With the game tied at three in the sixth, Mets' shortstop Jose Reyes sent a Ryan Madson change-up flying over the right field wall for a three-run homer.
For the second straight night, the Mets took a three-run lead into the ninth. This time, Billy Wagner was able to pitch. Wagner set down the Phillies in order to secure the win, sending the Mets into a tie for first in the NL East with Philadelphia.
John Maine did something for the Mets tonight that he had only done one other time this season: he pitched seven innings. Maine has had trouble with high pitch counts and walking batters this year, but tonight, he walked just two batters and was able to limit his pitch count enough to last seven innings.
Maine allowed just three runs on six hits. The win was Maine's ninth, and his ninth quality start of the year (a quality start is defined as at least six innings pitched with three or less runs allowed). Maine improved his career record against the Phillies to 5-0 with a 2.55 ERA.
Shane Victorino and Geoff Jenkins hit back-to-back homers off Maine in the second inning. Jimmy Rollins drove in Carlos Ruiz with a double for the third run in the fifth, but the Phillies couldn't muster any more offense.
Scott Schoenweis and Joe Smith teamed up to shutout the Phillies in the eighth.
Brett Myers was making his first start for Philadelphia since June 27 after being sent down to Triple-A.
He did not look good early. After retiring Jose Reyes to start the first, he issued four consecutive walks to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead. Another run scored when Marlon Anderson grounded out to Chase Utley.
Myers settled down a bit, allowing just one more run on a Damion Easley single until he was removed after the fifth inning. He finished with five walks and one hit batsmen.
This was a huge win for the Mets after last night's meltdown in the ninth inning. They are showing the kind of passion they will need to contend for a playoff spot.
Tomorrow, the rubber game of the series will pit the Phillies' 45-year-old Jamie Moyer (9-6, 3.90 ERA) against the Mets' Oliver Perez (6-6, 4.36 ERA).
Moyer has been solid for Philadelphia this year and has won his last two starts.
Perez has not allowed a run in his last 18.1 innings against the Phillies.
Players of the Game: John Maine: W, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Billy Wagner: SV, IP, 0 H, 0 BB
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