NEW YORK — Jason Marquis became the second pitcher to hit a grand slam against the Mets this season, and the Cubs clinched home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs with a 9-5 victory Monday night that damaged New York’s postseason chances.
Struggling to avoid a second consecutive September slide, the Mets dropped 2 1/2 games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East and had their wild-card lead cut to one game over idle Milwaukee.
“When you sign on with the Mets, you sign on with being a part of what happened last year,” manager Jerry Manuel said. “We have to exorcise those demons at some point, there’s no question. Some big ones, too.”
Jon Niese (1-1) lasted only three-plus innings in his third major-league start and New York lost its third straight since moving into first place Friday with a win at Atlanta.
Marquis (11-9) drove in five runs and pitched effectively into the seventh, a big game in his hometown after he left nearly 30 tickets for friends and family.
“This was really special,” Marquis said.
Marquis connected off Niese in a six-run fourth, snapping a 2-all tie with his fifth career homer and second this season.
Seattle pitcher Felix Hernandez also cracked a grand slam at Shea Stadium this year, on June 23 off Johan Santana.
