Bowden Francis Struggles as Phillies Defeat Blue Jays 8-3: Pitcher Records Only Five Outs

On Tuesday evening, Toronto Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis struggled from the outset, issuing a four-pitch walk before surrendering back-to-back solo home runs to Trea Turner and Bryce Harper. The Philadelphia Phillies quickly capitalized, sending 11 batters to the plate in the opening frame and establishing an early six-run cushion. Ultimately, the Phillies cruised to an 8-3 victory, snapping Toronto’s five-game winning streak in front of a crowd of 32,632.

“It looked like they were on his fastball, and you’ve got to make some adjustments when you see that,” commented Blue Jays manager John Schneider after the game. “I think it just came down to location really.” The contest felt all but decided within the first ten minutes, as the Jays’ hopes for a strong series opener fizzled under the Phillies’ early offensive onslaught.

Francis, who emerged as a feel-good story during Toronto’s disappointing 2024 campaign thanks to a dominant second half, has struggled to recapture that magic thus far in 2025. The right-hander managed only five outs, allowing seven hits, six earned runs, and two walks over a laborious 58-pitch outing. He has now dropped his last five decisions and been unable to provide the stability needed in the Blue Jays’ rotation.

Manager John Schneider noted the aggressive approach of the Phillies’ hitters, explaining, “A lot of these guys can handle the ball out over (the plate). But I think it was just kind of mislocation. They were on his fastball.” Stats from last year highlight Francis’s potential: he finished the season with a sparkling 1.33 ERA over his final eight starts and set a big-league record with a 0.60 WHIP after the All-Star break for pitchers with at least ten starts. Yet, this season, he has completed more than six innings in only one of 12 starts, unable to match his previous form.

The Blue Jays’ rotation, anchored by Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt, continues to struggle with consistency, especially in the absence of veteran Max Scherzer, who remains sidelined with a thumb injury. Schneider has relied on spot starters and bullpen games to fill the gap left by Scherzer, underscoring the urgent need for a reliable fourth starter as the team clings to a 31-29 record above the .500 mark.

Philadelphia’s offense remained relentless throughout the game. Turner capped his night with a second homer in the eighth inning—his first multi-homer game of the season—while Harper also contributed significantly to the scoring tally. Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez limited Toronto to just four hits and one earned run across six solid innings, helping halt Philadelphia’s own four-game losing streak as the visitors outhit the Jays 11-5.

For Toronto, Davis Schneider and Addison Barger provided the few sparks, each delivering a home run. Notably, Barger continued his torrid stretch by launching a two-run shot in the eighth, becoming the first Blue Jay to homer in four consecutive games since Teoscar Hernandez in August 2021. “He’s talented, and I think he’s comfortable with how he’s approaching each at-bat,” said Schneider. “So we’ve seen the tools for a couple years. And this is a pretty good run that he’s on.”

Reliever Eric Lauer offered a silver lining for the Blue Jays’ bullpen, tossing four shutout innings while allowing only a single walk. Meanwhile, franchise roster moves preceded the game as the Blue Jays reinstated infielder Andres Gimenez and catcher Tyler Heineman from the injured list, designating Michael Stefanic and Ali Sanchez for assignment to clear space.

The loss leaves Toronto searching for answers as they look to rebound in the remainder of the three-game set, hoping to regain momentum and stabilize the back end of their rotation moving forward.