The New York Mets bounced back from Saturday’s shutout with an offensive explosion, pounding out 15 hits in an 11-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park. The victory gave New York a series win and improved its record to 52-67 on the season.
Bo Bichette led the offensive charge with a perfect 5-for-5 performance, collecting two doubles, three RBI, a walk, and three runs. His bases-clearing double highlighted a four-run fourth inning that turned the game into a rout.
New York built an early cushion with two runs in the first before Luis Robert Jr. launched a two-run homer in the third. Robert finished with four RBIs, while Jared Young added three hits, including a triple.
Carson Benge continued his strong road trip after returning to the lineup following a wrist scare. The rookie went 2-for-5 and has recorded multiple hits in three straight games.
Francisco Alvarez added a solo homer in the fifth, his 13th of the season, while Marcus Semien chipped in an RBI single.
The offensive outburst made life easy for Sean Manaea, who turned in his best start of the season. The left-hander allowed one run on three hits over seven innings, struck out a season-high 11 and did not issue a walk. He retired six straight batters via strikeout at one point before Jake Mangum’s solo homer ended the streak.
Jack Weisenburger made his major league debut by throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.
The Mets open a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Monday at 7:15 p.m. Christian Scott (3-3, 3.15 ERA) is scheduled to start against Bryce Elder (8-6, 3.69 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.