Before the game, the Nationals and an announced crowd of 4,801 observed the ceremonial raising of Washington's 2019 World Series champion flag. Opening Day starter Max Scherzer toed the slab and delivered his first pitch to Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. at 4:06 p.m. EDT, a fastball at the top of the zone that Acuña turned on and drove into the seats above the visitors' bullpen in left field. Two batters later, Scherzer surrendered another home run to Braves first baseman and reigning National League Most Valuable Player Freddie Freeman. After starter Drew Smyly provided Atlanta with a scoreless bottom of the first inning, the Braves scored again on another solo shot off the bat of shortstop Dansby Swanson, giving them an early 3–0 lead.