Chapman, Bradley Jr. dingers help Blue Jays outslug Phillies in offensive series opener

Matt Chapman hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Jackie Bradley Jr. added a three-run shot in the ninth and the Toronto Blue Jays used 21 hits to rough up the Philadelphia Phillies 18-11 on Tuesday night in a matchup of teams fighting for wild-card berths.

The Blue Jays are in better shape, not only as winners of five of seven games, but with a firm grip on the top wild-card spot in the American League. The Phillies, who suffered a three-game weekend sweep at Atlanta, lost their fifth straight game.

Further incentivizing the team's playoff push, unvaccinated professional athletes like MLB players could soon be allowed to play in Toronto in the playoffs should the Blue Jays make the postseason.

While multiple sources said Ottawa is "likely" to drop these mandatory requirements by Sept. 30, they added that the proposal has not been given a final sign-off by the prime minister. Canada, like the United States, requires all people to be vaccinated when entering the country.

Philadelphia entered with only a 2 1/2-game lead (plus the tiebreaker) over the Milwaukee Brewers for the final National League wild-card spot.

MASH Chapman gets us started