Pittsburgh PiratesOpen full analysisVSNew York MetsOpen full analysis

The New York Mets defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 11–7 on March 26 at Citi Field in a spring training matchup that saw both offenses produce power but uneven pitching execution. The Mets' lineup proved more efficient, accumulating 11 hits and 11 RBIs while posting a 1.055 OPS, with two home runs supporting the offensive barrage. Pittsburgh countered with 10 hits and three home runs for 7 RBIs, but managed a .270 on-base percentage and struck out 10 times, leaving runners stranded. The pitching disparity was stark: New York's staff allowed 10 hits and 7 earned runs with a 7.00 ERA, while Pittsburgh's pitchers surrendered 11 hits and all 11 Mets runs, posting a 12.38 ERA and walking 9 batters. The Pirates' inability to control the strike zone—no walks drawn against zero walks allowed for the Mets—compounded their struggles despite the power output. Pittsburgh's pitching depth will need significant refinement before the regular season begins.