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Mets end skid against Phillies

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:42 AM By Doug Mittler PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- Without Jimmy Rollins, the Philadelphia Phillies' recent domination of the New York Mets came to a crashing, error-filled halt.

Angel Pagan had a two-run double to highlight a six-run third inning that included three Philadelphia errors and Mike Pelfrey pitched five innings in his season debut as the Mets snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Phillies with an 8-2 victory.

Rollins, the reigning National League Most Valuable Player, was a late scratch with a sprained left ankle and his replacement at shortstop, Eric Bruntlett, made two of the errors in the decisive six-run inning that also saw a run score on a wild pitch. The Phillies were charged with four errors overall.

"We had a rough inning. That's about as ugly as it can get," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "We fell apart."

Pelfrey (1-0), given the job of fifth starter by default when Orlando Hernandez started the season on the disabled list, allowed two runs and five hits. Hernandez has a strained tendon in his foot and will wear a protective boot for the next two weeks.

A hamstring injury to Pedro Martinez has made Pelfrey's progress even more critical for the Mets. Pelfrey did just enough on Wednesday, but needed 100 pitches to get through five innings.

"I definitely need to go deeper into games and be more efficient," Pelfrey admitted. "But for the most part I was aggressive."

Eight of Philadelphia's nine straight wins over the Mets came last season, which contributed to New York's monumental September collapse and helped the Phillies win the NL East.

"That's the way the game goes. It's not like they have our number or any of that crap," Mets manager Willie Randolph said. "The point about a hex or a jinx is ridiculous."

Loser Kyle Kendrick (1-1) never found any rhythm, allowing seven runs one earned and four hits with a career-high six walks in 2 1/3 innings.

"I kind of nibbled (around the plate)," Kendrick said. "Six walks, that's not me."

Carlos Delgado doubled to lead off the third before Ryan Church and Damion Easley singled to bring home the first run of the inning. Pelfrey attempted to sacrifice and leaped over the bunt on his way to first base. Catcher Carlos Ruiz picked up the bunt and threw wildly to third, bringing home another run.

Bruntlett booted a ground ball by Jose Reyes to load the bases before Pagan sliced a two-run double to let field, giving the Mets a 5-1 lead and finishing Kendrick. Bruntlett promptly booted a ground ball by David Wright, bringing home the sixth New York run.

"That's not the type of first impression you want to make," said Bruntlett, who was making his first start for the Phillies.

A wild pitch by Chad Durbin brought home another run to make it 7-1 and cap the inning

Ruiz drove in the first Phillies' run with a single in the second. Chase Utley had an RBI double in the fifth.

Jorge Sosa pitched two scoreless innings, Pedro Feliciano worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and Carlos Muniz finished up in the ninth.

Kendrick tied his previous career high with three walks in the first inning alone. The Mets settled for one run when second baseman Utley booted a hard-hit ground ball by Wright.