The Associated Press

CHICAGO Ñ For-mer Tucson Toro Karl Rhodes did the swinging and Hillary Rodham Clinton did the singing yesterday, and still it wasnÕt enough for the Chicago Cubs to win on opening

Despite RhodesÕ three solo home runs off Dwight Gooden, the New York Mets beat the Cubs 12-8 in a game that saw the First Lady throw out the first pitch and later join broadcaster Harry Caray in a rousing rendition of ÒTake Me Out to the Ball Game.Ó

Rhodes and George Bell are the only players to homer three times in an opener.