Robert Stock’s second start was one to forget as the New York Mets were shut out 9-0 by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night at PNC Park, snapping their four-game win streak. The loss dropped New York to 51-67 on the season, while Pittsburgh improved to 58-61.
Stock ran into trouble immediately, with Pittsburgh loading the bases in the first inning before Nick Gonzales grounded out to bring home the game’s first run. Ronny Simon followed with a two-run double down the left-field line to put the Mets in an early 3-0 hole.
After allowing another run in the third, Stock unraveled again in the fourth. The Pirates opened the inning with consecutive hits before three walks and a wild pitch helped fuel a four-run frame. Stock exited after recording just one out in the inning, finishing with eight runs allowed on nine hits and five walks over three-plus innings. He struck out four while throwing 80 pitches.
The Mets’ offense never gave him much support. Bubba Chandler held New York scoreless across six innings, allowing only three singles and one walk while striking out five. Francisco Lindor, Luis Robert Jr. and Francisco Alvarez accounted for the Mets’ only hits.
Xzavion Curry provided three scoreless innings of relief, while Luis Torrens pitched the final two innings and surrendered a solo homer to Brandon Lowe.
With the game out of reach, Lindor and Bo Bichette were removed in the fourth inning as New York turned its attention toward Sunday’s series finale.
The Mets will finish the series against the Pirates on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. Sean Manaea (3-5, 4.33 ERA) will start for New York against Jared Jones (2-3, 4.02 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.