Nationals Today To Host First MLB Playoff Game In DC Since '33

The Nationals will host the Cardinals today at 1:00pm ET for NLDS Game Three, the first-ever playoff game at Nationals Park and "the first postseason baseball game" in DC since '33. Baseball HOFer Frank Robinson, who managed the team for its first two seasons, will throw out the first pitch (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/9). Massive crowds are expected for the game, "but the big problems could begin after the final out." Tens of thousands of baseball fans "will be flooding the Metro and the roads to head home ... just as the evening commute gets underway" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/10).

The Nationals will be handing out "more than 40,000 rally towels for every home game" of the NLDS. The towels, which will be handed out at all gates, are red and "have a white Curly W and the phrase '#Natitude' on them" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/9). The towels feature the logos of Majestic and Modell's Sporting Goods (THE DAILY). Modell's Sporting Goods today will begin selling a line of T-shirts designed by Nationals P Gio Gonzalez "specifically for the D.C. area" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/9).