Domonic Brown's go-ahead single sparked a three run ninth off Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez as the Phillies came from behind to take the first of a three game series at Citi Field. Ryan Madson got into trouble in the bottom of the ninth, giving up one run, but got Daniel Murphy to ground into a game ending double play for his 10th save. Roy Oswalt threw six efficient innings and gave up just one earned run.
It was a back and forth game in which the Phillies struck first as Jimmy Rollins and Roy Oswalt each drove in a run to put the Phils up 2-0 in the 5th. The Mets struck back in the bottom of the inning thanks in part to a Chase Utley error. Oswalt got Ronny Paulino to pop up for what should have been the third out, but Utley inexplicably drifted over to Jimmy Rollins' side of second base to field the pop, the two collided and the ball fell with the runner safe. Oswalt then allowed back to back singles to bring the Mets to within one.
The Mets would add a run in each of the next two innings to take a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the 8th. Domonic Brown came in to hit for the pitcher, singled and then stole second. Jimmy Rollins then drove in his second run of the game with a double to right to tie the game at three a piece.
With the game tied the Mets turned to closer Francisco Rodriguez in the top of the ninth. He quickly got Raul Ibanez to fly out, but allowed consecutive singles to Carlos Ruiz and Ross Gload. Rookie Domonic Brown then got his second hit of the game driving in Ruiz. Jimmy Rollins drove in his third run of the night and Placido Polanco added another as the Phillies pounded "K-Rod" for three runs on five hits in the inning.
The Phillies have now won six of their last eight. Cole Hamels takes the hill tomorrow night in game two of the series against Mike Pelfrey.