Mets Fail to Complete Sweep, Lose to Pirates in Extras

New York's late rally falls short as Pittsburgh holds on for 4-3 victory in 10 innings.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Mets were unable to complete a season-opening three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates, falling 4-3 in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field despite a late push. New York struggled offensively, striking out 16 times and managing just three runs over the final 18 regulation innings. The game remained tied into extras before Pittsburgh broke through in the 10th inning to take the lead, and the Mets' rally in the bottom half fell just short.

Why it matters

The loss prevents the Mets from starting the season with a perfect 3-0 record and a sweep of their NL East rivals. It also highlights the team's offensive struggles, which will be an area of focus as they look to bounce back in their upcoming series against the Cardinals.

The details

Nolan McLean battled through an uneven start for the Mets, allowing two runs on four hits over five innings with eight strikeouts. The game remained tied at 2-2 until the 10th inning, when Pittsburgh broke through against reliever Richard Lovelady to take a 4-2 lead. The Mets answered with a run in the bottom of the 10th on a Juan Soto double, but Francisco Lindor was thrown out trying to score the tying run, and New York could not capitalize with the tying run 90 feet away.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Citi Field.
  • The Mets head to St. Louis to open a three-game series with the Cardinals, beginning Monday at 7:45 p.m.

The players

Nolan McLean

The Mets' starting pitcher, who allowed two runs on four hits over five innings with eight strikeouts.

Richard Lovelady

The Mets' reliever who allowed the go-ahead run in the 10th inning.

Juan Soto

The Mets' outfielder who drove in a run with a double in the 10th inning.

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' shortstop who was thrown out trying to score the tying run in the 10th inning.

Marcus Semien

The Mets' second baseman who drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had our chances, but just couldn't get that final run across. It's a tough way to end the series, but we'll regroup and get ready for the Cardinals.”

— Buck Showalter, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets head to St. Louis to open a three-game series with the Cardinals, beginning Monday at 7:45 p.m.

The takeaway

The Mets' inability to complete the season-opening sweep of the Pirates highlights the team's offensive struggles and the need to address those issues as they head into their next series against the Cardinals. The late-game decision to try and score the tying run proved costly, and the Mets will look to bounce back and get back on track in their upcoming matchup.