Victorino single lifts Phillies to win over Mets

Philadelphia Phillies Shane Victorino watches his game winning RBI single against the New York Mets during the ninth inning of MLB National League baseball game action in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 4, 2008. (REUTERS/Tim Shaffer)

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Shane Victorino came through with a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to help the Philadelphia Phillies cap a two-out rally and defeat the visiting New York Mets 3-2 on Friday.

The Phillies center fielder followed up a double by Pedro Feliz to bring home the winning run. New York reliever Duaner Sanchez allowed both hits after retiring the first two batters to start the inning.

The Mets' prized offseason acquisition, Johan Santana, started on the mound and once again came away winless. He pitched eight innings, allowing two runs in the no-decision.

Santana's mediocre record (7-7) is indicative of New York's struggles this year. The Mets (42-44) fired manager Willie Randolph and replaced him with Charlie Manuel last month but the club's play has remained inconsistent.

For the National League East-leading Phillies (48-39), the victory was their fourth in a row.

Philadelphia fell behind 2-0 early, but scored two in the sixth inning on RBI singles from Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell. Howard finished 2-for-4 on the day, and recorded his league-leading 73rd RBI of the year.

The Phillies were bolstered by their bullpen, which pitched 4 1/3 combined scoreless innings after starter J.A. Happ allowed two runs.

Right-hander Brad Lidge (2-0) threw the ninth, and picked up the victory.

Catcher Ramon Castro went 2-for-3 for New York, who had just four hits.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles, Editing by Martin Petty)