Murphy's homer with pink bat spurs Mets' rally

NEW YORK -- Though Daniel Murphy was dressed in a New York Rangers sweater after Sunday's win over the Phillies, he did not plan on joining a pack of his teammates at Madison Square Garden for the game.

Murphy had Mother's Day duties to attend to.

Then again, the second baseman had already celebrated earlier Sunday, when his two-run homer with a pink bat helped spark the Mets' three-run comeback in the ninth en route to their 5-4, 11-inning win over the Phillies. One of several Mets players to use such the specialty lumber, Murphy came through with the most significant pink-tinted hit at Citi Field.

"You just go out there and try to play as hard as you can," Murphy said.

As they do every Mother's Day, Major League players recognized the holiday by using pink bats, wristbands, cleats and other accessories. After the game, an authenticator came to Citi Field's clubhouse to collect the gear, which will be auctioned off on MLB.com to benefit the fight against breast cancer.

Murphy was not the only Mets player who delivered a Mother's Day gift. Though rookie Eric Campbell did not use a pink bat, he planned to give the ball from his first big league hit -- a single off Cole Hamels in the fourth inning -- to his parents for display in their home.

"She's going to like that one for sure," Campbell said, smiling.