Photos: Ovechkin throws out ceremonial 1st pitch at Nats game

You can鈥檛 beat this moment
— Melissa Howell (@Mhowell003)

The Caps MVP has arrived
— Melissa Howell (@Mhowell003)

Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin arrived to Nationals Park on Saturday with his team, coaches and the team’s owner. The captain threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch before the Nationals took on the San Francisco Giants at 12:05 p.m.

Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, throws out a second ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park, Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, celebrates after throwing out a second ceremonial first pitch before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park, Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Ted Leonsis, Stanley Cup, Washington Capitals — Ted Leonsis (Right), owner of the Washington Capitals, holds the Stanley Cup at Nationals Park on Saturday in Washington.
(Melissa Howell 海角社区app)

The Stanley Cup champs are back in DC at Nationals Park to throw the first pitch!
— Melissa Howell (@Mhowell003)

The Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals players, coaches and owner were at Nationals Park on Saturday for captain聽Alex Ovechkin to throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch. (Melissa Howell 海角社区app)

JUST A LITTLE HIGH: Alex Ovechkin gets a second chance at throwing out the first pitch at Nationals Park
— jonwarner (@jonwarner海角社区app)

Washington Capital’s captain Alex Ovechkin threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch, but it was a little high. Luckily he got a second chance. (Melissa Howell 海角社区app)

John Carlson, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin, Nationals Park. — John Carlson (middle) Nicklas Backstrom (left) and Alex Ovechkin (right) speak at a press conference on Saturday at Nationals Park. (Melissa Howell 海角社区app)

Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, Stanley Cup, Nationals Park — Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin hoists the Stanley Cup at Nationals Park, Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Washington. (Melissa Howell 海角社区app)

Capitals near Stanley Cup Nats Park — The Washington Capitals’ stand near the Stanley Cup at Nationals Park, Saturday, June 9, 2018, in Washington. The Stanley Cup Champions were honored before a game between the Nationals and the San Francisco Giants. (Melissa Howell 海角社区app)

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WASHINGTON 鈥� Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin threw Saturday鈥檚 ceremonial first pitch at the Washington Nationals game 鈥� and then he threw the second.

The newly-minted Stanley Cup champion lobbed his first throw over the head of pitcher Max Scherzer who waited at home plate. But he got another chance and tossed it right into the waiting three-time Cy Young Award-winner鈥檚 glove.

“Too excited, too strong,” Ovechkin said. “I try to do my best.”

The Conn Smythe Trophy winner, his teammates, coaches and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis were honored at Saturday鈥檚 afternoon game where the Nationals took on the Giants.

The team got loud cheers from the crowd, which got even louder as Ovechkin, wearing a white Nationals jersey with his captain’s “C” on the front and his No. 8 on the back,聽hoisted the Stanley Cup above his head in the infield.

The Stanley Cup champions arrived back in Washington to a hero’s welcome Friday, and have been on tour around the city showing off their new hardware ever since.

Ovechkin said the reality of winning the championship still hasn鈥檛 set in during a Saturday press conference.

鈥淚 still can鈥檛 believe it, I think no one still can believe we did, and we are now Stanley Cup champions,鈥� he said.

Defenseman John Carlson said his team got extra motivation during the playoff run from enthusiastic supporters in the District.

鈥淚 think we deserve it and so do the fans,鈥� he said.

The Nationals currently sit at the top of the East division of the National League, and are expected to make a run in the playoffs.

Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom said he and his teammates will be cheering on the Nats as they make their own bid at a championship.

鈥淲e all know they have a good team too,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd we want to see them do the same journey as us.鈥�

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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