Monday, April 06, 2009

Derek Lowe Pitches Solid Opener...For Braves

Hey, remember this guy? 35-year-old Derek Lowe? Who went 54-48 over four years with the Dodgers, including a team-leading 16 wins in 2006? Who was banished from town by Jamie McCourt after she disapproved with his cheating on his wife to flirt with Carolyn Hughes? Who then married said Carolyn Hughes in December last year?

Well, Lowe just took all the wind out of Philadelphia's World Series Champion Celebration, pitching a solid eight innings to quell the crowd's excitement, and give the Braves a NL East divisional victory over the Phils.

PHILADELPHIA -- With a frenzied crowd prepared to bring the defending World Series champion Phillies into the 2009 season, Derek Lowe wasn't provided the best setting to make a good first impression on the Braves while simultaneously attempting to exorcise his Opening Day demons.

But with assistance from an early power supply highlighted by confidence-building homers drilled by Jordan Schafer and Jeff Francoeur, Lowe handled his emotions and more importantly, silenced both Phillies fans and a lineup that had frustrated him during last year's National League Championship Series.

Consequently, after scattering two hits over eight scoreless innings on Sunday night at Citizens Bank Park, Lowe found himself enjoying the 4-1 Opening Night win that the Braves claimed over the Phillies.

"My last three Opening Day starts were awful, and I knew this was going to be a big challenge coming in here with the Phillies coming off a world championship, and with this being an extremely tough park to play in," Lowe said. "But it went about as good as possible for me."

Lowe, who was 0-3 with an 8.44 ERA in his only three previous Opening Day starts, looked like a genuine ace. He induced 13 ground-ball outs, recorded four strikeouts and essentially gave his outfielders an opportunity to remain idle while a vibrant Philadelphia crowd grew more silent as the evening progressed.

Nah, we don't miss Lowe at all. Any thoughts on when the first Dodger starter goes eight full innings?

UPDATE 3a: And on another note: I've always found pictures of Lowe's delivery very bizarre, with respect to the double-D boobies thrusting forward as he completes his delivery. Those appear to be pretty big melons. But it looks like it was the same when he pitched for the Dodgers (as is that crazed look in his face):

photo 1: mysterious unnamed person, AP; photo 2: Al Behrman, AP

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I was happy for him. It would be nice to have him this year, but I am glad we won't be paying him that much money to pitch in three years.

Delino DeShields, Sr said...

Why does he look like fire marshall bill?