The Pirates and Phillies both started lineups Thursday that, were they combined, could barely compete for a championship.

The difference is that one team is going to win the N.L. East while the Pirates will concoct their 20th consecutive losing season.

Why? Look at Game 1. Erik Bedard was great. Roy Halladay was better. And Jonathan Papelbon was perfect. Phils win, 1-0. One game. Big difference.

As unacceptably as the Phillies hit, will hit and have hit for the past two years, they are favored --- favored big --- in 60 percent of their games because of that pitching. Enjoy it. There is not likely to be anything like it in the next 50 years of Phillies history.

Check out my column on the Flyers, Phillies, Eagles and other topics in the Daily Times Saturday and, as always, on delcotimes.com