Andrew McCutchen Leads 2019 Phillies Off With a Bang

Updated: 6 p.m.

There were first-inning fireworks at Citizens Bank Park, even though the storybook scenario of Bryce Harper doing damage in his first plate appearance didn't come to fruition.

New Phillie Andrew McCutchen, leading off, hit a solo home run on a 2-0 count that caused a roar not heard at Citizens Bank Park in years. It provided Aaron Nola his first run of support of the season following Nola's 1-2-3 top of the first.

It was McCutchen's 13th career leadoff home run. Last season, he hit .350 with four homers and two doubles as the first batter of the game.

The fans were just a little excited. pic.twitter.com/0X5rswBV88— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 28, 2019

Two batters later, Harper grounded out to first base on a 2-1 count.

The Phillies' deep lineup continued to produce throughout the game, scoring twice in the fourth, three times in the sixth and four times in the seventh. 

The biggest blows were a three-run home run by Maikel Franco and Rhys Hoskins' thunderous grand slam.

If you walk Bryce, you're going to have to deal with Rhys.

Hoskins blasts his first career grand slam! pic.twitter.com/NmVbhtQT5i— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 28, 2019

Click here to download the MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Flyers, Sixers and Phillies games easily on your device.

More on the Phillies

• It's a new season and a new perspective for Larry Andersen

• Bryce Harper wears Phanatic-inspired green cleats in Phillies debut

• Bryce Harper's Phanatic and Gritty T-Shirt has everyone talking

• D-Rob's weapons, Klentak's sneaky move and 10 other notes on Phillies pitchers

• McCutchen's leadoff value, Harper's hot starts and 10 other facts about Phillies' 2019 hitters