Big Inning Keeps Mets’ Hopes Alive

The New York Mets kept insisting they just needed one big hit to break the slump that threatened to ruin their season. Against Greg Maddux, they got a week’s worth.

John Olerud’s grand slam highlighted a startling seven-run burst in the fourth inning and the Mets stopped a seven-game losing streak with a 9-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves Wednesday night.

New York, which had a team-record nine hits in the inning, ended the Braves’ eight-game winning string and blunted Maddux’s bid for a 20th victory.

“We always thought we were due for an inning like that,” Olerud said. “We needed it as soon as possible.”

The Mets (93-65) are 1 1/2 games behind Cincinnati and Houston (both 95-64) in the wild-card race and must win at least two of their final four games to have any chance of making the playoffs.

Al Leiter (12-12) gave up two runs in seven innings.

Maddux (19-9), who had never given up more than six hits in an inning in the majors, gave up eight straight to begin the fourth.

The Mets’ Rey Ordonez tied Cal Ripken’s major league record for shortstops by playing his 95th consecutive errorless game.