Baltimore Orioles’ infielder Brian Roberts slides safely into home plate as the ball gets away from Washington Nationals’ catcher Josh Bard during the third inning of the contest on Fri., May 22.
Photo by John E. DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo Editor
The Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles played the first inter-league series on the season the weekend of May 22-24 at Nationals Park. The Orioles won on Fri., May 22 and Sat., May 23 but the Nationals avoided the sweep by winning on Sun., May 24.
The Nationals then headed out for a road trip against their National League East division rival New York Mets for a three game series, followed by a three games series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The team will return home on Tues., June 2 for a nine-game homestand. Prior to Saturday’s game, the Nats hosted the first of five youth baseball clinics, presented by Smithfield. Members of the Nats coaching staff worked with close to 200 players from the D.C. RBI Program (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) providing them with instruction in hitting, fielding and pitching.
Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is congratulated by first baseman Nick Johnson after hitting a home run. Photo by John E. DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo Editor
Washington Nationals’ outfielder Josh Willingham makes it into second base ahead of Baltimore Orioles infielder Brian Roberts. Photo by John E. DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo Editor
Washington Nationals’ coaches talk with kids from the D.C. RBI Program prior to the Nationals vs. Orioles game on Sat., May 23. Photo by John E. DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo Editor
Washington Nationals pitching coach Randy St Claire watches as 11-year-old Sam Pearson from the Paradise Baseball Club in Northeast D.C. demonstrates his pitching skills. Photo by John E. DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo Editor