Well, here we go: first game of the year. Brett Myers makes his second Opening Day start, seeking his first win. A year ago, Myers took the hill against the Braves and dominated: 7 2/3 innings, 3 runs, 4 hits, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts. Myers left after allowing the game-tying home run to Edgar Renteria in the 8th; the Phillies lost in 10 innings when Ryan Madson allowed a second, two-run shot to Renteria. Myers actually doesn't have great career numbers against Washington: 7-7, 4.89, with four saves all earned last season.
Matt Chico takes the hill for a Nationals team still presumably giddy from last night's thrilling walkoff win over Atlanta. Chico is a second-year lefty who fared well in two starts against the Phillies last season (1-0, 4.22). He throws a bit harder than the typical left-hander, and is somewhat prone to the home run: 26 allowed in 167 innings during 2007. Chico handles lefty hitters slightly better than right-handers, so Charlie Manuel is going with Jayson Werth in right field over Geoff Jenkins.
Here's the Phillies lineup for today:
SS Rollins
CF Victorino
2B Utley
1B Howard
LF Burrell
3B Feliz
RF Werth
C Ruiz
P Myers