Specter rides along with Obama to Nationals-Phillies game

President Barack Obama is throwing out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals home opener Monday and Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) is along for the ride.

Specter rode along with the president in the motorcade from the White House to Nationals Park, according to the White House pool report. And the senator was wearing a Phillies jacket to show his support for his home team.

Specter asked for the president's support when he switched parties last year. And Obama has delivered: hosting a fundraiser for the senator, having him to the White House and now bringing him along for a baseball outing. If Specter can win his tough May primary, he faces a difficult general election.

The Nationals are taking on the Philadelphia Phillies this afternoon and Specter tweeted his enthusiasm about the day: "What could be better than Opening Day with President Obama? A Phillies win. Go Phillies!"

UPDATED: Phillies win 11-1. Specter tweeted: "11-1 -- what an opener. Great game Phillies."