Adam Eaton lay face first in the dirt behind home plate, catching his breath after a lengthy sprint around the bases.
The Nationals’ leadoff hitter and offensive sparkplug had just scored from first on a double to left field by Anthony Rendon, as third base coach Bobby Henley once again took a chance on the opponents’ relay throws.
That gave Washington an early one-run lead in the last of third inning on Thursday against the New York Mets and continued a torrid start for Eaton, who missed most of last season with an ACL injury.
But Washington starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg gave up two home runs and the New York Mets came back to win 8-2 and spoil Opening Day for an announced sell-out crowd of 42,477 fans on a 42-degree day.