I went to the Nats game on Saturday May 14. There were two games that day, and it appears that most of the regulars played in the early afternoon game, and for the second game of the doubleheader, many regulars sat, and Bryce Harper took a one game suspension during the nightcap game. The Nationals did not look very good. Maybe everyone was tired from two games, but the Marlins were not. The Nationals wound up losing 7-1. Yeesh. Fortunately, we had lots of other stuff to amuse us at the game.
It was Pups at the Park night, so there were a lot of dogs around. As I sat on the curb and waited for my friend A to arrive, I enjoyed seeing all the dogs. I took a few pictures as they trotted past. I love how many of the owners had dressed their dogs with Nationals pride – either with a curly-W leash, or a bandanna, or the occasional doggy-tee-shirt. So cute.
Also in attendance at the game with his wife and dog was the quarterback for the Washington football team, Kirk Cousins. They showed him on the big screen during the game. His dog was pretty darn cute. And it’s always nice to see DC athletes supporting each other.
And then there was food. A and I walked through the stadium at the beginning of the game, trying to be inspired. We ended up going to Throwin’ Cheese, which does grilled cheese sandwiches. I’d had one of their sandwiches last season and enjoyed it, so we got in line. They were really busy – probably because they do a warm product, and on a colder night, it’s nice to have something warm in your belly that’s not the same old chicken tenders or whatnot.
I also ordered a side of the mac & cheese just to see what it was like. It was uninspired. If I had to guess, it was Velveeta shells’n’cheese made in a large vat. There’s nothing wrong with that, but since these were supposed to be “gourmet” sandwiches, it was disappointing. That did not stop me from finishing it.
The sandwich I got was much better. “The Heater” is turkey, guacamole, and pepper jack cheese on sourdough bread. It comes with a side of chips (barely visible under the decently large sandwich in my picture), and is a reasonable size. It’s also only $8, which for a sandwich with chips is not bad at all for ballpark fare. Also, guacamole. I love it, and it’s so good. The line to get these sandwiches was fairly long, but I imagine if you went back on a warmer night, you’d have less people to fight for one of these guys.
The game itself was unremarkable. The Nationals b-team played poorly. It was cloudy and cold, but not cold enough where they had hot chocolate at all stations. A and I spent most of the time talking about lady-stuff and she taught me how to snapchat. I ate cotton candy, and drank a beer. We left in the middle of the 8th inning to avoid the crush on metro going home. We didn’t miss anything.
My next game is in late June. Fingers crossed that at least the weather gets better before then!