Pirates and Mets: did Pittsburgh’s 2-run ninth answer New York’s 5-run first at Citi Field?

The Pittsburgh Pirates left Citi Field at 0-1 after an 11-7 result against the New York Mets, who opened at 1-0, in a 1:15 PM EDT first pitch. The Pirates vs Mets final score reflected the Mets’ 11 hits and 0 errors against the Bucs’ 10 hits and 1 error.

First inning

The Pirates opened the scoring with 2 runs on 2 hits in the top of the 1st inning. The Mets answered with 5 runs on 4 hits in the bottom of the 1st, and the Buccos’ starter Paul Skenes was charged with 5 earned runs while recording 2 outs.

Third inning

The Pirates trimmed the gap with 1 run on 2 hits in the 3rd inning, and Pittsburgh finished with 3 home runs as part of 6 extra-base hits. Nick Gonzales carried over his previous-game form by posting a .500 average and 2 runs batted in, which fit the Pirates’ need to cash in a 7 at-bats with runners in scoring position that produced 1 hit.

Fifth inning

The Pirates added 1 run on 2 hits in the 5th inning, and Brandon Lowe’s previous-game line of 2 home runs and 3 runs batted in stood out as a recent power indicator in a game where Pittsburgh’s slugging percentage finished at .595. The Mets produced 3 runs on 3 hits in the bottom of the 5th, and New York’s lineup also benefited from 9 walks against Pirates pitching.

Sixth inning

The Pirates scored 1 run on 1 hit in the 6th inning, and the club’s pitching staff finished with 10 strikeouts while allowing 2 home runs. The Mets responded with 2 runs on 2 hits in the bottom of the 6th, and that sequence served as the Pirates vs Mets turning point as New York built separation after Pittsburgh had scored in 3 different innings.

Ninth inning

The Pirates pushed across 2 runs on 3 hits in the 9th inning, but the Mets’ earlier damage held through 9 innings with the Buccos leaving 8 runners on base. The Pirates vs Mets review also tracked New York’s 11-hit afternoon from the opening frame onward, while post-game thoughts Pirates centered on Pittsburgh’s 139 pitches at the plate and a bullpen line that still allowed 6 earned runs.

The Pirates will be back at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens on 3/28/2026 at 4:10 PM EDT against the Mets, with the broadcast scheduled on Sportsnet PT. Catch the next one, keep up with the series recap, and share this article with other Pirates fans.