What a great weekend it was to spend at the ballpark! We attended all three games this weekend and even stayed through the extra innings in the rain on Friday night. We know the clock is ticking on the time we have left at RFK and we want to enjoy every minute of it.

Friday: 8-5 loss in 13 innings

As soon as we arrived at the ballpark and steady rain began and continued throughout the entire evening. The game was delayed for about 15 minutes, but when the game finally started the Braves wasted no time getting runs on the board. They scored 3 runs on 4 hits, but Belliard also put the Nats on the board in the 1st inning with a solo shot to center field. Matt Chico was able to hold the Braves to only 2 hits in the next 5 innings while the Nats were able to rack up some runs. Ryan Zimmerman hit a double and a home run, scoring Belliard two more time and Matt Chico even drove in a run. Unfortunately, Rauch and Chief each had problems and gave up one run each sending the game into extra innings. Although the bullpen kept the Braves quiet for 3 more innings, the Nats couldn’t score and Colome was unable to shut down the Braves in the top of the 13th for the loss.

Saturday: 7-4 win!

As Steph posted, we spent the morning at Baseball 101 and had only a few hours to get changed for a special Season Ticket holder Appreciation night. The Nats opened the gates at 4:30 and allowed fans to watch batting practice. Clint and the Nat Pack ran the raffle, while Stan Kasten informed us that fans will be able to watch BP everyday next year! We were able to watch the Nationals warm up with the same Strength and Conditioning coach that we warmed up with earlier in the day. I must admit though, I did feel bad for him at times because some players followed their own plan, which consisted of sitting on the ground.

Finally it was game time and we were certainly treated to a night of long ball! Jimenez, who had an outstanding series, got things started right away with a 2 run homer to deep right that also scored Nook Logan. In the top of the third, Chipper Jones also hit a home run that put the Braves up by one. Then things got scary. Dmitri Young reached down to get a hard grounder to first and the ball took a bad bounce and hit him hard in the head. He immediately fell to the ground, where he stayed for several minutes. He amazingly got up and finished the inning demonstrating how much heart he really has for this team. We are so proud of him.

Robert Fick came in the game to hit for D, and with a little extra motivation hit a 3 run shot. I never thought I’d see a Fick home run in person! It was great! The Nats went on to score 2 more runs and this time they were able to hold off the Braves and win the game!

Saturday night was also Hispanic Heritage Night and the Nats honored each of their Hispanic players before the game. Manager Manny Acta said, “You can’t lose on Hispanic Night when your manager is Hispanic. It’s the rule.”

Hit of the game: Oddly enough, this didn’t come from the end of a bat. Austin Kearns ran full force into Braves catcher, Corky Miller on his way to scoring another run for the Nats. Miller is notorious for blocking the plate and Austin was clearly determined to score!

Sunday: 3-0 loss

Unfortunately, the Nats just couldn’t get people home yesterday afternoon. Tim Hudson pitched a complete game shutout while Shawn Hill couldn’t get into a groove and gave up 3 runs. The Nats were able to get 7 hits off of Hudson, but just couldn’t find a way to get the guys home. Despite the tough loss, the girls and I enjoyed amazing seats right behind the Nats dugout. After learning about the signs on Saturday morning, we paid attention to Tolman has he gave various signs to his batters.

Earlier in the day, the Nationals dedicated their new press box to sportswriter Shirley Povich. He was a dedicated sports columnist for the Washington Post. His son, Maury Povich even sat in the seats next to us for an inning!

Weekend points of interest:

The September call-up rookies are still suffering through their initiations. We saw Ross Detwiler sporting his pink Strawberry Shortcake backpack on his way out to the bullpen all weekend. If you think these boys are able to hide their pink packs when the game starts, you are wrong. The bullpen vets seem to do a good job of ensuring their My Little Pony lunch boxes and book bags are in full view of the fans!

Felipe Lopez had a closed door meeting with Manny Acta and Jerry Morales to discuss his season. Lopez then broke his silence with the media and stated that he is frustrated with his season. We commend Lopez on not making excuses for his season and continuing to work hard. We’re behind you Felipe.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 17th, 2007 at 9:44 am and is filed under Events, Game Recaps, Injuries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.