Monday, July 23, 2012

Nationals vs Braves from the Club Level



I went to the Nats - Braves series finale on Sunday thanks to my friend Kyle, who has season tickets in the Club Level. It was a different experience for me there as the view was great and we were under cover. That was big, just see the prior blog entry for how hot it was when I went with Ben's camp on Thursday. Plus I got to see some neat baseball memorabilia and I even bought a cool souvenir for Ben.

The Nats won 9-2 in a very entertaining game. It was a big game for them as they were able to split the four game series with the win.

I focused a bit on Braves 3B Chipper Jones, who is retiring after this season and will be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame one day. I've followed Chipper's career as the Braves games were broadcast on all cable systems I've subscribed to in various places I've lived over the years.

With the split, the first place Nats are still up by three and a half games over the Braves.

Enjoy the shots. For a larger shot and slideshow just click on a photo.

From the Nationals auction, a glove signed by Manny Pacquiao

Entrance to the seats

The Washington Star covers the last Senators game at RFK Stadium in 1971

View from the seats

Braves 3B Chipper Jones warms up before the game


Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman greets a young fan before the game

Bunt attempt

Nats Steve Lombardozzi gets a hit

Bryce Harper connects

Braves 3B Chipper Jones

Danny Espinosa with one of his three hits

Safe!

Chipper Jones with a base hit

Braves Catcher Brian McCann was held hitless yesterday

Bryce Harper

Ryan Zimmerman after his first homer of the game

Michael Morse had three hits yesterday for the Nats

Three hits for Roger Bernadina

Heads up--Foul ball!

In case you were wondering who won the President's Race...

Abe wins!

Bryce Harper at bat. I love watching him play ball!

Ryan Zimmerman connects for his second homer

Gone! Zimmerman was named National League Player of the Week

Bryce Harper is.....

Out!

Big hand for Ross Detwiler: 7 IP, 7 hits, 1 earned run in getting win #5

View of the Outfield from the seats

Craig Stammen closes the last two innings out.

Paul Janish strikes out to end the game!

Nats win!!!


Game used ball from Ben's first baseball game back he went to back in May. It is authenticated by Major League Baseball. Very cool souvenir and Ben was grinning ear to ear when he got this.






Thursday, July 19, 2012

Ben's Camp Goes To The Nats Game

Today Ben's camp went to the Nationals - Mets game. I took the train to the ball park while Ben's group took their bus in. I was able to get a cheap ticket outside and I hung out in the lower box seat area and shot some photos before I joined Ben's group. Still need to learn how to get clearer shots of the baseball but overall I was pleased with the effort despite the high temperatures which started to affect me and I was glad to get up to Ben's seats in the upper deck. It was hot there too and we sought out shade. Then we got a nice breeze and hung out until the 8th inning before calling it a day.

The Mets won 9-5 but overall the Nats took two out of the three games in the series. Ben and his group had fun despite the temperature and score of the game. Afterwards I rewarded Ben with a new Nats cap from the team store.

Nationals LF Michael Morse

Nats Pitcher Gio Gonzalez warms up. He never really found his rhythm today.

Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman

The Mets Andres Torres connects

David Wright circles the bases after hitting the first of his two homers today.
For the record, Wright was 7 for 13, 3 homers and 6 RBI for the series.

Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman gets set as Gio Gonzalez delivers the pitch.

Mets Pitcher's Miguel Batista and Pedro Beato head to the bullpen

Nats RF and rookie Bryce Harper at bat

Bryce Harper at bat

Ryan Zimmerman at bat

Zimmerman connects for his 11th homer of the year

Touch 'em all! Zimmerman's homer cut the Mets lead to 2-1

Nats Adam LaRoche fouls one off

Tried to get a shot of Mets Pitcher R.A. Dickey throwing his knuckleball

Nats CF Roger Bernadina can't catch up to the homer hit by Ike Davis

Mets Ruben Tejada connects



Nats turn two



Keeping score

Bryce Harper at bat

Go Bryce!

Mets 3B David Wright chats with Nats Bryce Harper during a break

Harper at 3rd base, checks with his coach

The view from Section 304

Ben's camp group takes in some shade

Despite the high temperature, Ben enjoyed himself

Ben and his buddy Casey

Nats spirit. Love these signs!



Ice cream time with Ben, Casey and Sam

Go Nats!

Ben sizes up the action


Ben enjoying the game!