Phillies Top Blue Jays 8-5 in Spring Training

In Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 8-5 in eight innings, capitalizing on early offensive outbursts against Toronto's minor league pitchers, while several other Major League Baseball spring training games featured standout home runs and competitive finishes across Florida and Arizona.

The Phillies jumped ahead with eight runs over the first three innings, highlighted by shortstop Trea Turner's two-run double in the second and third baseman Alec Bohm's 422-foot solo home run during a four-run third. Philadelphia starter Jesus Luzardo, fresh off a five-year, $135 million contract extension signed earlier in the week, allowed three runs, including a first-inning home run to Toronto's Tyler Heineman, over 3 2/3 innings. Heineman had a strong day, reaching base three times with two hits and a walk while scoring three runs. The Blue Jays mounted a late comeback but fell short after the game was called due to rain.

Toronto's planned starter, José Berríos, was scratched prior to the game following an MRI that revealed inflammation in his throwing elbow. Right-hander C.J. Van Eyk, a 27-year-old former second-round pick in the 2020...