The Philadelphia Phillies dropped Game 1 of their three-game series against the New York Mets after Jonathan Papelbon gave up a three-run home run to Jordany Valdespin in the ninth inning. Valdespin was pinch-hitting for pitcher Tim Byrdak when he sent his first major league hit over the right field fence. The 24-year-old was called up when shortstop Ruben Tejada was placed on the disabled list before the game.
Byrdak earned the win after retiring the only batter he faced to leave one man on in the eighth inning. Roy Halladay started and pitched seven innings, recording seven strikeouts and giving up two earned runs and five hits. Papelbon walked Ike Davis and gave up a double to Mike Nickeas before turning Valdespin into an unlikely hero.
The Phillies took a 2-0 lead off of Mets starter Jonathon Niese after two innings. Jimmy Rollins hit a double on Philadelphia's first at-bat of the game and eventually rounded home on a John Mayberry Jr. sac fly. Placido Polanco capped the Phillies' scoring in the second inning with a double to score Carlos Ruiz.
Both of Halladay's earned runs came in the sixth inning. He retired the first two batters he faced in the inning, but got himself into some trouble when he walked Andres Torres and gave up a Kirk Nieuwenhuis single. David Wright hit a double to tie the game at two runs apiece.
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