Harper's debut a 'walk' in the park

It might be one of the most important walks in Phillies history.

The Phils had runners on second and third in the sixth inning of the season opener Thursday at a packed Citizens Bank Park that was overflowing with Bryce mania.

The Braves did what you're supposed to do in that instance. With first base open, they offered Harper an intentional walk. Two pitches later, cleanup hitter Rhys Hoskins did just that, blasting a pitch into the leftfield bleachers for his first career grand slam and blowing the game wide open.

Welcome to Harper Mania.

That's the effect of having Harper sitting in that No. 3 spot. Expect a monster season from Hoskins, who is going to see a lot of pitches to hit as teams try to avoid Harper.

Columnist Jack McCaffery has his thoughts on the Phils' new $330 Million Man.

In the meantime, make sure you snag a copy of today's print edition for our special, full-color keepsake Bryce Harper centerspread.

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