The Toronto Blue Jays picked up a 5–4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, surviving a dramatic ninth-inning rally at Citizens Bank Park.
Josh Smith leads the way
Josh Smith was the offensive star, going 3-for-4 with a home run and three runs scored. His solo homer in the eighth inning proved to be the difference after Philadelphia had battled back into the game.
Andrés Giménez also went deep early, while Alejandro Kirk contributed two sacrifice flies as Toronto manufactured enough offense to hold the lead.
Pitching survives late scare
José Soriano, making his Blue Jays debut after arriving from the Angels, allowed two runs—one earned—in 4⅔ innings. Toronto then used six pitchers, with Lazaro Estrada earning the win.
Tyler Rogers came in for the ninth and faced major trouble. Philadelphia loaded the bases and scored twice, but Rogers finally secured his fourth save to preserve the 5–4 victory.
What it means
This was an important road win for Toronto, particularly considering the circumstances: the Jays were playing their third game in three nights in three different cities, and the contest itself was delayed two hours by severe weather.
The win also gives Toronto momentum against a strong Phillies club, with Smith providing exactly the kind of timely power the Jays have needed.
