McReynolds’ Slam in Ninth Gives Mets 9-6 Win Over Cubs

Kevin McReynolds greeted Rich Gossage with a two-out grand slam to cap a five-run ninth inning, rallying the New York Mets to a 9-6 victory Thursday over the Chicago Cubs.

McReynolds’ 17th homer came off a 1-1 pitch from Gossage, who relieved Pat Perry, 4-4. Perry had entered the game with two on and none out in the ninth.

Kevin Elster singled to open the ninth off reliever Frank DiPino. Pinch hitter Mookie Wilson singled Elster to third. Perry relieved DiPino and yielded a run-scoring single to Lenny Dykstra, moving the Mets to close range, 6-5.

Tim Teufel failed to sacrifice the runners, popping out to first baseman Mark Grace. With Keith Hernandez at the plate, Wilson and Dykstra pulled a double steal. Hernandez walked to load the bases. Perry struck out Darryl Strawberry and Cubs Manager Don Zimmer brought on Gossage, who delivered a high fastball that McReynolds belted over the center-field fence.

New York catcher Gary Carter, trying for 225 at-bats to hit his 300th career homer, delivered the landmark shot in the second inning.

The Cubs touched New York starter Dwight Gooden for nine hits in five innings.

Carter’s ninth homer--a solo shot to left off Al Nipper--gave the Mets a 1-0 lead. He became the 59th player in baseball history to hit 300 homers, ranking fourth among catchers behind Carlton Fisk, Yogi Berra, and Johnny Bench. Carter hit No. 299 on May 16 against San Diego.