Here was Wily Mo Pena’s welcome-to-the-Nationals moment:
The power-hitting outfielder, getting ready for batting practice prior to his first game since being acquired in a trade with Boston on Friday, walked down the length of the home dugout before pausing to grab a can from the trainer’s kit and spray the handle of his bat.
Out of the can came not what Pena expected but rather a foamy substance. He jumped back in surprise.
It was something called Cinder Suds, a type of soap that “lifts dirt and debris from minor wounds,” according to the can.
“I thought it was sticky stuff,” he said.
QUOTABLE
“It’s a platoon and a lefty’s pitching today and that’s why he’s playing.”
Nationals manager Manny Acta on his decision to immediately start the right-handed hitting Pena
BY THE NUMBERS
0
Home runs hit by Mets second baseman Luis Castillo from July 16, 2006 until last night.
TODAY’S GAME
Mets RHP Orlando Hernandez (7-4, 3.12) vs. Nationals RHP Shawn Hill (3-3, 2.41), 1:35 p.m., MASN2, AM-1500, FM-107.7.
Bob Cohn
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