(Toronto) Bryce Harper hit two solo home runs as the Philadelphia Phillies edged the Toronto Blue Jays 9-4 on Wednesday.

Jake Cave added a solo home run and a sacrifice fly for the Phillies (66-55), who had lost three straight.

Alec Bohm had a single run and Kyle Schwarber provided a sacrifice fly.

Aaron Nola (10-8) struck out seven in five innings, giving up four runs, four hits and as many walks.

Matt Strahm, Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto secured the lead.

A two-run home run by Daulton Varsho in the second gave the Blue Jays (67-55) a short-lived lead.

The other two points for the Toronto clan came from a Cavan Biggio single.

In five innings and a third, Kevin Gausman (9-7) allowed seven runs, seven hits and three free passes. He, however, had problems with his slingshot.

“To be honest, at where we are in the season, I’m not going to dwell too much on this game,” Gausman said. I look at our record and I feel pretty good where I am. »

Back-to-back doubles in the second gave the impression that the Phillies could quickly take control of the game, but defensive play from left fielder Whit Merrifield helped limit the damage.

Castellanos started with a double left, then Bryson Stott added a double with a shot that went over the fence. Merrifield, however, caught the ball in his bare hands before sending it to second base. His speed forced Catellanos to stay at third base.

Gausman then passed Trea Turner, but eliminated JT Realmuto. Cave then hit a sacrifice fly that allowed Castellanos to cross home plate.

“They were in the World Series last year, so if you give them a few chances, they’ll charge you,” Gausman said.

Varsho responded late in the second. He pounced on a Nola fastball to hit his 11It is season circuit. Biggio scored on the streak, which gave the Blue Jays a 2-1 lead.

Harper himself responded with his eighth home run of the season to tie the game.

Biggio restored the lead to the Blue Jays, but another double by Castellanos closed the gap. A poor defensive pass by Santiago Espinal secured the next two points, which gave the Phillies the lead until the end.

“It was kind of a weird game with Castellanos running in front of him and Stott trying to get there first,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. It was a run-in, but Espinal has been one of our best defenders since he arrived. »

The Blue Jays begin a three-game series in Cincinnati on Friday.