Phillies stun Mets in ninth

Philadelphia takes over first in NL East

Things are looking up for Jimmy Rollins and the Phillies after his two-run double in the ninth inning of Philadelphia's victory at New York. (SETH WENIG/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

When Jimmy Rollins saw Mets reliever Duaner Sanchez come out to pitch the top of the ninth inning instead of starter Johan Santana or closer Billy Wagner, he went straight to the batting tee to stay loose.

It didn't matter that he was due up sixth and the Philadelphia Phillies trailed by three runs. He thought they had a chance.

He was right.

Philadelphia feasted on New York's makeshift bullpen for six runs with Wagner unavailable because of an injury, and Rollins hit a go-ahead two-run double to help the Phillies to an 8-6 victory last night to take back sole possession of first place in the National League East.

"It started last year," Rollins said, referring to the Phillies' comeback from seven games behind the Mets with 17 to play to win the division. "You never give up."

After Santana pitched eight dominant innings, the Mets had to make do without Wagner, who has muscle spasms around his left shoulder joint.

Manager Jerry Manuel said Wagner's availability would be a midgame decision based on how the lefthander felt. But after batting practice he was told it would be better if Wagner took another day off.

Manuel turned to Sanchez, a setup man, and he gave up three straight hits to start the ninth. Joe Smith (1-2) relieved and Carlos Ruiz drove in a run with a high bouncer that shortstop Jose Reyes fielded but missed stepping on second base instead of flipping to Damion Easley.

Pedro Feliciano relieved and pinch hitter So Taguchi, who was 0 for 16 coming in, stroked a two-run double to tie it.

Rollins followed with a double that made it 7-5, and Ryan Howard drove in another run on a fielder's choice.

Chad Durbin (3-2) pitched a perfect eighth, and Brad Lidge gave up a run in the ninth but finished for his 22d save in as many chances.

Angels 3, Indians 2 - Jeff Mathis hit a go-ahead solo homer in the fifth inning to lead host Los Angeles over Cleveland.

Francisco Rodriguez threw a scoreless ninth for his 41st save - surpassing last season's total with 62 games remaining. He is five saves shy of the franchise record he set in 2006.

Diamondbacks 9, Cubs 2 - Yusmeiro Petit shut down Chicago, and Conor Jackson drove in three runs for host Arizona.

Marlins 4, Braves 0 - Rick VandenHurk and three relievers combined on a one-hitter, and Mike Jacobs hit a three-run homer as host Florida shut out Atlanta.

Athletics 8, Rays 1 - Dallas Braden (2-0) allowed one run over five innings and Jack Hannahan hit a three-run homer as visiting Oakland ended a six-game losing streak.

Reds 4, Padres 3 - Jeff Keppinger's one-out double in the 11th sent Cincinnati to a victory over visiting San Diego.

White Sox 10, Rangers 2 - Mark Buehrle (8-8) pitched 7 1/3 innings and Alexei Ramirez hit the first grand slam of his career for host Chicago.

Blue Jays 10, Orioles 8 - Adam Lind had a career-high four hits, including a three-run homer, and light-hitting John McDonald had four RBIs to rally Toronto past host Baltimore.

Pirates 8, Astros 2 - Paul Maholm (7-6) went eight strong innings and Freddy Sanchez homered for the second straight game for visiting Pittsburgh.

Rockies 10, Dodgers 1 - Ubaldo Jimenez (6-9) threw a four-hitter in his first career complete game and Ian Stewart homered and had four RBIs to lead host Colorado.

Giants 6, Nationals 3 - Bengie Molina hit a two-run homer and a solo shot, Barry Zito won his second straight decision, and host San Francisco beat Washington.

Brewers 4, Cardinals 3 - Bill Hall homered in the ninth to snap a late-inning tie for the second straight game and visiting Milwaukee won its sixth straight.

Tigers 7, Royals 1 - Kenny Rogers pitched six strong innings and Placido Polanco homered and drove in two runs to help Detroit win at Kansas City.