All year we have been wanting to see a Washington Nationals game with Strasburg pitching. Earlier this year at the last minute we tried to catch a game in Atlanta on the way to seeing the new Miami ballpark, but by the time we knew the day Strasburg was pitching there were no handicap tickets available to purchase. Since then Mik and I were desperately hoping he would pitch one of the three games the Nats were at the Dbacks this season. Mik was really hoping for the bobblehead Saturday game, but finally on Thursday it was confirmed that Strasburg was the pitcher for the Friday game (it was not official, but we unofficially were sure for about a week just by guessing the rotation stayed the same).
Usually we do not like sitting close to the action because for one it is expensive, but it is also hard to see the whole field and all the action. However, this time we were mainly going to see a pitcher, so we decided to try and sit in the section that is right next to the visitors dugout. We sat here right by 1st base years ago when we bought tickets day of game for a last minute decision to see a Cubs game. That was actually the first time we ever got handicap seats. Mik loved it back then, although he was too young to now remember ever sitting that close to the game. Thus, he was not all that excited about the seating I choose because he really wanted to dine in the Arizona Baseball Club instead, as that is the best experience he remembered at Chase Field.
We ended up sitting on the other side of the visitor's dugout (Section GW), which at first I was not sure about, but it actually turned out way cooler, as we were right behind the Nationals on deck circle. Thus, we really got to see the player's up close during the game, although during batting practice we could see nothing, but their feet viewed by looking underneath the vehicles. Of course, it was also a great view for watching the pitching.Getting down to the section was a little confusing with the first elevator we got to have an employee say it would get us were we wanted to go, but we actually had to go to a different one. At least the elevator operator checked our tickets and sent us in the right direction before we went down to the wrong area. The actual elevator requires an escort to take you to the section, as you go across the tunnels that lead to the clubhouses. Once at the section, though, there are restrooms including a family/companion one and it appeared you could have food and drinks delivered to your seat in this area.
The game itself was pretty good in my opinion, as Strasburg pitched 6 innings and only allowed one hit, although he did walk several batters leading to the one hit allowing a run to score. Plus, we got to see Bryce Harper. We ended up leaving right after he did not come back out for the 7th inning, but the Nats went on to win 9 to 1. Thus, Mik was not so happy with the end result, although he had fun and was glad we left before the Nats scored the last 4 in the 9th and the post-game fireworks.
