Braves support Lowe’s effort powerfully

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 hit home runs against Brett Myers and Atlanta beat the defending champions, 4-1, in the major league opener Sunday night.

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

Lowe gave up two hits, struck out four and got 13 groundouts. Mike Gonzalez pitched out of trouble in the ninth inning.

Gonzalez gave up a one-out run-scoring 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 left-hander struck out Ryan Howard looking and Raul Ibanez swinging to end it.

Lowe had far better success against Philadelphia on Sunday than he did in the National League Championship Series for the Dodgers. The Phillies beat Lowe in Game 1 of the series and he had a no-decision in the Dodgers’ loss in Game 4.

Atlanta gave Lowe a $60-million, four-year contract, and the 35-year-old right-hander pitched like an ace in his debut with his new team. He gave the Braves the type of masterful effort they used to get from Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Tim Hudson.

Myers filled in for Cole Hamels, whose first start was pushed back because of minor elbow problems. Hamels, the NLCS and World Series most valuable player, is expected to pitch at Colorado on Friday.

The Phillies celebrated their second World Series title during an hour-long ceremony before the game.

But the crowd of 44,532 had barely settled into their seats by the time the Braves jumped ahead. Myers retired the first two batters before Chipper Jones lined a single to left and McCann followed with his home run.