Mets Look to Clinch Series Win Against Pirates

New-look Mets lineup shines in series opener, aim to build on strong start

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:25am

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The New York Mets will look to clinch a season-opening series win against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon. The Mets rode a five-run first inning to an 11-7 victory in the series opener, with newcomers like Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr., Marcus Semien, and Carson Benge making promising debuts. The Pirates are hoping to bounce back after a familiar loss, as Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn provided early offense with home runs.

Why it matters

The Mets are hoping their offseason roster overhaul, which included parting ways with longtime stars like Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Brandon Nimmo, will pay dividends as they aim to return to the playoffs. The Pirates, meanwhile, are looking to end a seven-year postseason drought and improve on a last-place finish in runs scored last season.

The details

In the series opener, the Mets chased reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes after just two outs in the first inning, with rookie Carson Benge and newcomer Brett Baty providing the big hits. The Mets' new-look lineup, which includes Polanco, Robert, Semien, and Benge, combined to go 6-for-15 with a home run, five RBIs, five walks, and a stolen base. Bo Bichette also had an encouraging debut, battling for a 13-pitch strikeout in the fifth inning. On the Pirates' side, Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn provided early offense with home runs, but Oneil Cruz's questionable reads in center field contributed to the Mets' big first inning.

  • The Mets and Pirates will play the middle game of their three-game series on Saturday afternoon.
  • Left-hander David Peterson is slated to start for the Mets, while the Pirates will counter with right-hander Mitch Keller.

The players

David Peterson

The Mets' starting pitcher for Saturday's game, a former All-Star.

Mitch Keller

The Pirates' starting pitcher for Saturday's game, who has a 2.06 ERA in six career starts against the Mets.

Paul Skenes

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, who was chased by the Mets in the series opener.

Jorge Polanco

One of the Mets' new additions, who had an encouraging debut, going 2-for-4 with a walk.

Luis Robert Jr.

Another new Mets addition, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a walk in his debut.

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What they’re saying

“It's 162 (games), there's going to be times where it's going to be had, that's the nature of the business. But just to see it out of the gate against one of the best pitchers in the league, it goes to show you that we've got some dangerous guys there. And then (they) continued to add on.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

“We need to make sure we're prepared right there.”

— Don Kelly, Pirates Manager

What’s next

The Mets will look to clinch the series win on Saturday, while the Pirates will aim to even things up before the finale on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Mets' offseason roster overhaul appears to be paying early dividends, as their new-look lineup shined in the series opener. However, the Pirates will look to bounce back and even the series, setting up a potentially decisive finale on Sunday.