Blue Jays Look to Avoid Sweep Against Phillies on Sunday

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — The Toronto Blue Jays aim to avoid a three-game sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies when they play Sunday afternoon. Right-handed pitcher Jose Berrios (2-2, 3.38 ERA) will take the mound for the Blue Jays, who have dropped two straight games in the series.

The Blue Jays entered the series riding high, having won 12 of their previous 14 games. However, they faltered, losing 3-2 on Saturday after Max Kepler hit a solo homer off Chad Green in the eighth inning.

Toronto’s starting pitcher, Bowden Francis, struggled in the fourth inning, allowing the bases to be loaded. After walking Bryson Stott, he contributed to the Phillies’ lead of 2-1. “I just felt like I got out of rhythm,” Francis commented after the game. “Kind of lost feel. And then it just kind of snowballed.”

Despite the loss, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed two hits, including an RBI double that tied the game in the fifth inning. Berrios, who held the Phillies to just one run during their last encounter on June 4, seeks to regain momentum for the team.

In addition to Berrios, the Blue Jays will see Will Robertson make his Major League Baseball debut, batting eighth and playing in right field. Robertson was promoted earlier this week after hitting .288 with 12 home runs in Triple-A.

The Phillies will counter with ace Zack Wheeler, who boasts a 6-2 record and a 2.85 ERA. This marks the first time the Blue Jays will face Wheeler this season, as he missed the previous matchups due to personal reasons.

With the Blue Jays returning home to host the Arizona Diamondbacks next week, a win on Sunday is crucial for rebuilding their confidence and stopping the losing streak.

The game will be televised live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ beginning at 1 p.m. ET.