CINCINNATI - The day began with Davey Martinez answering questions about his unconventional lineup decisions. The day ended with the Nationals' new manager needing no explanation for sticking with the conventional bullpen order that closed out his team's 2-0 victory over the Reds and made Max Scherzer a winner on opening day for the first time in three career tries. Scherzer dominated for six innings, striking out 10 with only one walk issued, putting himself in line for the win after he took...

Craig Gentry is developing a knack for signing minor league deals with the Orioles in February and breaking camp with the team. Not the easiest path to take and certainly not his first choice, but he's really making the most of it. Gentry's first start last season occurred on April 9 after coming off the bench in four games with no plate appearances. He was in the opening day lineup Thursday afternoon and made a couple of outstanding plays in right field in a 3-2, 11-inning win over the...

CINCINNATI - Though he's not on the big league roster to begin the season, Daniel Murphy is going to be hanging out with the rest of the Nationals for at least a little while. Murphy, who is on the 10-day disabled list while completing his rehab from October knee surgery, made the trip to Cincinnati with the Nats, was introduced on the field alongside everybody else on the roster before today's opener and will stay with them until he's ready to play in minor league rehab games. "He's one...

After the final minor league exhibition games yesterday and an intrasquad game today at Twin Lakes Park, the Orioles have set the minor league break-camp rosters for their four full-season affiliates, which begin play next week. The players are beginning to head north to play at Triple-A Norfolk, Double-A Bowie, Single-A Frederick and Single-A Delmarva. These rosters are not final, and changes could still be made between now and opening day on the farm, which is next Thursday for most...

CINCINNATI - Davey Martinez had been thinking about his opening day lineup for some time. He had scribbled out different varieties, with and without players who were trying to return from injuries this spring. And once he knew for sure who he'd have available to him for today's game at Great American Ball Park, he didn't hesitate to write it down in pen on his first official lineup card as a big league manager. Even if it had Trea Turner batting sixth. That unconventional decision surely...

The rain is finally gone (for now), which means the Nationals can finally open the 2018 season in Cincinnati. It also means the release of the first Nats episode of the brand-new "MASN All-Access" podcast, which goes along with the "MASN All Access" Facebook Live show. If you followed along the past couple of years with the District 34 podcast, you'll be familiar with me, "All Access" and social producer Bobby Blanco, as a host. Joining me this year on the podcast is "All Access"...

CINCINNATI - They're playing a ballgame here today. No, really. They are. Pay no attention to the tarp that has been on the field at Great American Ball Park, or the rain that started falling yesterday and hasn't stopped since. It's going to clear up in time for first pitch at 4:10 p.m. That's what everyone insists, so we have no choice but to believe them. The Nationals face the Reds on opening day for the first time, and so maybe it's appropriate that there's a first in today's lineup:...

Happy opening day, baseball friends! After many months of battling cold temperatures and evenings without the soothing voices of Bob Carpenter and F.P. Santangelo, Nationals baseball returns today. One of the many great things about opening day is the sense of optimism it brings with it - spring in Washington can be truly beautiful and the beginning of a baseball season leads one to think of the endless possibilities over 162 games. Naturally, this leads fans to start making predictions for...

In 2018, the Orioles will go as far as their starting pitching will take them. I think I've been writing that same sentence for the last seven years. It's basic, but it's true. The O's offense is strong and should be even better this season. Last year, the team fell out of contention because its starting pitching struggled. The Birds' rotation ranked last in ERA (5.70), 27th in walks per nine innings (3.74) and gave up more hard contact (35 percent) than 26 of the 30 teams in baseball. The...

Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver used to ask what constitutes a good start for a team. Is it playing well through six games, eight games or 10, 20 or 40? Well, we can debate that, but it is certainly more than one game. Although once again, the Orioles did win their first game. For the eighth year in a row and for the third straight year with a walk-off victory. Also for the third straight year by a 3-2 score. In their last six opening day extra-inning games, the Orioles are 6-0 and all six...