Perez dominates Phillies as Mets take possession of 1st place with 3-1 win

The New York Mets reclaimed sole possession of first place in the National League East on Thursday as Oliver Perez gave his best pitching performance of the season against the now-second place Phillies.

Perez, who struggled in the first half of the season, continued his domination of the Phillies, giving up only six hits and striking out a career high 12 batters in 7 2/3 innings.

Aaron Heilman (2-3) came on in relief of Perez in the eighth and picked up the win, while Phillies reliever J.C. Romero (4-3) received the loss.

Romero came into the game in the eighth inning in relief of 45-year-old starter Jamie Moyer. The Mets struggled to get on base during the game, picking up only two hits off Moyer.

However, the Mets rallied in the eighth inning as pinch hitter Robinson Cancel lead off with a single. Shortstop Jose Reyes bunted Cancel over to second, and outfielder Endy Chavez hit a line drive shot to Romero that was caught for the second out of the inning.

The next batter, David Wright, was intentionally walked by Romero, bringing up red-hot first baseman Carlos Delgado. Delgado, hitting .403 this month entering the game, was just two for 18 against Romero in his career. 

Delgado worked the count to 2-2, and then hit a hard fly ball into the left field corner, breaking the 1-1 tie and scoring Cancel and Wright. Delgado was thrown out trying to reach third to end the inning.

Mets’ closer Billy Wagner picked up his 26th save of the season to close out the game in the ninth.

Although Perez (6-6) did not receive the win, he was masterful against the Phillies once again. Coming into the game, Perez had not allowed an earned run in 18 1/3 innings tossed against the Phillies this season and had struck out 15 batters.

The scoreless streak ended when Philadelphia right fielder Jayson Werth hit a home run to center field to tie the game at 1-1 in the seventh.

The Mets now lead the NL East by one game over the Phillies, a position they have not held since April 19.

Since Willie Randolph was fired as the Mets' manager on June 18, they are 20-12 under interim manager Jerry Manuel. The Mets were 34-35 upon Randolph's departure.

The Mets will look to stay in first place on Friday as they face the St. Louis Cardinals at Shea Stadium.