40th plate appearance

It's overcast. 80 degrees at game start. It is Fireworks Night at Nationals Park, and it appears that approximately 500 faithful Nationals fans have taken the team up on the offer to come out tonight. A stiff wind has started to blow in over the outfield, and it ripples Adam's shirt as he steps in to the box. Rain threatens.

Cristian Guzman, who just poked a two-out single into right, takes a few steps off first. Yovani Gallardo shows no outward concern for a steal. He pitches a called strike to Adam. Adam steps out, spits.

The second pitch, another strike, and the third, high and away, Adam carefully watches speed by into Gregg Zaun's glove.

The fourth comes, and Adam watches it sink out of the zone. The fifth pitch dips into the dirt, and Adam gives his bat its first forward motion--a checked swing, and a full count for Adam.

The payoff pitch comes, and Adam checks another swing at another sinking pitch. With a neat little twirl, he tosses his bat to the ground and starts his familiar trot to first.

Andy Fletcher, third base umpire, however, rules on the appeal. "Adam went," his clenched fist says.

Adam can't believe it. Already halfway toward his beloved first base, he takes off his helmet and throws it to the ground; obscenity is palpable in the air as he strenuously contests the call.

Adam is ejected from the game.