Corbin, Blue Jays offence fall flat in 5-2 loss to Phillies

The 36-year-old started the game strong, with two of his three strikeouts coming in the opening inning.

Corbin, who played for the Phillies’ division rival, the Washington Nationals, from 2019-2024, acknowledged both sides knowing each other well but didn’t make it an excuse for his showing.

“Faced them a lot in my career,” he said. “That first inning felt really good. And then just, (Bryson) Stott had that nine-pitch at-bat, just thought I made some pitches there, couldn’t get out of it.

“And then ended up hanging a breaking ball in against their guy tonight. That’s sometimes the difference maker. And I think a little after that was just not being as aggressive in the zone, like maybe I had earlier and fell behind to some good hitters and paid for it.”

On the flip side, the Blue Jays struggled to muster up any offence despite having just one less hit than the Phillies (7-6). Toronto closed the final four innings with either two runners on or a runner at third, with no runs to show for it.

“Against one of the best pitchers in the game, you want to move the ball forward, keep the line moving, and that’s it,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “You’re trying to scratch and claw your way back in and you’re coming back from a deficit, right?

” … Give credit to (Cristopher) Sanchez for making good pitches. I think we’re really good at making contact and moving the ball forward when we need to and that I think, we just didn’t do it.”

It didn’t help that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made it four straight games, going 0 for 4 on the night, and 0 for 14 over that stretch.

“With Vlad, I mean it could be any time, you know what I mean? I think his work is good. I think his mindset is good,” Schneider said. ” … I just want him to keep going, keep understanding that he’s the face of our team. He’s our best hitter. It’s going to come around for him, so it really takes a game, takes a swing and I think they’ll get going.”

Newly acquired right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson was a bright spot, however, pitching four innings of relief with three strikeouts and surrendering just one hit.

“I think he just located really well,” Schneider said. “I always say it’s a little advantageous for a guy to come in for length when you’re not, maybe he actually doesn’t really prepare for you that much. But again, man, he’s a pretty good major league pitcher, he has been for a couple years.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2026.

Abdulhamid Ibrahim, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Corbin, Blue Jays offence fall flat in 5-2 loss to Phillies

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