Battle of the Beltway

Baltimore Orioles v Washington Nationals. June 27, 2008

Nationals Park, Sec 130U Row DD

Already been to the park several times so I knew my way around. Had out of town friends and we tagged a few kids along. Very impressive stadium with an impressive crowd of 35,830 for this less than intense rivalry.
Prior to the Expos relocating to DC, Baltimore had 30% of their ticket base coming up from metro DC. So the owner of the O's fought tooth and nail to prevent baseball from returning to DC. And he was successful for a long time. And DC area people know this.
So the rivalry is more Hate (Orioles owner) Peter Angelos more than it is a Nationals/Orioles thing.
Jesus Florez and Lasting Millege got some old fashion NL small ball going and the home Nats jumped to a 2-0 lead in the 1st.
This battle of cellar dwellers produced what was expected. Baltimore's Adam Jones did go 3 for 3.
The Nats won the series opener 4-2.
We spent more time with the kids touring the park and ending up in the Red Loft over looking center field. Not as good of a view as our seats behind the home dugout. But this is a great standing up ballpark.
In a side note, it looked like Teddy Roosevelt was finally going to win the Presidents Race. And my daughter was none too excited to finally see the day.
As Teddy rounded the corner in the lead, the Oriole mascot stuck his foot out, tripping Teddy. Leading to another George Washington victory.