The Mets overcame a so-so start from Marcus Stroman, as Wilson Ramos came up huge in the 7-5 win over Pittsburgh. >> Box Score
Five takeaways from Saturday's game...
1) Marcus Stroman's Mets' debut got off on the wrong foot. The right-hander struggled with his command early, and allowed four consecutive singles to start the game, including an RBI knock from Starling Marte. Stroman walked in another run later in the inning, needing 35 pitches to get out of the first frame. He was pulled from the game after just 4.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits.
2) Wilson Ramos put the Mets on the board first on Saturday. After loading the bases off of starter Chris Archer, Ramos lined an 0-2 breaking ball into center field for a base hit, scoring Amed Rosario.
Then, in the top of the eighth with a runner on, Ramos slammed an opposite-field home run to put the Mets ahead 4-3. In the ninth, Ramos capped his amazing night with a three-run double to break the game wide open, finishing with a career-best six RBI. He also threw out a runner trying to steal second base.
3) Jeff McNeil was given the night off by manager Mickey Callaway, in preparation for Monday's doubleheader. Much like when Pete Alonso got his "day off" against the Giants earlier this season, McNeil delivered with a pinch-hit solo home run in the seventh inning. McNeil's 12th home run of the year brought the Mets back within one at 3-2.
4) With McNeil starting the night on the bench, Mickey Callaway elected to bat Rosario out of the leadoff spot. Rosario contributed three hits and scored a run, providing a spark at the top of the lineup.
5) Fresh off being named NL Reliever of the Month for July, Seth Lugo pitched an easy eighth inning for the Mets. Entering the game with a 4-3 lead, Lugo pitched a one-two-three eighth with one strikeout. After the Mets added three insurance runs, Edwin Diaz was still called upon to close out the game. He allowed a two-run homer to Marte, but did eventually finish the game.
Highlights
Who needs gloves? (Unless they're Gold) pic.twitter.com/sYFzAKLEj9
- SNY (@SNYtv) August 3, 2019
Video: WATCH: Jeff McNeil hits a HR out of PNC Park
Video: WATCH: Wilson Ramos belts a two-run HR
What's next
The Mets and Pirates will close out their three-game set on Sunday afternoon at 1:35 p.m. on SNY. Noah Syndergaard (7-5, 4.10 ERA) will face off against fellow righty Joe Musgrove (8-9, 4.23 ERA).