NY Mets 8, Philadelphia 6

PHILADELPHIA, July 21 (UPI) -- John Franco, 42, recorded his first save in more than two years Monday as the New York Mets posted an 8-6 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Mets starter Aaron Heilman (1-2) struggled to complete five innings, allowing four runs and seven hits. The righthander walked three and struck out four while getting his first victory.

In search of a closer since trading Armando Benitez to the New York Yankees, the Mets turned to Franco, whose last save came on June 19, 2001, two weeks after Heilman was drafted.

It was Franco's 423rd career save, extending his major league record for most by a lefty and putting him within 55 of Lee Smith's all-time record.

Cliff Floyd, Joe McEwing and Jason Phillips homered for the Mets, who won for the second time in 12 games.

Jim Thome hit his 25th homer and Bobby Abreu drove in four runs for Philadelphia.