Bryce Harper Score A Second Homerun Surprising Some While Upsetting Others.

Harper helped the reborn Phillies sweep their season-opening series against a division rival to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2011, when Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt helped them sweep the Astros.

The Phillies entered this season with high expectations following the acquisitions of Harper, Andrew Mc Cutchen, J.T. Realmuto, Jean Segura and David Robertson.

Pitchers had trouble gripping the ball on Sunday night because of the cold and wind, with the Phillies and Braves combining for 15 walks and three hit batters.

Both Phillies right-hander Jake Arrieta and Harper said they did not think Carle threw intentionally at Hoskins, and Braves manager Brian Snitker and catcher Brian Mc Cann said the same.

The Phillies walked nine times on Sunday and 20 times overall in the series.