(Sports Network) - After christening their brand new ballpark with a thrilling victory, the Washington Nationals hit the road for an afternoon encounter with the defending National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

In the first-ever regular season contest at Nationals Park, Ryan Zimmerman sent the home crowd happy by belting a game-winning solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning that lifted Washington to a 3-2 Opening Night win over the Atlanta Braves.

Zimmerman's two-out blast off Peter Moylan came after the Braves tied the game in the top of the ninth inning, with pinch-runner Martin Prado scoring from third on a passed ball from Nationals catcher Paul Lo Duca.

Jon Rauch picked up the victory for Washington despite yielding the tying run in the ninth. Starter Odalis Perez was sharp over the first five innings, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk.

Rauch was called on to save the game with regular closer Chad Cordero unavailable due to tendinitis in his throwing shoulder. The reliable right- hander is considered day-to-day and could be sidelined for this entire three- game series with the Phillies.

Washington suffered another injury last night, as left fielder Elijah Dukes left the contest with tightness in his right hamstring and was promptly placed on the 15-day disabled list afterward.

Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson, who missed the entire 2007 season due to a broken leg, smacked an RBI double in the first inurning and later scored on Austin Kearns' single to give Washington an early 2-0 lead.

Philadelphia captured its first NL East title since 1993 after recording an 89-73 record to edge the rival New York Mets by a single game. The Phillies were able to overcome a 3-10 beginning to last season and were led by reigning league MVP Jimmy Rollins, who headlines an offense that should be one of the most productive in baseball again this year.

The Phillies hope to get their 2008 campaign off to a better start, while Opening Day starter Brett Myers is seeking a successful return to the rotation after spending the majority of last year as the team's closer.

Myers went 25-15 as a starter between the 2005 and 2006 seasons and was on the mound for Philadelphia's 2007 season opener before being moved to the bullpen due to a rash of injuries. The energetic right-hander did a solid job in the closer's role, converting 21-of-24 save opportunities while recording a 4.33 earned run average in 51 overall appearances.

The Phillies inserted Myers back into the rotation after acquiring closer Brad Lidge in a trade with Houston during the offseason. Lidge, however, will start this season on the disabled list after undergoing knee surgery in the spring.

Myers owns a 7-7 career record with a 4.89 ERA and four saves in 26 games (16 starts) against the Washington/Montreal franchise.

The Nationals counter with second-year lefty Matt Chico, who went 7-9 with a 4.63 ERA in 31 starts during an encouraging rookie season last year. The 24- year-old closed out his debut campaign strong, throwing six innings of one-run ball to defeat the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on September 29.

In Chico's only other start against Philadelphia last year, he gave up four runs and six hits over just 4 2/3 innings in a no decision on July 25.

The Phillies went 12-6 against Washington in 2007 and took six of the nine matchups held in Philadelphia.