In his first game back for the Nationals since May of last season, catcher Wilson Ramos made his return to the lineup in the 7th innings of today's 7-6 victory of the St. Louis Cardinals. Ramos made his way to the batters box only to be welcomed with a standing ovation from the adorning Nationals fans in at Space Coast Stadium in Viera, FL. Ramos grounded out, but to the applause of the fans. In his next at bat in the bottom of the 9th, he doubled off the center field wall to put a runner in scoring position. Ultimately Pinch Runner Sandy Leon scored on rookie SS Zack Walters walk-off single. Ramos played the hero to the fans who supported him for so long.

Ramos tore his right ACL last May ultimately spelling the end of his regular season as he missed the Nationals magical run into their first postseason and first NL East crown since rejoining MLB in 2005. Prior to the start of last season, Ramos was also abducted in his home country Venezuela. He was eventually released unharmed, but understandably shaken up. Needless to say last season was not Wilson's season and he is ready to storm back to the position he left off at so early last year.

Ryan Zimmerman also made his first start since returning from offseason surgery on a nagging shoulder injury. He went 1-3 with an RBI. "GOON Squad" leader Chad Tracy had a 2 run bomb in the game while Steve Lombardozzi and Carlos Rivero also contributed RBI's. Rivero is out of options and is competing for a very thin role on the bench. Ross Detwiler continued the Nationals starters rampant start to the spring going 2 scoreless with 4 K's. Rivero could be set to make the team to start the year seeing that he is out of options and Davey Johnson and Mike Rizzo like his play.

Next, the Nationals will face newly designated AL West cellar dwellers the Houston Astros March 5th at 1:05 at Space Coast Stadium. Look for Dan Haren to make his second spring start. Til next time Nats fans!

-BBB