Bichette Goes Supernova: 5-for-5 Masterclass Fuels Mets' 11-1 Demolition of Bucs
PITTSBURGH -- The Mets came to Pittsburgh looking for payback, and they got it in the most savage way possible. Bo Bichette went a perfect 5-for-5 with a three-run double and scored three times, Luis Robert Jr. launched a homer and drove in four, and New York rolled over the Pirates 11-1 in a game that was over before the sixth inning.
Manaea Deals Pure Dominance
Big lefty Sean Manaea was absolutely carving through Pittsburgh's lineup, striking out a season-high 11 over seven strong innings. That's the most strikeouts by a Mets starter all season, and he made it look effortless. He allowed just three hits and zero walks, with the only blemish being a solo homer from Jake Mangum in the third. That was it. That was all the Bucs could muster.
Bichette & Co. Light Up the Scoreboard
The Mets offense exploded early and never let up. Robert Jr. got things going with a two-run blast in the third, then Bichette broke the game wide open with a bases-loaded double in the fourth that stretched the lead to 8-1. Francisco Alvarez added a leadoff homer in the fifth for good measure. All told, New York outhit Pittsburgh 15-4, a brutal flip from Saturday night's 9-0 shutdown.
Rookie Carson Benge returned to the lineup after a wrist scare and chipped in with two hits and an RBI. Jared Young also added three hits in the rout.
Pirates in a Tailspin
Pittsburgh's starter Jared Jones got shelled, tagged for eight runs on six hits in just three-plus innings. He walked three and hit two batters before getting yanked. The Pirates have now lost five of six, and things aren't getting easier with a trip to Miami looming.
Jack Weisenburger, fresh off a call-up from Triple-A Syracuse, tossed two scoreless frames in his MLB debut to seal the blowout. Not a bad way to introduce yourself.
What's Next
The Mets roll into Atlanta for a three-game set Monday night, with Christian Scott taking the mound. The Pirates head to Miami to face the Marlins, with Paul Skenes getting the ball. Based on today's showing, Skenes might need to be perfect.