MLB: New York Mets 7, Philadelphia 4

PHILADELPHIA, May 1 (UPI) -- Daniel Murphy's two-run homer helped stake New York to a five-run lead Friday and the Mets held on to defeat Philadelphia 7-4.

New York halted a two-game slide, getting 5 1/3 innings out of starter Mike Pelfrey (3-0), who gave up seven hits and four walks, but escaped by allowing just three runs.

Francisco Rodriguez came on in the ninth for his fifth save.

This was the first meeting of the year between the NL East rivals. The Mets went 11-7 against Philadelphia last season, but finished second in the division behind the eventual World Series champions for the second straight year.

Pelfrey helped his own cause by delivering a sacrifice fly in the second -- one of three the Mets had over the first three innings -- and driving in a run with a single in the fifth.

Chan Ho Park (0-1) was torched for seven runs on eight hits with six walks in 4 2/3 innings. His ERA climbed to 8.57.