Remembering Mets History (1987) Keith Hernandez Leads Mets to Win with Fourth Career Grand Slam

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Saturday September 19th, 1987: Davey Johnson's Mets (84-63) came into this game just 1.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in second place. 

The Mets had lost the opener of this series to John Smiley but lost no ground as the Cards had lost as well. Time was running out as the Mets had just 14 games left play in the season.

Tonight, Mets continued the series at Three Rivers Stadium taking on Jim Leyland's last place Pittsburgh Pirates (71-76). Leyland would turn the club around to winning the NL East by 1991. 



Rick Aguilera had a rough 1st inning, giving up a single to Jose Lind, a walk & stolen base to
Andy Van Slyke, who had reached on a force play then another walk to Barry Bonds. Mookie Wilson dropped a foul ball in the outfield then Gary Carter was charged with a passed ball. Sid Bream then doubled giving the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

In the 5th inning, Tim Teufel led off with a walk. Rafael Santana singled to right field. Rick Aguilera bunted for a base hit. Lenny Dyskstra singled bringing in Teufel with the Mets first run.

It was then Keth Hernandez turn & he lifted a grand slam to right field, giving the Mets a 5-1 lead. 

Trivia: For Hernandez it was his fifth career grand slam & his first one as a Mets player. His last grand slam had come in 1981 while he was still with the St. Louis Cardinals, coming off the Padres John Littlefield.

Hernandez would hit another grand slam for the Mets on April 26th, 1988, off the Braves Charie Puleo, a former Met. Keith would hit six grand slams in his career.

This HR was Hernandez 17th of the year & he now had 85 RBIs.

Rick Agilera got the win to go 10-2 on the year, with a 3.75 ERA. He pitched into the 6th inning, allowing four runs (two earned) on nine hits, with 4 K's & a walk. Randy Myers pitched two scoreless & Roger McDowell earned his 24th save.

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