PITTSBURGH — With a strong eighth inning, the Pittsburgh Pirates managed to secure a decisive victory over the New York Mets, emerging triumphant with a 9-2 win. Central to this victory were Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds, who both contributed with consecutive two-run doubles during a pivotal six-run rally in the eighth inning.
The game witnessed some heated moments, notably when New York’s manager, Carlos Mendoza, was ejected in the fourth inning due to disputes over balls and strikes. The atmosphere within the Mets’ camp reflected their recent struggles, having suffered their twelfth defeat in just fifteen games, prompting a players-only meeting to address their issues.
Initially, the Pirates maintained a slim 3-2 lead into the eighth. However, Ke’Bryan Hayes played a crucial role by driving in a run with a single, paving the way for McCutchen and Reynolds to extend their lead and break the game wide open. Hayes had previously influenced the scoreline with another RBI single during a proactive second inning that saw the Pirates claim a 3-1 advantage.
The game was briefly interrupted by an 89-minute rain delay during the second inning. At that point, the Mets were leading 1-0. The Pirates opted to replace their starter, Bailey Falter, once play resumed; in contrast, the Mets continued with Paul Blackburn. However, this decision backfired when Blackburn conceded five consecutive singles in the bottom of the second. Following the fifth hit, Blackburn, who is 0-3 for the season, was replaced.
Mendoza’s frustration with the officiating led to his dismissal by plate umpire Roberto Ortiz in the fourth inning, leaving the Mets without their manager for the remainder of the game. Braxton Ashcraft stepped in for Falter, allowing just one run over 2 2/3 innings, helping to fortify the Pirates’ pitching.
Looking ahead, the Pirates aim to complete a series sweep against the Mets in the upcoming game on Sunday. Several Pirates players stood out for their contributions, with McCutchen, Hayes, Joey Bart, and Nick Gonzales each recording two hits. On the Mets’ side, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo both managed to secure two hits.
The Mets started brightly with Francisco Lindor doubling to initiate the game, followed by a Juan Soto single that put them on the scoreboard. In the fifth, Nimmo’s RBI single reduced their deficit to 3-2, bringing them within striking distance once more.
A key turning point arrived in the eighth inning when the Mets managed to get a leadoff hitter on base while trailing by just one run. Nonetheless, Caleb Ferguson skillfully navigated the situation, inducing Tyrone Taylor to hit into a double play before getting Brett Baty to ground out, averting further threat.
An interesting milestone was reached during this game, as McCutchen played his 2,200th career game, maintaining the distinction of being the active leader in total MLB games played.
As the series prepares to conclude on Sunday, the spotlight shifts to the pitching matchups, with the Mets’ right-hander Frankie Montas scheduled for his second start of the season, opposite the Pirates’ right-hander Mike Burrows.