Improved Mets strike early to defeat Phillies

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The New York Mets responded to a demand for improvement with a 7-4 victory over National League East rivals the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, shaking off the poor form that led to seven losses in 10 games.

The Mets scored five runs in the first three innings off Phillies starter Chan Ho Park and Mike Pelfrey improved to 3-0 as New York opened the series against the World Series champions on a positive note.

Preceding the game, Mets general manager Omar Minaya made comments about his team lacking an "edge" which appeared to grab the group's attention.

"It's just not true," New York third baseman David Wright told reporters. "I really enjoy going to battle with these guys every day. I'm glad they're on my side because we've got some guys that are gamers and who really want to win."

Right-hander Pelfrey went 5 1/3 innings and allowed three runs while driving in two at the plate before turning it over to his bullpen, where J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez safely negotiated the final two innings.

It was the fifth save of the year for Rodriguez, and redemption for Putz after the reliever blew a one-run lead in a 4-3 loss to the Florida Marlins on Wednesday.

Chase Utley went 1-for-2 with his eighth home run of the year and Raul Ibanez had two RBIs for the Phillies, who fell behind after Park allowed seven runs and issued six walks in 4 2/3 innings.

"He's been inconsistent and he's had a rough going," Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said of his Korean starter. "I think you have to show patience with players but I think our pitching has to get better. We'll do things to make it better."

Philadelphia (11-10) had won five of six before the game but the loss was the second in a row, while the Mets (10-12) knew they could not afford any slip ups if they wanted to remain in touch with the leading teams early in the season.

Left fielder Daniel Murphy bombed a two-run home run in the first and the Mets got three sacrifice-fly scores in the next two innings to take a winning 5-0 lead.

After the Phillies scored three in the third, Wright and Pelfrey had RBI singles in the fifth for New York.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)