It took 10 innings for either team to score a run, but Luis Robert Jr.<\/strong><\/a> was the one to seal the New York Mets<\/a> 4\u20132 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> in extra innings. On a brisk and windy Saturday at Citi Field, the veteran outfielder lifted a pitch in the 11th over the center field wall to score the go-ahead runs. His three-run shot kept the Mets in the win column and gave the Pirates their second loss.<\/p>\n After five scoreless innings, momentum began to pick up in the fifth. Singles from Jared Triolo<\/a><\/strong> and Ryan O\u2019Hearn<\/strong><\/a> put the Pirates on base. Bryan Reynolds<\/strong><\/a> walked, but Marcell Ozuna<\/strong><\/a> was unable to score with bases loaded.<\/p>\n The Mets attempted to issue a response in the seventh with Jorge Polanco<\/strong><\/a> and Luis Robert drawing walks. But three consecutive strikeouts put an end to the inning. More of the same ensued in the eighth, as Juan Soto<\/strong><\/a> and Bo Bichette<\/strong><\/a> failed to deliver with a runner in scoring position.<\/p>\n With Bryan Reynolds<\/strong><\/a> at second because of the extra-innings rule, Nick Gonzales<\/strong><\/a> scored him on an RBI single. This tallied the first run of the game and put the Pirates ahead by one. Brandon Lowe<\/strong><\/a> followed it up with a single, while Henry David reached on a walk. However, the Pirates failed to score an additional run.<\/p>\n A pitch struck Marcus Semien<\/strong><\/a> during the top of the 10th. Brett Baty<\/strong><\/a> was on base serving ans the ghost runner and was brought home by Luis Torrens<\/strong><\/a>‘ RBI single. This tied up the ballgame and loaded the bases. Francisco Lindor<\/strong><\/a>, Soto and Bichette all had a chance to score the winning run, but failed to put the ball in play.<\/p>\n Reynolds scored the Pirates’ second run on an RBI single during the 11th. With the lead in their possession, all the Pirates needed to do was get three outs. But Polanco was able to draw another walk, and Luis Robert Jr. hit the ball deep enough to land over the center field wall.<\/p>\n The front office traded for Robert during the offseason to bring in more experience and talent. And he showed up when they needed him most.<\/p>\n Veteran David Peterson<\/strong><\/a> made his season debut and went five innings. He punched out three batters but gave up six hits with no runs. Offseason additions Luke Weaver<\/strong><\/a> and Devin Williams<\/strong><\/a> made their Mets debut, with both going an inning without giving up a run. Williams’ two strikeouts shut down the Pirates’ lineup in the ninth.<\/p>\n Aside from Robert and Torrens, not a single hitter recorded an RBI. Bichette, Soto, Baty and Mark Vientos<\/strong><\/a> were the only Mets to tally a hit. Nine members of the team stuck out, leading to their offense falling short numerous times. Luis Garcia<\/strong><\/a> and Richard Lovelady<\/a> <\/strong>gave up two runs to the Pirates, but were able to finish both innings.<\/p>\n With the series already won, the Mets can sweep the Pirates if they win Sunday\u2019s series finale. It will be a duel of righties as Carmen Mlodzinski<\/strong><\/a> will get the ball for the Pirates, while Nolan McLean<\/strong><\/a> will take the mound for the Mets. \u00a0The matchup is scheduled to start at 1:40 pm Eastern.<\/p>\nScoreless Through Regulation<\/h4>\n
Extra Inning Chaos<\/h4>\n
What Went Right for the Mets<\/h4>\n
What Went Wrong for the Mets<\/h2>\n
Looking Ahead<\/h4>\n
Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>