Washington Nationals (0-2) @ San Diego Padres (1-3)
Final Score:
Washington 2
San Diego 1
Keys to the Game:
Pitching
Home runs
Rallies
Player of the Game:
Alfonso Soriano
Soriano snapped the Nationals scoreless streak, hitting a 436' home run to give the Nats a 1-0 lead. Ultimately going 4-4 with a HR and 3 singles, Soriano also shined in left field. He provided the spark that led the Nats to their first win.
Notable Performances:
Felipe Lopez: 2-4, 500' home run
Tony Armas: 7 shutout innings, 4 hits allowed
Dave Roberts: 2-4, run scored
Summary:
A pitchers duel through four innings, this game was resembling Opening Day vs. the Braves. But to lead off the fifth inning, Alfonso Soriano dialed in for his first home run of the season off Chris Young. Felipe Lopez also smacked a 500' home run on the next pitch offered by Young. The Nationals pitching cruised, with Tony Armas pitching 7 shutout innings, and Ayala working the eighth, they gave the ball to the closer, Chad Cordero. Cordero retired Mike Piazza and Vinny Castilla on strikeouts and groundouts, respectively. Then, Dave Roberts singled up the middle, and promptly stole second base. Todd Walker then singled to drive in Roberts to make it a one-run game. Then Brian Giles also singled to right field, to bring up the Nationals' kryptonine, Khalil Greene. On a 1-2 pitch, Greene flied to first base. Nick Johnson caught the fly, and the Nationals won their first game of the year.