Washington reliever Felix Rodriguez has been suspended 3 games for throwing at the Mets’ Paul Lo Duca during last Thursday’s plunk-fest, while manager Frank Robinson has been bannished for one game.

There is no truth to the rumor DC GM Jim Bowden petitioned to have Christian Guzman suspended without pay for the entire season.

With Nats bench coach Eddie Rodriguez running the show, Washington find themselves tied with the Astros at 3-3 after 5 1/2 innings.

Houston’s Lance Berkman and Preston Wilson have each hit solo homers off the Nationals’ John Patterson. I’ve searched in vain for photos of Dick Cheney throwing out the first pitch — presumably, all cameras have been confiscated and the Veep will be given ample time to get his story straight.

(CORRECTION : Perhaps my difficulty in finding a photograph of Cheney throwing out the first pitch stems from the following tiny factoid : dignitaries such as the Vice-President generally aren’t invited to throw out the first pitch of the 6th game of an April homestand.  Cheney, will of course, be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at tonight’s Nationals home opener versus the Mets.)