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Gameday: Phillies (0-0) vs. Pirates (0-0)

Philadelphia Phillies (0-0) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0)

Roy Halladay vs. Erik Bedard

Time: 1:35, PNC Park
TV: PHL 17
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 50
Media: Twitter and Facebook

Here it is. So it begins. This ain’t 2011, that much we do know. At the start of last season, the prevailing thought was, “get us to the World Series.” And to me, that’s the wrong way of thinking. Every game should be enjoyable; it shouldn’t be about looking far ahead to something that may or may not happen. When you do, you’ll be let down, as countless Phillies fans were last October. Do me a favor and savor what this season has to offer.

As for this one, it’s Doc against Erik Bedard, a well-traveled lefty who is now on his fourth team in four years. The Phillies haven’t seen much of him, but as we know, they do struggle against lefties. However, without Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, the lineup is decidedly more right-handed.

Roy Halladay starts his 10th straight opening day. He’s the best, there is no one else I’d rather have kicking off a season. Against Pittsburgh, Halladay is 3-1 over five starts with a miniscule 1.18 ERA. Look for more of the same as the brisk weather usually means some low-scoring baseball early in the season.

And of course, keep your eyes on the lineup. But I didn’t really have to tell you that. One note – Juan Pierre not in today’s lineup, so John Mayberry Jr. gets the first crack at it against the lefty Bedard.

Baseball is back. Enjoy!!

Lineup: Victorino CF, Polanco 3B, Rollins SS, Pence RF, Wigginton 1B, Mayberry LF, Ruiz C, Galvis 2B, Halladay P.

Your Gameday Beer – Guinness
It’s one of my favorite beers, so enjoy this as you sit back, relax, and watch the Phillies and Pirates open up the 2012 season. The weather is still brisk enough to enjoy this beautiful beverage, which isn’t your prototypical summer beer. But for early April, kick back, enjoy the frothy head, and sip on a delightful drink. Unless you’re at work – that’s a no-no. Hopefully you’ve taken off to enjoy Game 1 of 162.

GO PHILLIES!

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Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.

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