Rookie starter Bryse Wilson lasted just 3 1/3 innings and the pitchers that followed him didn’t fare much better as the Braves lost to the Phillies 8-6 Saturday in Philadelphia.
Wilson, a 20-year-old making his second career start, gave up four earned runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings. He also walked four and struck out three. The Braves (0-2) send another rookie to the mound Sunday night (7 p.m.) when Kyle Wright starts against the Phillies (2-0).
Bryce Harper homered deep into the second deck in right-center field for his first hit with Philadelphia. Hitless over five at-bats this season after signing a $330 million, 13-year deal, Harper crushed Jesse Biddle's fastball 465 feet with two outs in the seventh. Fans gave Harper a standing ovation and chanted "MVP! MVP!"
After getting high fives in the dugout, Harper climbed out for a curtain call, throwing both fists in the air and shouting "Let's go!"
Maikel Franco and J.T. Realmuto went deep for Philadelphia, which also launched three homers in Thursday's season-opening 10-4 win over the Braves.
Dansby Swanson and Charlie Culberson homered, and Freddie Freeman had four hits and drove in two for the Braves.
The game was tied at 4 in the fifth when Realmuto lined a two-run homer to left-center off Wes Parsons (0-1).
Franco hit a two-run shot off the foul pole in the fourth.
Phillies starter Nick Pivetta allowed four runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.
