PHILADELPHIA — The first instant replay call in World Series history did more than turn a double into a home run. It changed the whole game for Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees.

Rodriguez's disputed shot started a big comeback and those dangerous Yankees bats finally broke loose, backing Andy Pettitte in a rain-delayed 8-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies last night that gave New York a 2-1 Series lead.

"It was a big hit. I think it woke our offense up a little bit," Rodriguez said.

After pitching dominated the first two games in the Bronx, the Yankees and defending champion Phillies flexed their muscles, combining for six home runs at cozy Citizens Bank Park. Jayson Werth connected twice for Philadelphia.

Rain affected the Series schedule in Philly for the second consecutive year, delaying the start by 1 hour, 20 minutes. Once they hit the field in front of their boisterous fans, the Phillies took a 3-0 lead — but it was squandered by a struggling Cole Hamels, last year's World Series MVP.

Game 4 is tonight. Joe Blanton pitches against Yankees ace CC Sabathia, who goes on three days' rest for the second time this postseason.

A slumping Nick Swisher and pinch-hitter Hideki Matsui also went deep for New York. Johnny Damon hit a tiebreaking, two-run double.

"This was my first time coming to this ballpark. It just seems like you're going to have a slugfest a lot," Swisher said. "It was a great day for us."

Pettitte settled down after a shaky start and even helped himself at the plate with a tying single. His six-inning outing was enough to earn his 17th postseason win, extending his major league record.

"He closed off our left-handed hitters," Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said.

Especially slugger Ryan Howard. The NL championship series MVP is 2 for 13 with nine strikeouts in the Series.

Carlos Ruiz homered for the Phillies in the ninth off Phil Hughes. Mariano Rivera finished up at 12:42 a.m. in a non-save situation.

"It was an absolute grind tonight, that's for sure," Pettitte said. "I can't remember winning a game where I've struggled like I did tonight. So it's very gratifying."

With the Yankees down three runs, Mark Teixeira walked in the fourth and Rodriguez hit an opposite-field drive deep into the right-field corner. He cruised into second base with an apparent double after the ball ricocheted back onto the field.

Video replays, however, showed the ball struck the lens of a television camera positioned just above the fence at the 330-foot sign. Umpires huddled in the infield. Four of the six went under the stands for a look at the replay and emerged about a minute later.

The signal: home run.

"I couldn't see it," A-Rod said. "When we got the call I was happy."

New York kept hitting in the fifth and chased Hamels, scoring three runs to take a 5-3 lead.