Max Kepler's Eighth-Inning Homer Secures Phillies' 3-2 Win Over Blue Jays

In a pivotal moment, Max Kepler launched a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning, propelling the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 win against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

Cristopher Sánchez delivered an impressive performance, pitching seven innings while allowing only four hits. This victory marks the Phillies' fourth win in their last five games. They aim for a series sweep on Sunday, with ace Zack Wheeler taking the mound.

For the Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed with an RBI double. Despite their recent success, having won 12 of their last 14 games, Toronto now faces the challenge of bouncing back after losing the first two games in Philadelphia.

The Phillies played without two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper, who remains sidelined indefinitely due to a wrist injury.

Orion Kerkering (5-2) pitched a flawless eighth inning, while Matt Strahm secured his third save with a perfect ninth.

With one out in the eighth, Kepler connected on a 2-0 fastball from Chad Green (2-2), sending it deep into the right-field seats.

Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis initially dominated, going through 3 2/3 innings before faltering. He walked Nick Castellanos and Kepler, then hit J.T. Realmuto to load the bases. A walk to Bryson Stott tied the game, and Francis's day ended when he hit Otto Kemp, giving Philadelphia a 2-1 lead.

Francis's recent struggles are evident; his ERA stands at 12.46 over his last three starts, during which he has allowed 12 earned runs in just 8 2/3 innings.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon as Blue Jays RHP José Berríos (2-2, 3.38 ERA) faces off against Wheeler (6-2, 2.85).