BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : NL PLAYOFFS : Schilling Gets Game 1 Start for the Phillies

In a mild surprise, Phillie Manager Jim Fregosi tabbed Curt Schilling, rather than Tommy Greene, to start Wednesday night’s opener of the National League playoffs against Steve Avery of the Atlanta Braves.

Fregosi refused to explain his decision, saying only that both were deserving.

Schilling was 16-7 with a 4.02 earned-run average. He was 8-1 in the second half but 0-2 with a 6.65 ERA in four starts against Atlanta this year, giving up 24 hits and 16 runs in 21 1/3 innings.

Greene, who will start Game 2, was 16-4 with a 3.42 ERA and 1-0 record against the Braves. He was also 10-0 at home, and by starting Game 2 will get two starts at Veterans Stadium, providing the series returns from Atlanta for Game 6.

“I think they wanted to get Tommy those two starts at home,” Schilling said. “I think that’s what motivated the decision.

“It’s a dream come true for me.”

Terry Mulholland (12-9) will pitch Game 3 and Danny Jackson (12-11) Game 4. Mulholland had not started since Sept. 6 because of a hip injury before working four strong innings against St. Louis on Sunday. He said he was pain free.

The Braves will start Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz after Avery. Smoltz, 5-0 in postseason play and scheduled to start against San Francisco Monday night if the division race had gone to a playoff, did not participate in Sunday’s celebration, leaving the impression he was displeased with his playoff assignment, which includes the bullpen for the first two games. He had an 8.27 ERA over his last three regular season starts.