Mets 5, Phillies 2: Jordany Valdespin hit a pinch-hit three-run home run in the eighth for his first major-league hit, lifting New York to a road win in the opener of a three-game series.

Backup catcher Mike Nickeas kept the inning alive with a double into the left-field corner against Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon (0-1). Valdespin, who was called up before the game when Ruben Tejada was placed on the disabled list, followed with a three-run homer to right.

The Phillies took a 2-0 lead on John Mayberry's sacrifice fly in the first and Placido Polanco's RBI double in the second, but starter Jon Niese settled in to work three scoreless innings after that.

Four relievers combined to shut out the Phillies the rest of the way.

David Wright tied it with a two-run double in the sixth, breaking through against Roy Halladay, who allowed five hits and struck out seven in seven innings.

Tim Byrdak (1-0) worked out of a jam in the eighth for the win and Frank Francisco perfect ninth for his eighth save.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Mets C Josh Thole left the game in the bottom of the eighth after being injured while tagging out Ty Wigginton on a play at the plate. … Niese remained winless since beating the Phillies on April 14. … Valdespin had been 0-for-6 previously in his brief major-league career.