Victorino lifts Phillies to win over Mets

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.

"We had a big crowd here and they were definitely into it," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told reporters.

"In the dugout, we were talking about winning the game. They were really sold on winning the game."

The Mets' prized off-season 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 Jerry 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 and recorded his league-leading 73rd RBI of the year.

"We were able to score those two runs and tie the game. That helped us gain some momentum back," Victorino said. "It's a moral victory that we were able to come back and win."

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 John O'Brien)