Mets Defeat Pirates in Low-Scoring Affair

David Peterson and Mitch Keller deliver solid starts in chilly Citi Field matchup

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:03pm

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In a game marked by cooler temperatures and gusty winds, the New York Mets defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field. Mets starter David Peterson bounced back from a tough second half last season to toss six innings of two-run ball, while Pirates righty Mitch Keller kept his team in the game with a quality start of his own.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the importance of starting pitching, as both teams relied on their veteran starters to keep the opposing offenses in check on a day when the elements made scoring runs more challenging. The Mets' win also kept them in first place in the NL East, while the Pirates fell further behind in the NL Central standings.

The details

The Mets jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning, taking advantage of a couple of Pittsburgh miscues. But the Pirates responded with two runs of their own in the fourth to even the score. From there, it was a pitchers' duel, with Peterson and Keller each settling in and keeping the game tied until the Mets broke through with two runs in the seventh inning to secure the victory.

  • The game started at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The Mets scored two runs in the first inning.
  • The Pirates scored two runs in the fourth inning to tie the game.
  • The Mets scored two runs in the seventh inning to take the lead.
  • The final score was Mets 4, Pirates 2.

The players

David Peterson

The Mets' starting pitcher, who bounced back from a tough second half last season to deliver a quality start, allowing two runs over six innings.

Mitch Keller

The Pirates' starting pitcher, who kept his team in the game with a solid outing, allowing two runs over six innings.

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' star shortstop, who scored three runs in the team's Opening Day victory over the Pirates.

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What they’re saying

“It was a tough task to have to face Paul Skenes on Opening Day, but the Mets forced the Pirates to go to the bullpen in the first inning.”

— Blake Krass, Author

“If the Mets get David Peterson from the first half of last season, they'll be happy. If they get the David Peterson from the second half of last season, the Mets could be in trouble.”

— Blake Krass, Author

What’s next

The Mets and Pirates will conclude their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

The takeaway

This low-scoring affair demonstrated the importance of starting pitching and how the weather can impact offensive production in baseball. Both the Mets and Pirates will look to build on their respective performances as they continue their early-season divisional matchup.