Lowe pitches like an ace, spoiling Phillies' opener

PHILADELPHIA - Once the Philadelphia Phillies finished celebrating their World Series title, the Atlanta Braves spoiled the rest of the opening-night party.

Derek Lowe pitched 8 superb innings, three Braves homered off Brett Myers, and Atlanta beat the defending champions 4-1 in the major-league opener Sunday night.

Brian McCann hit a 2-run homer, Jeff Francoeur had a solo shot, and Jordan Schafer went deep in his first career at-bat for the Braves.

Lowe (1-0) allowed 2 hits, no walks and struck out four. The sinkerballer got 13 groundouts. Mike Gonzalez pitched out of trouble in the ninth.

Gonzalez gave up a one-out RBI single to Jayson Werth after pinch hitter Eric Bruntlett started the inning with a double. After walking Chase Utley to bring up the tying run, the hard-throwing lefty struck out Ryan Howard looking and Raul Ibanez swinging to end it.

Myers (0-1) filled in for Cole Hamels, whose first start was pushed back because of minor elbow problems.