Nationals vs Braves on a Sunday afternoon

Big thumbs up for the new Nationals Ballpark in Washington DC.

The Nationals tallied their first win at home since Opening Night last month, holding off the Braves 5-4. Among the notable things to happen at Sunday's game:

Tom Glavine started for the Braves but left in the first inning after only four batters. He didn't record an out which resulted in his shortest outing of his 22-year career. Good thing I got a picture of him while I did.

Lastings Milledge is a future stud. He had a double, stolen base and is the most enjoyable player for the Nationals to watch. He is full of energy and I think Nats fans will embrace him as he grows into a solid player. Acquiring him from the Mets for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider was a steal.

Tim Redding was surprisingly sharp, looking like his old Astros self for the first six innings. Yeah. Tim Redding.

Chad Cordero returned from the disabled list and entered the ninth inning in a save situation. But after loading the bases only up a run, Jon Rauch was summoned from the bullpen and recorded the save with a single pitch.

I faced the ultimate "fantasy" vs "real life" cheering conundrum. In the bottom of the ninth, two outs, bases loaded with Braves -- do I root for a Nats win? Or do I root for my $27 catcher, Brian McCann, to lace a double in the gap to plate the Sliders three RBI? I decided to root for the home team -- and McCann flied out to center. (I would have been happy either way.)

The Nats ballpark is fantastic. It's built in the same style as Camden, the Jake and the other new ballbase facilities, pretty much like an oversized minor league ballpark. Plenty of consession stands, very open and airy, great views from all around the stadium and as expensive as all get out. We paid $58/ticket for our seats, $7.50/beer and $4.50 for nachos. The most surprising thing was the free parking on the Nats Express. Since parking is non-existant near the new stadium, fans are encouraged to park at RFK and take the free Nats shuttle to the game. I had low expectations of the shuttle but it was great. It was my first time on a motorcoach since boarding Pioneer Trails 20 years ago. Thumbs up for free, easy parking.

I took my videocamera along and created a three minute video about our time at the game. Enjoy.