The Braves rained on the Phillies’ banner raising parade with three home runs, and Derek Lowe pitched eight shutout innings as Atlanta took the opening night game, 4-1.
The Braves struck early with two runs in the first and two in the second, all on home runs. Brian McCann started with a two-run shot in the first inning. Jeff Francoeur drilled the first pitch of the second inning into the stands for a solo homer. Jordan Schafer later launched a solo homer in the second in his first big league at bat.
The Phillies kept the Braves’ bats quiet for the remainder of the game, but never could get their own bats going. It wasn’t until after Lowe was taken out that they would cross home plate. Jayson Werth singled in a run in the ninth for their only run.
Lowe pitched eight shutout innings, allowing just two hits while not walking any and striking out four. Mike Gonzalez walked one and allowed one run on two hits in the ninth. He was able to avoid any further damage by striking out Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez to end the game. Both represented the tying run.
Schafer recorded two hits in his Major League debut, including an RBI on the home run. McCann had two RBI and Francoeur added one, all on long balls. Chipper Jones picked up two hits, including a double.
For the Phillies, Brett Myers was rocked through the first two innings, giving up all three home runs. He then settled down to allow just the four runs on eight hits in six innings, walking one and striking out six. Brad Lidge appeared in the ninth, pitching a scoreless inning.
On offense, the Phillies managed just four hits and Werth recorded the lone RBI. Howard struck out twice and was hitless in four at bats.
After a day off, the two teams square off Tuesday night at 7:05. Jair Jurrjens will face Jamie Moyer.
Thoughts: A solid start to the season. Myers left everything up early and the Braves were able to take advantage. Lowe was almost perfect in his Braves debut, allowing just one hitter to reach second base. Gonzalez was all over the place in the ninth but showed poise in striking out Howard and Ibanez to end the game.
Game MVP: Derek Lowe
Topics: brad lidge, Brett Myers, brian mccann, chipper jones, derek lowe, Jayson Werth, jeff francoeur, jordan schafer, mike gonzalez, Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard
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