Max Kepler Homer Powers Phillies to 3-2 Win Over Blue Jays

Saturday, June 14th, 2025

Max Kepler hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Cristopher Sánchez pitched seven strong innings for Philadelphia, which managed just four hits while winning its fourth in the last five games. The Phillies will try for the three-game series sweep behind ace Zack Wheeler on Sunday.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had an RBI double for the Blue Jays. Toronto had won 12 of 14 before dropping the first two in Philadelphia.

The Phillies once again played without two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper, who is sidelined indefinitely with a wrist injury.

Orion Kerkering (5-2) pitched a scoreless eighth, and Matt Strahm tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his third save.

With one out in the eighth, Kepler drove a 2-0, 95-mph fastball off Chad Green (2-2) into the seats in right.

Key moment

Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis was cruising through 3 2/3 innings before unraveling. Francis walked Nick Castellanos and Kepler, and hit J.T. Realmuto to load the bases. A walk to Bryson Stott tied the game at one, and Philadelphia took a 2-1 lead when Francis hit Otto Kemp to end the right-hander’s day.

Key stat

12.46 — Francis’ ERA in his last three starts in which he has allowed 12 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings.

Up next

The teams wrap up their three-game series Sunday afternoon when Blue Jays RHP José Berríos (2-2, 3.38 ERA) opposes Wheeler (6-2, 2.85).

In summary

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on June 14, 2025, secured by Max Kepler's go-ahead home run in the eighth inning. Cristopher Sánchez delivered a strong seven-inning performance for the Phillies, who won their fourth game in five tries despite only four hits. Philadelphia aims for a series sweep on Sunday with Zack Wheeler on the mound. The loss marked the second straight for Toronto after winning 12 of their previous 14 games. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. drove in a run for the Blue Jays. Philadelphia played without the injured Bryce Harper. Orion Kerkering earned the win, and Matt Strahm recorded the save. Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis struggled in the fourth inning, allowing two runs.

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