Nats win Opening Day game against Cubs!

    Ian Desmond is in a tough spot. He could easily be replaced by Steve Lomardozzi or Danny Espinosa as starting shortstop. Davey Johnson wants Ian Desmond to be an on base, run producing leadoff man for the Nationals. He did exactly that today on Opening Day. 





   Desmond had three hits, and his RBI single in the ninth inning delivered the winning run as Washington defeated the Cubs, 2-1, at Wrigley Field. Stephen Strasburg pitched seven superb innings in his first-career Opening Day start, allowing a run on five hits and striking out five batters. The run scored in the fourth inning, when Ian Stewart scored on a single by Marlon Byrd.


  The Nationals were able to tie the score in the bottom of the eighth inning. With Kerry Wood on the mound after Ryan Dempster's exit with one on and two out, the Nationals loaded the bases. Werth came through for the Nationals, drawing a walk, and scoring Desmond. The score was tied at 1 when the Nationals rallied off Cubs closer Carlos Marmol. With two outs in the ninth, Chad Tracy doubled to right field. Desmond followed and singled to right field, scoring Brett Carroll, who pinch-ran for Tracy.


   Brade Lidge came out for the bottom of the ninth and gave up one hit and striking out two, earning his first Nationals save.




The Nationals take on the Cubs again Saturday afternoon at 1:05pm at Wrigley Field