Mike Piazza and Robin Ventura also double for a 3-0 lead. One out later, Benny Agbayani doubles off the wall. The onslaught continues in the second as a single and two walks load the bases with two out. Todd Zeile doubles home two of the Mets' three runs. Meanwhile after Jim Edmonds' first-inning homer, Bobby Jones retires 10 straight before Will Clark homers.
Piazza answers it with a monster homer to left.
Eric Davis, Edgar Renteria and Edmonds drive in the runs as Mike Timlin holds New York. As Mike Hampton predicts he'll pitch the game of his life, the Mets are NL champions for the fourth time and first time since 1986 . The Cards take no offense. They go quietly as Hampton makes good on his promise with a three-hit shutout. During one stretch, the left-hander strikes out seven of 11.