Last night, the DC local news interviewed some Phillies fans and asked if there was a potential for a Philadephia-Washington, DC rivalry. Someone mentioned the best way for the Nats to solitify their place as the Phillies NL East rival would be to beat them today. Fortunately, I’d have to say, the Mets are still our number one rivals (did you see them collapse in the ninth today?). Soooo… The Phillies are in first place after an 8-4 Opening Day victory over the Washington Nationals! Pat Burrell had a stellar performance, going 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs and a walk. Yankee imports shined as well, as Kenny Lofton belted a 3 run blast to put the Phillies up for good and gave Jon Lieber his first win as a Phil AND relieved Ed Wade of his Steve Jeltz status. Even Lieberthal had two hits and an RBI. Although with the bases loaded and no outs in the second, he unwisely swung at and nubbed the first pitch down the first base line. Luckily Nick Johnson wasn’t seeking revenge for his uncle’s ouster and took the ill-advised force at first rather than forcing Burrell at home. In that, this game was very similiar to those of 2004: lots of hits, runs and men left of base, only this time the pitching held up.
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