Marlins Top Pelfrey and Take Series

MIAMI — Josh Johnson pitched 6.2 innings for his first victory in almost two years, and the Florida Marlins tightened the NL East race by beating the Mets 7-5 last night.

Jeremy Hermida and Cody Ross both tripled in a five-run fourth inning against Mike Pelfrey (9-7), who lost for the first time in his past eight decisions.

The loss knocked the Mets out of first place in the division. Philadelphia, which beat Washington 8-5, moved into first, one-half game in front of New York and 1½ ahead of the Marlins.

Pinch-hitter Damion Easley hit a three-run homer off Johnson in the seventh to cut the Mets' deficit to 5-4.

But Dan Uggla hit a two-run homer in the eighth for Florida. It was the 84th career homer for Uggla, who broke the major league record for most homers by a second baseman in his first three seasons. Joe Gordon hit 83 with the Yankees from 1938-40.

Kevin Gregg allowed three consecutive two-out singles in the ninth, the third by Ramon Castro to drive in a run. But Jose Reyes flied out, and Gregg earned his 23rd save in 29 chances.

The Marlins, who trailed 1-0, came from behind to win for the 32nd time, most in the NL. They overcame deficits in both victories in the three-game series.

Hermida started the hit parade in the fourth with a triple. One batter later, Jorge Cantu singled to tie the game at 1-all.

Ross tripled two batters later on a two-out, 3-2 pitch to drive in Cantu and Josh Willingham. John Baker added an RBI double, and Johnson also doubled home a run.

Pelfrey threw 42 pitches in the 24-minute half inning. The outing equaled his shortest of the season. He allowed eight hits and five runs.