Pirates halt losing streak with dominant 9-0 victory over Mets
Bubba Chandler limits New York to three hits as Jake Mangum and Nick Gonzales drive in runs in a decisive win that ends a four-game skid for the Pirates.
The Pittsburgh Pirates concluded a four-game losing streak on Saturday night with a comprehensive 9-0 victory over the New York Mets. The win marked a significant shift in momentum for the club, which had struggled offensively in recent weeks, failing to score more than four runs in seven consecutive games prior to this contest.
Pitcher Bubba Chandler provided the foundation for the victory, delivering a steady six-inning performance that allowed just three hits and struck out five batters. Chandler, who has surrendered seven earned runs in his past five starts, walked one batter and utilised 85 pitches, 58 of which were strikes, to secure the win and improve his record to 5-8.
The Pirates’ offence ignited early, capitalising on Mets starter Robert Stock, who lasted only three innings. Stock struggled significantly, allowing eight runs on nine hits and five walks while recording four strikeouts. The damage began in the first inning when Jake Mangum led off with a double off the right-field wall. Mangum later scored from third base when Nick Gonzales grounded back to Stock with the bases loaded.
Mangum continued to influence the game with three hits, including two doubles, a single, and a stolen base. Ronny Simon also contributed to the early surge, hitting a two-out double in the first inning and scoring in the third after reaching on a bunt and stealing second base. Simon’s efforts were supported by a bloop single from Jacob Gonzalez that drove in the run.
Pittsburgh extended its lead in the fourth inning, adding four runs in the frame. Mangum recorded an RBI double and scored on a wild pitch, while Gonzales hit a two-run double into the right-field corner. The hit prompted the Mets to remove Stock from the game. The Pirates’ offensive output was further highlighted by Brandon Lowe, who hit his 25th home run, a 380-foot shot to right field off Mets catcher Luis Torrens, who pitched the final two innings.
The victory provides a respite for the Pirates as they prepare for the series finale. Right-handed pitcher Jared Jones, holding a 2-3 record with a 4.02 ERA, is set to start against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea, who has a 3-5 record and a 4.33 ERA.
