Chipper Jones doubled before scoring the 2011 season's first run on a chilly, damp opening day, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 5 2/3 innings, helping the Braves beat the Nationals 2-0 Thursday, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Marlins defeated the Twins 3-0 on Tuesday in spring game in Jupiter, Florida. Minnesota's Carl Pavano saw his spring scoreless streak end at 18 2/3 innings when John Buck singled home Hanley Ramirez. Pavano took the loss after allowing two earned runs and seven hits in six innings. He has a 0.95 ERA this spring.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen sees no reason why Jake Peavy wouldn't be able to start the season on the 25-man roster. There was a question as to whether or not Peavy would even take the mound Saturday for his regular spot in the spring rotation. He ended up throwing 83 pitches. "The way he performed, yes; I don't see why not," Guillen said about Peavy's making the roster.

Chris Carpenter was given a vote of confidence in his return to the mound from a hamstring injury: He was named the Cardinals’ opening-day starter. In his first outing since March 1, when he injured his left hamstring, Carpenter gave up three runs and six hits in four innings in a 9-4 victory over the Tigers on Wednesday. “I feel fine right now and I’ll be ready for opening day,” Carpenter said. “All I need to do now is get my pitch count up and not hurt anything. It felt better as I went along.”

That extra month of work at the end of last season helped Tim Lincecum stay in shape and keep his work ethic intact through a shorter winter. The Giants’ ace struck out seven batters over 5 1-3 innings Wednesday to help the reigning champions beat the White Sox 5-3, according to an Associated Press report. Lincecum allowed one run on three hits and walked three batters.