Mets Crush Reigning Cy Young Winner Skenes in Opener

Baty's three-run triple highlights five-run first inning as New York rolls past Pittsburgh

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:35am

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The New York Mets chased reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes after just two outs in the first inning, scoring five runs to power an 11-7 Opening Day win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Rookie Brett Baty's three-run triple was the big blow in the Mets' big first inning.

Why it matters

The Mets' decisive win over the Pirates and their star pitcher Skenes sets the tone for what could be a competitive NL East race this season, with New York looking to bounce back after an offseason of roster turnover.

The details

The Mets jumped on Skenes early, with Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto reaching base before Bo Bichette's sacrifice fly and an infield single by Jorge Polanco. Baty then tripled to clear the bases, and Marcus Semien followed with a double as the Mets chased Skenes after just two outs. Rookie Carson Benge and Francisco Alvarez also homered for New York, while Brandon Lowe hit two home runs for the Pirates.

  • The Mets scored five runs in the first inning on March 27, 2026.

The players

Paul Skenes

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, who was chased after just two outs in the first inning.

Brett Baty

The Mets rookie who hit a three-run triple in the first inning to highlight the Mets' big opening frame.

Brandon Lowe

The Pirates slugger who hit two home runs in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been locked in from the first pitch. That's the kind of start we needed to set the tone for the season.”

— Francisco Lindor, Mets Shortstop

What’s next

The Mets and Pirates will continue their season-opening series on Friday, with Kodai Senga taking the mound for New York against Mitch Keller for Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Mets' decisive win over the reigning Cy Young winner Skenes and the Pirates shows they have the firepower to compete in what should be a tight NL East race this season, even after an offseason of roster turnover.