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Tension between division rivals Phillies and Mets mounted after Thursday’s game — a 3-1 loss that moved the Mets into first place above Philadelphia.

Carlos Delgado’s two-out, two-run double in the eighth inning snapped a tie and propelled the Mets to a victory against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday afternoon.

The Mets and the Phillies are right back where they were when they began this series Tuesday, sharing a record and the same coveted spot atop the National League East.

Luis Aguayo has been mostly anonymous during his five weeks on the job as the Mets’ third-base coach, but he was not so lucky Tuesday night.

Fred Wilpon, the team’s principal owner, said Wednesday he is pleased with the direction the Mets are headed and with the work of Manager Jerry Manuel.

Without Billy Wagner the Mets bullpen was subjected to a remarkable ninth-inning rally, and the Phillies took the first game of a pivotal series at Shea.

Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies praised the fans at Shea Stadium for creating a hostile environment, even if none of it unnerves him.

The status of Ryan Church, on the disabled list since July 6 with postconcussion syndrome, remained murky on the first day he was eligible to be activated.

The troubling question for the Mets this season — and it becomes more troubling when you really explore — is: Who in the clubhouse can stop the bad streak that will invariably come?

With Pedro Martínez out, Oliver Pérez will pitch in the series against the Phillies along with Johan Santana and John Maine, which could be a blessing in disguise.