Phillies 14, Mets 8
NEW YORK -- First baseman Darin Ruf collected a career-high six RBIs, and the Philadelphia Phillies rode an eight-run sixth inning to a 14-8 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday night at Citi Field.
The Phillies (53-80) won for just the third time in nine games. The Mets (73-59) had a two-game winning streak snapped as their National League East lead over the Washington Nationals fell to six games, pending the result of the Nationals' game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ruf, whose previous career high was three RBIs, went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer to cap a five-run third, an RBI single in the fifth and a two-run single in the sixth.
Third baseman Andres Blanco followed Ruf in the sixth with a two-run double and scored on a throwing error by Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada -- the second error of the inning for New York.
The first one was committed by reliever Bobby Parnell, who opened the inning by walking Blanco and catcher Carlos Ruiz before he threw away a bunt by shortstop Freddy Galvis as Blanco scored.
Left-hander Eric O'Flaherty walked the only batter he faced, pinch hitter Cameron Rupp, before right-hander Carlos Torres gave up a two-run double to center fielder Darnell Sweeney.
Two outs later, right fielder Jeff Francouer drew the Phillies' fourth walk of the inning. Ruf followed with his two-run single.
Sweeney, making his fourth big league start, had two hits and three RBIs, including an RBI single that started the scoring in the third. Francouer had an RBI single immediately before Ruf's homer.
Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez (2-3), the Phillies' third pitcher, earned the win after allowing two runs on five hits over two innings of relief.
Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Harang was staked to a 6-0 lead but was chased after giving up four runs in the fifth. Harang, who didn't factor into the decision last Thursday after being provided a 5-0 lead against the Mets, gave up the four runs on five hits and one walk Tuesday while striking out four over 4 2/3 innings.
For the Mets, pinch hitter Kelly Johnson laced an RBI single in the fifth inning immediately before right fielder Curtis Granderson had an RBI groundout. Center fielder Yoenis Cespedes followed with a long two-run homer.
Catcher Travis d'Arnaud had an RBI groundout in the sixth, and second baseman Daniel Murphy delivered an RBI single in the seventh.
New York left fielder Michael Conforto had two hits and a ninth-inning sacrifice fly. Cespedes and third baseman David Wright also finished with two hits.
Left-hander Jonathon Niese (8-10) gave up six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two over five innings. He also gave up five runs in the third inning of his previous start against the Phillies last Thursday.
NOTES: The Mets added seven players Tuesday by activating RHP Erik Goeddel, LHP Steven Matz, OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis and RHP Bobby Parnell from the disabled list, recalling INF/OF Eric Campbell and C Kevin Plawecki from Triple-A Las Vegas and purchasing the contract of OF Eric Young from Las Vegas. The only one likely to play a big role down the stretch is Matz, who is expected to return to the rotation this weekend. ... To make room for Goeddel and Young on the 40-man roster, the Mets outrighted INF Danny Muno and RHP Vic Black. ... The Phillies added three players, recalling RHP Dalier Hinojosa and purchasing the contracts of C Erik Kratz and RHP Colton Murray from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. It is the first trip to the majors for Murray. ... Phillies RHP Aaron Harang has made 376 career starts. The rest of the Phillies' rotation has combined for 24.