PHILADELPHIA, May 23 (UPI) -- Mark Johnson snapped a slump and the New York Mets were able to snap a slide.
Johnson's first hit in 16 at-bats was an RBI double in the top of the ninth inning as the Mets salvaged the finale of their three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies, 1-0,Thursday.
The game was scoreless when Joe McEwing singled off Phillies closer Jose Mesa (1-4) with one out in the ninth. Jeromy Burnitz was hit in the arm with a 2-2 pitch and Johnson followed with a long fly ball to right. Phillies right fielder Bobby Abreu appeared to have the ball in range but it carried to the warning track and sailed over his head.
McEwing scored easily and the Mets completed their 10-game road trip, 6-4. New York won five of its first six games on the trip but had dropped three straight heading into Thursday.
Mets setup man Scott Strickland (3-2) allowed a hit over two scoreless innings and Armando Benitez secured his ninth save.
Bnitez's save did feature another confrontation with Phillies slugger Pat Burrell.
Burrell ripped a two-out single off Benitez and is 4-for-5 with three homers and seven RBI in his career against the Mets' closer.
