Most Valuable Player
On this day at least, the Marlins won the offseason trade with Washington. Emilio Bonifacio was 4-for-5 against his former team. He also stole three bases and hit an inside-the-park home run — the first homer of his career.
All-Star Performance
NL East is loaded with good shortstops. But Hanley Ramirez is the best. Began his season 2-for-3 with five RBI. After the Nats rallied to make the score 8-5, Ramirez blasted a grand slam in the sixth. Also doubled.
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Overlooked
Free-agent slugger Adam Dunn is off to a good start for the Nats. He batted 2-for-4, scored two runs and crushed a mammoth three-run home run way up the bleachers in right field at Dolphin Stadium.
Oops!
Nats right-hander Steven Shell would like to take back his first pitch to Ramirez in the sixth. A hanging curveball was promptly deposited over the wall in left to turn a three-run game into a 12-5 Florida advantage.
From the bench
Manny Acta didn’t get the start he needed from John Lannan, who allowed six hits and six runs in just three innings. The Nationals ended up using four relievers to get through their opening game.
Fredi Gonzalez has speed and power throughout his lineup. Went with 1B Jorge Cantu as the cleanup batter. Rewarded with a 2-for-4, three-RBI game.
