Robert's Three-Run Blast Lifts Mets Over Pirates

New York center fielder hits walk-off homer in 11th inning to give Mets 4-2 victory

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:08am

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Luis Robert Jr. hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to give the New York Mets a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. The game was a pitching duel between the Mets' David Peterson and the Pirates' Mitch Keller, who matched zeros through regulation. The Mets rallied to tie the game in the 10th inning before Robert's heroics in the 11th.

Why it matters

The Mets' dramatic comeback win over the Pirates showcases the team's resilience and ability to win close games, an important quality for a team with championship aspirations. Robert's first home run as a Met also highlights the impact he can have in the middle of the lineup after being acquired in an offseason trade.

The details

After the starting pitchers kept the game scoreless through 9 innings, the Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 10th on an RBI single by Nick Gonzales. The Mets answered in the bottom half, with Luis Torrens delivering a tying single. In the 11th, the Pirates went back ahead 2-1 on a two-out single by Bryan Reynolds before Robert came through with the game-winning three-run shot off rookie left-hander Hunter Barco.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • Robert's walk-off home run came in the bottom of the 11th inning.

The players

Luis Robert Jr.

A center fielder for the New York Mets who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Chicago White Sox. Robert hit the game-winning three-run home run in the 11th inning.

Mitch Keller

The starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who matched zeros with the Mets' David Peterson through 9 innings.

David Peterson

The starting pitcher for the New York Mets, who also matched zeros with the Pirates' Mitch Keller through 9 innings.

Nick Gonzales

A Pirates infielder who gave his team a 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the 10th inning.

Hunter Barco

A rookie left-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who took the loss after giving up Robert's game-winning home run in the 11th inning.

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What they’re saying

“That was a huge win for us. We battled all game and Robert came through in a big spot. That's why we traded for him - to have that kind of impact in close games.”

— Buck Showalter, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets and Pirates will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

The takeaway

Robert's walk-off blast capped an exciting extra-inning affair that showcased the Mets' resilience and ability to win close games, an important quality for a team with championship aspirations. The win also highlighted Robert's potential impact as a middle-of-the-order bat after being acquired in an offseason trade.