Phillies Dominate Blue Jays 8-3 with Harper and Turner Leading the Charge
Bryce Harper made an immediate impact in his return, launching a home run in his first at-bat after a five-game absence. Trea Turner also showcased his power, hitting two home runs as the Philadelphia Phillies exploded for six runs in the first inning, ultimately defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 8-3 on Tuesday night.
Harper's comeback followed a stint on the sidelines due to a bruised right elbow, sustained from a pitch. The Phillies struggled without their star, posting a 1-4 record and slipping from the top of the NL East standings.
In the game against Toronto, Harper finished with one hit in three at-bats, drawing two walks and crossing home plate twice. His presence was felt immediately, energizing the team.
On the mound, Cristopher Sánchez (5-1) delivered a solid performance, allowing just one run over six innings, marking his first win since May 7. Meanwhile, Toronto's Bowden Francis (2-7) faced difficulties, surrendering seven runs—six earned—in only 1 2/3 innings, matching his career-worst outing.
Toronto's Addison Barger contributed a two-run homer off Max Lazar, while Davis Schneider added a solo shot against Sánchez. Barger’s recent form has been impressive, as he has now homered in four consecutive games, bringing his season total to six.
The Phillies' explosive first inning began with Bryson Stott drawing a leadoff walk, followed by Turner’s two-run blast. Harper then added to the tally with a 394-foot home run, marking his ninth of the season. This was the third instance of back-to-back homers for the Phillies this year.
Max Kepler's RBI single and Stott's two-run hit rounded out the six-run inning, which equaled Philadelphia's largest scoring frame of the season. Turner later added another solo homer in the eighth inning off Erik Swanson, marking his first multi-homer game of the year and the 18th of his career.
Alec Bohm returned to third base after filling in at first for Harper and made an impressive diving stop on George Springer's grounder in the third inning, showcasing his defensive skills with a throw from one knee to secure the out.
The victory marked the Phillies' 14th win in their last 16 road games, demonstrating their strong performance away from home.
Looking ahead, Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos (2-2, 3.86 ERA) is set to take the mound on Wednesday against Phillies right-hander Mick Abel (1-0, 0.00), promising another exciting matchup.
