Notables

The Nationals' first home game of their second season was diminished. A year ago, there was a sellout. This time, attendance was 40,530 at 46,382-seat RFK Stadium. Last season, President Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch. This time it was Vice President Dick Cheney. Last season, commissioner Bud Selig was on hand; this year, it was baseball's No. 2 official, Bob DuPuy.

The Marlins' Hanley Ramirez doubled and tripled, scored two runs, and is hitting .440. He has a hit in every game.

Bob Sheppard's distinctive voice was missing from the Yankees' home opener for the first time since 1950. The public-address announcer threw out his left hip Monday night.

At the Twins' home opener at the Metrodome, video from Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett's career and last month's memorial service was shown, and former teammate Jack Morris read a tribute to his fellow star in the 1991 World Series. Puckett's children, Catherine and Kirby Jr., threw ceremonial first pitches to Twins center fielder Torii Hunter and A's third base coach Ron Washington -- both close friends of Puckett, who died March 6 following a stroke. A large, red No. 34 has been painted in center, and players will wear a patch with Puckett's uniform number on their sleeves all season.