Mets Offense Spoils Opening Day For Reigning Cy Young Winner Skenes

New-look Mets lineup pummels Pirates ace in 11-7 win on Opening Day at Citi Field

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:08am

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The new-look Mets lineup pummeled the reigning National League Cy Young award winner Paul Skenes, with contributions from fresh and familiar faces alike, in an 11-7 win over the Pirates on a sunny Opening Day in Flushing. Skenes shockingly gave up five earned runs and didn't make it out of the first inning, much to the delight of the sold-out crowd of 41,449.

Why it matters

After the Mets' humiliating end to the 2025 season, letting the Cincinnati Reds sneak into the playoffs while the Mets packed up their lockers in September, Mets fans waited five long months to feel any amount of hope or optimism that this winter's extreme and emotional roster turnover just might work. This dominant Opening Day win over the reigning Cy Young winner suggests the Mets' new-look lineup could be a force to be reckoned with this season.

The details

In the first inning, the first seven Mets batters all had productive at-bats, either getting on base or contributing with a sacrifice fly. Skenes had only two whiffs on 17 swings and was pulled by Pirates manager Don Kelly after recording just two outs on 37 pitches. Brett Baty's three-run triple that Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz misjudged was the exclamation point of the Mets' commanding opening frame. Mets right fielder Carson Benge's first major-league hit was also his first-career home run, a solo shot to right field in the sixth inning.

  • On Opening Day, Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Paul Skenes

The reigning National League Cy Young award winner who was shockingly pulled in the first inning after giving up five earned runs.

Don Kelly

The Pirates manager who pulled Skenes from the game after just two outs.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets manager who praised his team's impressive first inning against Skenes.

Carson Benge

The Mets right fielder who hit a solo home run in his MLB debut on Opening Day.

David Stearns

The Mets president of baseball operations who made major roster changes in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“That first inning was pretty impressive. I'm not going to lie. If you want to beat guys like this, you're going to have to play perfect baseball.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

“Amazing. Personally, it's something that helps me get better. I can't wait to see the fans like that the rest of the year, the same way.”

— Freddy Peralta, Mets Pitcher

“We got a lot of guys that are going to grind at-bats. And that was the perfect example. Even if we didn't get the result we wanted in that particular situation, the other guy benefitted from it.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

“Just calm down. Just take a deep breath. Calm down. Great atmosphere, great fans. Just trying to bring myself back down so I can compete.”

— Carson Benge, Mets Outfielder

“That's what we showed today, what we can do. But I think a great offense brings it every day. Today's a good thing to build off for sure. But, looking forward to doing more.”

— Bo Bichette, Mets Infielder

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.