Phillies can't overcome Perez's pitching, Rollins' benching, fall into second place

(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

With no help from a benched MVP, the Phillies offense completely wasted a solid pitching performance. Jamie Moyer pitched 7 strong innings and gave up only one run, but the Phillies couldn't solve Oliver Perez, who pitched 7 and 2/3rds innings, struck out 12 and also gave up only one run. The Mets rallied to win in the 8th inning when Carlos Delgado doubled in a pair of runs in the 8th inning off of J.C. Romero, dropping the Phillies into second place after the 3-1 loss.

Jimmy Rollins was a late scratch from the game, getting benched for showing up late to the game. Rollins got to the game one hour before it started, breaking Charlie Manuel's rule about showing up on time. It was the second time this season Rollins has been benched by Manuel, he was previously benched for not hustling. Rollins really let his team down at the worst possible time, considering the Phils were playing without their team leader against their biggest rival. Rollins did pinch hit late in the game and grounded into the final out.

The second place Phillies will now come home for a three game series with the Atlanta Braves. Think J-Roll might hear some boos for his benching?

Highlights of today's game: