched well enough to earn a victory. Playing for Our Washington Nationals only got him his third loss of the season. In control most of the night--Our Number 41 left the mound in a tie game and has produced a 2.30 ERA in four starts at New Nationals Park.

Hill along with his San Francisco counterpart--Jonathan Sanchez matched up inning for inning during this contest. Neither getting an advantage until the 8th. Eventually, Sanchez finished with seven strong innings. And like Hill, lets batters hit the ball. For these two guys--it's about getting outs--not about getting strike outs.

Washington had zero offense tonight. And if Our General Manager is going to release Rob Mackowiak for his poor spring--how much closer is Wily Mo Pena to the scrape heap? Sorry, but Wily Mo is not helping. And I doubt he ever will--consistently.

Our Washington Nationals did announce Signature Sunday will resume again for tomorrow's 1:35PM Start against The Giants. But, as the picture clearly shows--the nice detail given for the first such signing session was not offered tonight by Our Washington Nationals. Knowing many are interested, I am sorry to say--only that the event will take place--but not who, when or where Our Players will be standing at New Nationals Park. Too bad.



Author and Long Time Journalist with The Washington Post--John Feinstein was at New Nationals Park signing his new book--"Living On The Black" A retrospective of Mike Mussina's & Tommy Glavine's 2007 seasons playing for The New York Yankees and New York Mets--respectively. Feinstein stopped by The Stars & Stripes Club during the 6th, 7th & 8th innings. Throughout tonight's game--he signed autographs around the ballpark.
Finally, my guess is that "Teddy" must have been hit by one of those errant lightning bolts this evening and brainstormed a way to win The Geico Presidents Race. After GW, Tom & Abe had run out of the centerfield gate--"Teddy" zoomed out on a motor scooter and easily distanced the field to WIN!! By Cheating!! My Best Friend!! Screech!! disqualifying Our Lovable Loser for using a mechanical device. Teddy Roosevelt now having lost 153 Consecutive Live President Races. Actually the sight of "Teddy" bending over at the waist in disappointment of being disqualified--was quite the sight. Well done.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Lawrence Jackson
All other photos--Nats320--All Rights Reserved

Metro Advisory Saturday June 7 & Sunday June 8

Once Again Metro is performing weekend track maintenance on The Green Line this weekend. Obviously, that work may hinder your commuter trip to New Nationals Park if coming to this weekend's games using their service.

Plan Accordingly.

Here is The Official Press Release

Metrorail Track Work to Affect Nationals Fans Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8


WHAT: The Metrorail Green Line will undergo temporary track work on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 that will delay fans’ post-game ride from the ballpark. Metro will provide complimentary post-game bus service from Nationals Park to Federal Center Metrorail Station (Blue/Orange Line), Eastern Market Metrorail Station (Blue/Orange Line) and Union Station (Red Line). Fans may also purchase single game parking at designated Nationals parking sites or park free at RFK Stadium and take the free Nats Express to the ballpark.

WHO: Washington Nationals Fans attending the San Francisco Giants series

WHEN: Saturday, June 7 Sunday, June 8

The White Flag

The White Flag was raised with two outs in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Trailing 8-0 after one of the worst seven run top of the 3rd innings you will EVER witness--courtesy of The San Francisco Giants--Our Manager Manny Acta sent Tim Redding up to the plate to pinch hit for Jason Bergmann.

GAME OVER. Our Washington Nationals had surrendered.

Let The Party Begin!!
With nothing else better to do--a Mini Old Section 320 Reunion began. BangTheDrumNatly, Dana, Tim and SeyHeyKlib joined The African Queen and I for some fun. Let it be known--"Church On Friday!!" was heard once again at New Nationals Park. Too Bad--My Main Man!! was nowhere in sight. Hard to believe actually--many of us have barely seen each other over the first half of 2008. For Three Years--we were inseparable. How times change--when other priorities of life stand in the way.

But at least for one night--The Fun and Cameraderie well known throughout the 3rd Base Line at The Old Ballyard on East Capitol Street Returned--if ever so briefly. All we really needed to add was an appearance by MY BEST FRIEND!! SCREECH!!, The BobbleBelly Dance performed by MickNats (Nothing Quite Like That Sight--Ask Screech!) and that boisterous whistle and accompanying "You're Killing Me!!" by RallyTimeRichard. If only Little Abby was there to ask "What Time Is It!!?" As all of us well know--The only answer: "RALLYTIME!!"

Now if only Our Washington Nationals had AT LEAST ONE JOSE!! Then, the JOSE!! JOSE!! JOSE!! JOSE!! chant could be heard once again. Sohna and I always loved Our Section 320 Rendition--along with Alfonso! SORIANO!! So did MANY, MANY, OTHERS!!

No question--Section 320 Rocked at RFK STADIUM!! Ask anyone that sat near us. We had it going--especially when "Let Teddy Win!! Let Teddy Win!! was shouted throughout The OLD BALLYARD during each and EVERY 7th inning stretch. Teddy always stopping by to feel the love. We had a ton of fun back then. We really did.

A feeling Our Washington Nationals also lost this evening. Jason Bergmann had little in the tank to begin with and less as his three torturous innings played out on South Capitol Street. Liners here, stroked balls there--Bergmann even nearly got himself decapitated by a screamer back up the middle. And was not helped by three pop ups never caught in foul territory by his teammates--only one ruled an error.

Our Number 57 got himself in trouble, then more trouble, finally--some serious trouble.

With Manny Acta.

When Jason walked The Giants Starting Pitcher--Tim Lincecum--with two outs loading the bases in that top of the third--out of dugout popped Our Manager Manny Acta. Our Number 14 was not there for a courtesy visit. Manny hardly EVER comes out the dugout to head to the mound. Usually--only when removing a pitcher from game. But, on this occasion--Manny nearly sprinted out there and immediately started laying the law down to Bergmann. This was not the prettiest of sights. The conversation so animated--THE HDTV SCOREBOARD Operators took the TV picture of this stern conversation off the big screen. Jason Bergmann was being dressed down--publicly--maybe even sadly.
Alot of good that did. For on Our Number 57's very next offering--San Francisco's Fred Lewis ripped a single down the right field line scoring two. Then, after Aaron Boone dropped a sure final out of the inning on a foul ball near the stands at first base--Jose Castillo--granted New Life--deposited Jason's fifth pitch of his At-Bat WELL OVER THE RIGHT CENTERFIELD WALL. Lasting Milledge watching the stroked ball sail past him for a Three Run Homer and the Knock Out Blow for this night.

A Seven Run Inning had sent Our Washington Nationals down for the count.

This game was LOST. The White Flag to be raised in just a few short minutes.

Final Score from New Nationals Park--The San Francisco Giants 10 and Our Washington Nationals 1.

But at least Old Section 320 had resumed some fun--like we always had--win or lose--at RFK Stadium.

Game Notes & Highlights

Is Tim Lincecum not one of THE FINEST YOUNG PITCHERS IN THE GAME? 5'11" and weighing only 170 LBS--this young man can pitch. The Windmill Motion, the hiding of the baseball in his round house delivery--One wicked curveball. This San Francisco Giants Starter possesses some of the best pitching mechanics seen in the game in some time. If you couldn't appreciate Lincecum's effort tonight--you are not a baseball fan. 97 Mile Per Hour Fastball--late in game--on target and under control. Taught by his father and still coached, even The San Francisco Giants are NOT ALLOWED to mess with his delivery--per the contract he signed to play professionally for the team by The Bay. If Number 55 does not win The Cy Young sometime over the next five years--many would have to be surprised.

That Boy Is Good!!

Tim Lincecum throwing seven impressive innings of one run ball. He doesn't look for the strikeout. Number 55 just gets outs--letting his fielders do the dirty work. Man--I like this guy. Who wouldn't want to have him on their team. Professional is the only way to describe him.

A title also bestowed on the very First Major League Player to rise from D.C. Public Schools in nearly 40 years. Emmanuel Burriss entered this game as a substitute in the bottom of the 8th. A shortstop by trade--his appearance received a Standing Ovation from some still in attendance watching. And when Burriss lined a single to left off Charlie Manning in the top of the 9th--the first base hit by a DCPS product in Washington in over 38 years--you can bet I--NOT ONLY GAVE HIM A STANDING OVATION--but reminded every single person still sitting in Section 218 the importance of the moment. Thankfully--everyone joined in the historic play.
Baseball in the inner city of Washington, DC--has been DEAD for some time. If Our Washington Nationals can help revive a long lost history--many more youths from DC's Public Schools can receive the very same chance. Opportunity Emmanuel Burriss took advantage of--results which played out this evening at New Nationals Park.

Please don't undersell the moment. Emmanuel Burriss playing a Major League Baseball Game in his HOMETOWN--IS HUGE. No question about it.

Now check out these two youngsters. Sohna and I spotted them painting each other up before the game--near The Centerfield Gate. As is always the case with Nats320--it's all about The Fun. A feeling these two fans were enjoying this evening at New Nationals Park. We liked their camaraderie too.
Of course--tonight was Bang!! Zoom!! Go The Fireworks!! Night. The New Friday Night Tradition of firing off the pyrotechnics after each start of the weekend home game. Sohna and I have yet to miss--even one.
Finally--how about OUR MAN--Boris!! We had heard the rumors, but had to find out the truth. One of Our Favorite Ushers from Old Section 320 and now in Section 128 on South Capitol Street was wearing a Ring. A Wedding Ring. Boris was Married!! No!!--it couldn't be true!! Yet, it was. The African Queen checking out the hardware--not believing at first it was real. As it turned out--this ring WAS NOT retrieved from a box of Cracker Jacks. (just kidding my friend)

We love Boris!! And only wish him the very best with his new bride!!

So Boris--how come none of us were invited to The Party!!??

PS--Did you know that San Francisco Giants Pitcher Alex Hinshaw was a High School Rival in California to "The Most Thrilling Closer In The Game"? Chad Cordero and Hinshaw faced each other many times in Southern California during their youth.

Tonight's InGame Photos--(AP) Luis M. Alvarez
All Other Photos--Nats320