Halladay, Phils romp in opener

WASHINGTON - Before today's opening day, Charlie Manuel said he couldn't sleep. He had butterflies, he said, but they weren't for fear.

He was excited.

Well, if the Phillies and their manager had to draw up a perfect opening day, it would look a lot like the 11-1 victory over the Washington Nationals.

New ace Roy Halladay barely exerted himself, throwing 88 pitches over seven innings while allowing one first-inning run. He struck out nine and walked two.

New third baseman Placido Polanco drove in a career-high six RBIs, including a grand slam, and played flawlessly in the field, even starting a sharp double play.

Every starting player, including Halladay, had a hit. Six runs scored via the long ball and five on other hits.

The top of the order, Jimmy Rollins and Polanco, combined to reach base seven of 12 plate appearances. They scored three runs.

It was such a successful day that the Phillies didn't need to push Halladay. They could give their young relievers like Antonio Bastardo and David Herndon work on opening day to ease the transition to a major-league bullpen.

The victory was the first for the Phillies on opening day since April 4, 2005, also against Washington.