Oct. 1 -- IN-GAME: NO SLEEVES, NO SHADOWS, NO PROBLEM?

BY SCOTT LAUBER

So, I hate to keep bringing up last year (the players are sick of hearing about it), but it's almost unavoidable. Last year, after Game 1 against the Rockies, we heard about the problems encountered by Cole Hamels, who mistakenly wore long sleeves on a warm day. By the third inning, he shed the sleeves. But, by then, the Phillies already were losing. We also heard from the Phillies' hitters about their problems picking up the baseball because of the 3 p.m. shadows that crept between home plate and the mound on a sunny day.

Well, Hamels isn't wearing long sleeves today, and he's cruised through two innings, retiring the first six Brewers batters. And the hitters don't have to worry about shadows. It's overcast, and moments ago, it started raining and the wind kicked up. Can't see the skyline beyond the center-field wall. We may be looking at a rain delay before long.

By the way, Pat Burrell grounded into a double play in his first at-bat and ran gingerly to first base.

0-0, after 2 innings.