Toronto Blue Jays defeat Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 – MLB Update
The Toronto Blue Jays put in a brilliant performance as they defeated the Major League leaders Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Sunday, July 3.
After winning the first game 7-6 and second fixture 5-3, the Phillies paved their way to third straight win as they have grabbed a 4-0 advantage right in the second inning. However, the Blue Jays’ did not let the game drop for third-straight day. They blistered
one run each in the third, fifth and sixth inning to reach closer to a four run spot.
On the other hand, the Blue Jays’ starter Jo-Jo Reyes, after allowing four runs in the second inning, made a perfect rebound and did not conceded further runs until the end of his spell in the sixth inning. He tossed 73 strikes of 108 pitches but failed
to get even a single strike-out.
His reliever Marc Rzepczynski, carried his momentum into the seventh inning and allowed just one hit over his 16 pitches. The Blue Jays’ manager John Farrell was expecting a good performance from his pitchers.
"I think today was an example of the competitiveness that we continually show, after two tough days in the first two games of this series," Farrell said. "I have to give all the credit to the guys in that room. They didn't back down."
The Blue Jays’ batting line-up also made three home runs in the eighth inning, making Farrell proud. Eric Thames began the home-run barrage with his 423-feet long one-run homer off the Phillies’ ace Cliff Lee. Then the Major League’s home-run leader Jose
Bautista launched his 27th and the game’s second homer for one-run.
When Edwin Encarnacion launched the third homer of the inning and took the lead to a 7-4 irrefutable position, Farrell’s face was proud.
"When you hit three home runs in an inning, sure, that brings back a lot of visions of what they did a year ago," Farrell said. "It's what we've done a very good job of this year, even despite the turnover in the roster."
Closer Octavio Dotel tossed a perfect ninth inning to win his second game of the season.
It was a nightmare day for Cliff Lee, as he has given a season-high seven runs on ten hits over his seven innings. These runs also wasted his nine strike-outs over 99 pitches. It was the first time for Lee in this season to play such a bad outing. His loss
reduced his record to 9-6 with a 2.92 ERA. His closer Michael Stutes did not allow any run over less than an inning pitched.
The Phillies are now leading the Majors with 53 wins including 21 wins at their home stadium. Their next series against the Florida Marlins, starting from July 4, will provide them a chance to improve their record to 56 wins.
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