Pink hats from all around the eastern seaboard will convene this evening at Nationals Park, there to see their favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. Some of them can even name players not named Ortiz (quack) or Manny (oops, he's not there anymore).
Of course, Pe-droy-er plays second, I think he won some sort of award last year. And Youk plays first, I think. That's his name, right? Youk? Funny name.
And get this: The Boston Herald has officially predicted that the Nats will win two-of-three in the series according to their scouting report. Are they serious? That's just an outrageous statement designed to make an obviously more talented team out to be an underdog to drum up interest in a [crummy], out of division opponent.
Man, do I have the hate in me today, or what? You'd think after my award-winning appearance on internet radio yesterday and Acta-palooza Sunday night I'd be in a better mood.
BOSTON RED SOX (42-27, 1st in AL East; two-game winning streak)
Pedroia – 2B
Drew – RF
Youkilis – 1B (4-for-21 in last seven games)
Bay – LF
Lowell – 3B
Varitek – C
Ellsbury – CF
Green – SS (6-for-17 in last seven games)
Penny – P
WASHINGTON NATIONALS (20-47, 5th in NL East--16 games back; one-game losing streak)
Guzman – SS (12-for-29 in last seven games)
Johnson – 1B
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – LF
Willingham – RF
Bard – C
Harris – CF
Hernandez – 2B (3-for-15 in last seven games)
Lannan – P
Drew – RF
Youkilis – 1B (4-for-21 in last seven games)
Bay – LF
Lowell – 3B
Varitek – C
Ellsbury – CF
Green – SS (6-for-17 in last seven games)
Penny – P
WASHINGTON NATIONALS (20-47, 5th in NL East--16 games back; one-game losing streak)
Guzman – SS (12-for-29 in last seven games)
Johnson – 1B
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – LF
Willingham – RF
Bard – C
Harris – CF
Hernandez – 2B (3-for-15 in last seven games)
Lannan – P
STARTING PITCHERS
BOS: Brad Penny (71.0 IP, 6-2, 4.94 ERA, 47 Ks, 24 BBs)
WAS: John Lannan (85.1 IP, 4-5, 3.38 ERA, 42 Ks, 32 BBs)
One of the nicest nights of the year to to to a baseball game. Too bad you can't get a ticket since all the Red Sox fans have bought them all up. Game time 80F. Last out 75F.
GETTING TO NATS PARK TONIGHT -
Nationals Press Release:
The Washington Nationals express their deepest sympathies to those affected by yesterday's Metrorail tragedy on the Red Line. A moment of silence will take place before this evening's game vs. the Boston Red Sox in honor of the victims.
Metro has advised all customers to plan for extra travel time both on Metro and the roads due to yesterday's accident. All Nationals fans attending tonight's game vs. the Boston Red Sox are encouraged to allow more time for their trip and to anticipate delays both coming to and leaving the ballpark.
Fans may park for free at RFK Stadium's Lot 8 and take the free Nats Express to Nationals Park. The Nats Express begins at 5:30pm and runs through an hour-and-a-half after the final out.
Parking is available around Nationals Park and may be pre-purchased at www.nationals.com/waytogo. Nationals Park Garages B and C will open today at 4:30pm, while all other lots will open at 5:00pm.
Fans planning to take Metro should visit www.wmata.com for up-to-the-minute information on station closings and delays.
Limited seating for the series vs. the Red Sox is available online at nationals.com. The $5 Grandstand tickets will be made available beginning at 4:35pm each day at the Nationals Park Team Store Box Office, located in Center Field Plaza. Standing Room Only tickets will be made available once all Grandstand Tickets are sold.