Game 1: Abrams Commits a Trio of Errors in Opening Day Defeat

The Nats lost 7-2 to the Braves on a beautiful but cold Opening Day in D.C. Mark & Al recap the sloppy defensive effort as the young SS CJ Abrams had three errors on his scorecard. How much of a factor did the sun monster play in the afternoon game?

(12:30) The lineup only scored a pair of runs, but no surprise one of the RBIs came from Joey Meneses. The Nationals recorded eight hits, but only one was for extra bases. Keibert Ruiz and Dominic Smith had bright days, as they both registered two hits along with Menses. Victor Robles drew two lead-off walks in an afternoon where he was slotted in the eighth spot.

(20:55) We know this is a familiar refrain on this podcast, but Patrick Corbin struggled in his outing. He only lasted three innings and threw 85 pitches; thus that he will enter April with an ERA of 6.00. The bullpen overall had a solid day as they tossed five scoreless frames until Kyle Finnegan allowed three runs in the 9th.

(27:45) GM Mike Rizzo met with the media during Pregame and gave up an update on Stephen Strasburg, which included him not being at the Ballpark on Opening Day. He also addressed the latest with Carter Kieboom as he still rehabs from "Tommy John" surgery.

(34:20) The Sports Business Journal reported this week that the Nationals ownership sale is now "paused". Will the Lerner's remain the owners for the entire 2023 season?