The Washington Nationals will play their first of 81 games at Nationals Park this afternoon, with Stephen Strasburg starting his second straight home opener.
Good morning, Washington Nationals fans!
Today is April, 5, 2018, which means the Nats will play their first meaningful home game of the year. It may not have the same glamor as Opening Day, but the Nats will host the New York Mets in their home opener today.
Stephen Strasburg will get the nod for his second consecutive home opener. Max Scherzer got a late start to 2017, which gave Strasburg the honor of starting on Opening Day.
Last year, Strasburg began the season brilliantly, leading the way in a 4-2 win over the Miami Marlins. He also dominated in Cincinnati for his first start of 2018, so he is the perfect man to pitch the home opener.
After beginning the year 4-0, the Nats have now lost two in a row to the Atlanta Braves. However, there is no need to panic.
A.J. Cole started the first loss, allowing 10 runs in less than four innings. Then, Scherzer started the second loss. He did not have his best stuff, but was also the victim of some bad luck. He got the loss, but look for him to bounce back in his next start.
Now, Strasburg will attempt to end the mini-skid. The Nats have won 31 of his last 39 regular season starts, so they are in good hands.
While you wait for the home opener, here is what we are reading:
District on Deck analyzes Bryce Harper’s hot start
Bryce Harper has gotten off to a phenomenal start in 2018, proving why he will likely receive the most lucrative contract of all-time this offseason. Although his historic 2015 MVP campaign may not be repeatable, he is resembling it so far. I compared his torrid start to 2015.
After missing nearly all of 2017, Adam Eaton has gotten off to a tremendous start. However, his knee still is not back to full-strength. Fortunately, it has not seemed to hold him back at all. Byron Kerr discusses Eaton’s progress.
The Washington Post on what’s new around Nationals Park
With the Nationals set to host the All-Star festivities this summer, the area surrounding the ballpark has been rapidly expanding over the last year or so. One of the most notable attractions affected has been “The Bullpen”, a popular hangout near the stadium. Scott Allen updates us on everything new around Nationals Park.
MLB.com previews Stephen Strasburg vs. Jacob deGrom
In addition to the pregame festivities, the Nats’ home opener should be exciting because of the pitching matchup. Strasburg and Jacob deGrom are among the best pitchers in the league, which could make for a low-scoring affair. David Adler breaks the matchup down.
Next: Dave Martinez learning on the fly
The Nats have lost two in a row, but the home opener is today and the weekend is almost here! Better times are on the way.