New-Look Mets Rout Pirates 11-7 in Season Opener

Mets chase Skenes early, get homers from Benge and Alvarez in win

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:39am

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The New York Mets defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7 in their season opener at Citi Field. The Mets chased Pirates starter Paul Skenes in the first inning, scoring five runs, and got home runs from Carson Benge and Francisco Alvarez. Brandon Lowe homered twice for the Pirates, but their pitching and defense struggled as they walked nine batters.

Why it matters

The Mets' new-look lineup, featuring five new hitters, proved effective in the season opener, chasing the reigning NL Cy Young winner Skenes early and scoring 11 runs. This win sets the Mets up well to start the season, while the Pirates' pitching and defense issues raise early concerns.

The details

Brett Baty laced a bases-loaded triple in the first inning to help the Mets chase Skenes after just two outs and 37 pitches. Center fielder Oneil Cruz made two errors in the first inning, contributing to the Mets' five-run frame. Freddy Peralta, acquired by the Mets in the offseason, struck out seven and walked none over five innings to earn the win in his Mets debut. The Mets drew eight walks and batted around twice in the first five innings.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Mets' season opener.

The players

Brett Baty

A Mets infielder who hit a bases-loaded triple in the first inning to help chase Pirates starter Paul Skenes.

Paul Skenes

The Pirates starting pitcher, who was the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner but had his worst major league start, getting chased in the first inning.

Carson Benge

A Mets rookie who hit a solo home run in his first career game.

Francisco Alvarez

A Mets hitter who also hit a solo home run, going back-to-back with Benge.

Freddy Peralta

The Mets starting pitcher, who struck out seven and walked none over five innings in his Mets debut.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

The Mets' new-look lineup proved effective in the season opener, chasing the reigning NL Cy Young winner early and scoring 11 runs. This win sets the Mets up well to start the season, while the Pirates' pitching and defense issues raise early concerns.