The Phillies won and lost the opening game many times in the chess match that was the ninth inning, but came up with a come-from-behind 8-7 victory over the Braves in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park.

Ryan Howard belted a career-high three homers, including No. 50, but the bullpen blew its third straight save opportunity to put the Phils on the verge of suffering what would have been a devastating loss.

But Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino saved the day by knocking in the tying and winning runs, respectively, off Braves closer Bob Wickman in the bottom of the ninth. The win erased what would have been the feeling of letting another game slip away, as the Braves nearly kicked the Phils in the stomach for the second time this series.

With closer Tom Gordon having returned but unavailable to pitch until Monday, and Aaron Fultz and Arthur Rhodes also resting, the rest of Philadelphia's bullpen-by-committee couldn't get the job done. Ryan Madson relieved starter Jamie Moyer with one out in the eighth and induced an inning-ending double play. He began the ninth by allowing singles to Willy Aybar, Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur.

Manager Charlie Manuel went to rookie left-hander Fabio Castro, who retired Adam LaRoche on an RBI groundout for the first out. Castro remained in the game and surrendered a three-run homer to Matt Diaz, putting Atlanta ahead before Philadelphia staged its rally.

"They took the lead, and we came back and took it from them and won the game," Moyer said.

"The baseball gods got with us," Manuel said. "I've got a good heart. [I've] been operated on a few times, but it's OK."

Moyer turned in his best outing as a Phillie in his home debut. The veteran lasted 7 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits.

Howard pounded homers in his first three at-bats, becoming the first Major Leaguer to reach 50 homers this season. He finished the game with 52 long balls and also raised his Major League-leading RBI total to 133. The 52 dingers are the most by a second-year player in Major League history.

Chants of "MVP! MVP!" rained down for Howard's final two at-bats, and he was urged into taking a curtain call by the raucous crowd after each shot. With the fans wanting a fourth homer in the eighth, Howard singled for his fourth hit.