Washington Nationals opened the District's new $611 million ballpark with a 3 to 2 victory against the Atlanta Braves. The season opener marked the first Major League Baseball game of 2008 on US soil. With the dome of the U.S. Capitol lit up against the black night sky beyond left field, and the Washington Monument visible from patches of the upper deck, the park provided a picturesque setting.
President George W. Bush takes the field to throw out the inaugural first pitch at Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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President George W. Bush and Washington Nationals Owner Theodore N. Lerner share a handshake during the introductions. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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President Bush is announced to the Washington crowd and received a mix of cheers and boo-birds. Many fans were annoyed at the long wait into the stadium that Bush’s presence created. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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President Bush takes the mound for the first pitch ever thrown in Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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Here’s the pitch! President Bush had decent form but his toss was a little high. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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President Bush threw out the first pitch to Washington National Manager Manny Acta. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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One last wave to the crowd from President Bush as he and manager Manny Acta walk of the field at Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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DSC00738 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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Washington DC’s own Mayor Adrian Fenty greets the fans and welcomes the Washington Nationals to their own stadium. In all, the District of Columbia provided over $600 million for Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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Washington Nationals pitcher Odalis Perez was 8-11 with a 5.57 ERA last year for the Kansas City Royals but was given the opportunity to be the starting pitcher on Opening Day. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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History in the making! Starting pitcher Odalis Perez throws the first pitch ever inside Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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Atlanta Braves 2B Kelly Johnson becomes the first person ever to strike out at Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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Balk Four! Atlanta Braves SS Yunel Escobar becomes the first player to draw a walk in Nationals Park. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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For the game, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Odalis Perez pitched five strong innings, giving up one run on four hits, including two strikeouts. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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Starting SS Cristian Guzman gets ready to take the first Washington Nationals at-bat for the new 2008 season. 2008 Washington Nationals Home Opener
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