"Derek Lowe is going for his third straight win on Opening Day Thursday when the Braves start the season in Washington against the Nationals. But it hasn't always been quite that easy for the 37-year-old right-hander.

Lowe actually lost three consecutive Opening Day starts as a Dodger with an 8.44 ERA. And last year he benefitted from a 16-run onslaught by the Braves over the Cubs on a day he gave up five runs in six innings.

The eight shutout innings he pitched against the Phillies on Opening Day 2009 are actually the anomaly, Lowe said. He's 2-3 with a 6.00 ERA in six Opening Day starts overall."