BRAVES BEAT CHAMPION PHILLIES IN MLB OPENING GAME

The Philadelphia Phillies ended the 2008 Major League Baseball season by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series, four games to one.

And on Sunday, they opened the 2009 season by losing to the Atlanta Braves, 4-1.

The game marked the official start of the MLB year, after a long six month offseason. Opening Day will continue with another 13 games Monday.

Sunday’s game also marked the much-anticipated debut of new Braves ace Derek Lowe. And he did not disappoint.

Lowe — who came to Atlanta in January for $60 million over the next four years — gave up only two hits over eight scoreless innings on the road.

Early inning home runs by Brian McCann and Jeff Francouer, coupled with Lowe’s gem, proved more than enough for the Braves to beat the World Series champions.

The two teams will finish their three-game series Tuesday and Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Photo: Reuters