Its official: Halladay to start on opening day

Saturday, March 5, 2011
Posted: 6:32 p.m.

By Jim Salisbury
CSNPhilly.com

CLEARWATER, Fla.Not that there was a whole lot of mystery to it, but Roy Halladay will be the Phillies opening day starter against Houston on April 1.

Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee made the official announcement after Halladay pitched three shutout innings against Pittsburgh on Saturday. Halladay allowed one hit, two walks and struck out four.

Dubee said Cliff Lee would start the second game of the season followed by Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton.

Halladay led the National League with 21 wins last season and won his second Cy Young Award. Former Phillie Brett Myers is expected to be Houstons opening day starter.

E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com