Derek Lowe’s debut for the Braves was one to remember.
Lowe threw eight innings of shut out ball in Philadelphia’s Citizen Bank Ballpark. He only gave up two hits and struck out four Phillies batters. He was the highlight on defense for Atlanta.
Hitting was a completely different story. In the first, catcher Brian McCann hit a two-run home run off of starter Brett Myers to give the Braves an early 2-0 lead.
The next inning showcased homers from Jeff Francoeur and rookie center fielder Jordan Schafer. It was Schafer’s first major league at-bat in which he hit a home run. The game was 4-0 after the first two innings.
Brett Myers went six innings, giving up four runs on eight hits. He struck out six with one walk.
The Philly offense could not get anything going. The power hitters, Utley, Howard, Ibanez were a total of 0-for-11 with three strikeouts.
In the final inning, there was some drama. Closer Mike Gonzalez let two men on base with one out and Ryan Howard up with Raul Ibanez on deck. Gonzalez struck out Howard with a fastball and then got Ibanez with a slider to finish the game.
4-1 Braves.
A very exciting game to start off the season. I cannot wait for tomorrow.
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