NEW YORK (Reuters) - Roy Halladay produced eight spectacular innings of pitching, and scored a run, as the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 4-0 on Saturday.
Halladay allowed just four hits and struck out seven batters to improve his record to 15-8. His run in the third inning broke a four-game scoreless streak at Citi Field for the Phillies.
"It was 38 innings, but we put one across," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told reporters. "Four games plus two innings, even I can count that far."
Halladay pitched out of the only threat he faced, getting Angel Pagan to ground out and then striking out David Wright and Carlos Beltran after giving up a lead off triple to Jose Reyes in the fourth inning.
"My command was better," Halladay said. "I didn't have as many balls over the plate.
"Today and the last couple of times I felt strong. It's just a matter of maintaining that. The closer you get to the end of the season and you're in it, you get a little boost."
Pat Misch, who was making his first start for the Mets, did not receive much defensive help as he and his team mates committed three errors that led to three unearned runs.
A throwing error by second baseman Ruben Tejada allowed Jimmy Rollins to score in the fifth inning and a ground ball that went through the legs of third baseman Wright allowed two runs to score in the sixth inning.
"I don't think you're going to win too many games making three errors," Wright said.
"When you have (Halladay) on the mound you know you're going to have to play pretty perfect baseball to beat him and we were far from that tonight."
Misch pitched six innings, allowing four runs, though only one was earned, on eight hits and two walks while striking out two.
Phillies relief pitcher Ryan Madson made the final inning uncomfortable, striking out Josh Thole with the bases loaded for the final out.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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