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Reyes, Mets look to take rubber match against Phillies

Jul 24, 2008 - 11:15 AM Philadelphia (54-47) at NY Mets (54-47), 12:10 pm EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Mets started a big series on a sour note, but found the right tune on Wednesday. Now, Jose Reyes and company have a chance to win the rubber match of a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday and - more importantly - snap a tie atop the National League East Division.

Reyes' go-ahead, three-run homer in the sixth inning helped the Mets to a 6-3 triumph on Wednesday, giving starter John Maine his first win since June 25. Billy Wagner notched the save in his return from an injury scare in which he experienced muscle spasms in his left shoulder on Sunday, but declared himself ready after missing Tuesday's collapse that saw the Phillies score six runs in the ninth inning to win the game.

Oliver Perez (6-6) will take the mound for the Mets with hopes of building on his recent success. The quirky lefthander has posted a 1.38 ERA in his past four starts. In 26 innings, he's allowed four earned runs but is 1-1 thanks to poor run support.

Perez has also lowered his season ERA from 5.70 to his current 4.36 mark over the last nine outings.

Jamie Moyer (9-6, 3.90) has been just as impressive for the Phillies. The 45-year-old southpaw has surrendered three runs or less in his last eight starts. In his last two starts, he is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA.

Jimmy Rollins extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a 1-for-4 effort and Shane Victorino belted his seventh homer on Wednesday.

Chase Utley hasn't homered since July 7 and has two RBI in his last 10 games.