Sometimes it's better to get everything out of the way at once. For Mets pitcher Jeremy Hefner, this meant accomplishing a few career firsts in the same game.

Hefner won his first game in the major leagues and along the way hit his first career home run, which also happened to be his first big-league hit. The 26-year-old rookie pitched the Mets to a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

"I happened to get lucky and caught it good," Hefner said. "I didn't know if it was out and I was watching, that's why I almost missed first base."

According to STATS LLC, Hefner is the first pitcher to hit his first home run during his first career win since San Diego's Dennis Tankersley accomplished the feat in 2002. It was only Hefner's second start with the Mets. He got into trouble early, surrendering a leadoff double to Jimmy Rollins and letting him score on a wild pitch. But the rookie would settle down to pitch six solid innings.

"There's a point where you've got to grow and let them get themselves out of trouble," Mets manager Terry Collins said.

For the Phillies, the loss in the standings paled in comparison to loss suffered earlier in the day. The team announced that their ace, Roy Halladay, was placed on the disabled list and will be out six to eight weeks.

Hefner's home run, a solo shot, came off starter Joe Blanton in the fourth inning. It drew a huge ovation from the home crowd.

Hefner was able to get the home run ball back from the fan who caught it in exchange for a Johan Santana signed bat. He also took the lineup card from the game.