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Washington Nationals: 5 takeaways from the 2018 schedule

By Ricky Keeler

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 13: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches to Kelby Tomlinson #37 of the San Francisco Giants in the third inning during Game 2 of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 13: Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches to Kelby Tomlinson #37 of the San Francisco Giants in the third inning during Game 2 of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on August 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Opening Day in Cincinnati

For the first time since 2012, the Washington Nationals will open the season against a team not in their own division. Just like that season, it will be against a NL Central opponent. In 2012, it was at Wrigley Field. But, in 2018, it will be at Great American Ballpark.

Opening Day is a tradition to many baseball fans, but especially to the Cincinnati Reds. They are the one team that is guaranteed to open the year at home every season, so the pomp and circumstance will be a great atmosphere.

As for the on-field product, the Reds will most likely still be in rebuilding mode, so it will be an opportunity for the team to pick up some wins to start the season against a team that will be projected to finish at the bottom of the division.

During the first six games of the 2018 season, the Nats will be in Cincinnati and Atlanta. They will not begin the home slate of their season until April 5 against the New York Mets. That Mets series will be the beginning of a long ten game homestand.

In the last two seasons, the Nats have always found a way to start of the year on a great note. It is possible that a series in Cincinnati could be the key to a successful beginning to the 2018 season.

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