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

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

Brian McCann hit a two-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 two hits, no walks, struck out four and 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.

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