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Washington Nationals: Three Takeaways From Opening Day

By Drew Douglas

Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Blake Treinen (45) is congratulated by Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) after earning a save against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals won 4 - 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals relief pitcher Blake Treinen (45) is congratulated by Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) after earning a save against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals won 4 - 2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Other Thoughts…

A few other minor takeaways from Opening Day are the Nats’ great bench and Blake Treinen‘s spotless ninth.

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The Nats boasted one of the best benches in the league last season, and this year will be no different.  Chris Heisey, Jose Lobaton, Stephen Drew, Michael Taylor, and Wilmer Difo are all returning to the bench this season, joined by newcomer Adam Lind.  Lind was the star of Monday’s game, with his pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning, continuing the trend of guys named Adam leading the way for the Nats.

This year’s bench has an excellent mix of power, contact, speed, and defense, and should do a wonderful job of filling in for the regulars.  Manager Dusty Baker is a strong believer in having a great bench and does a fantastic job of managing in order to keep everyone fresh and on top of their game.

The final takeaway from Opening Day was Blake Treinen’s perfect ninth inning in his debut as the closer.  Treinen had his work cut out for him, facing Giancarlo Stanton, Justin Bour, and Marcell Ozuna, three of Miami’s most dangerous hitters.  This situation was not too big for Treinen, as he didn’t even allow a ball hit into the outfield.  Stanton popped out in foul territory, and then  Bour and Ozuna both stuck out.

Treinen got off on the right foot as closer, and proved he can handle the role.  His stuff is among the best in the league, and he can be nearly unhittable if he has everything working.  Just ask Marcell Ozuna, who struck out on a 97 MPH sinker to end the game.

Next: Strasburg A Huge Success

The Nationals had a promising Opening Day and provided lots of hope to Nats fans.  If Monday’s game is any indication of what’s to come in 2017, it will be a great season and should be a blast to cheer on the Nats.

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