Mitch Keller Bounces Back as Pirates Take Down Mets 2-1 For Series Victory

PITTSBURGH — On a day where Andrew McCutchen checked off quite a milestone for his career, Mitch Keller shined on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Backed by Keller’s strong start, the Pirates (34-30) defeated the New York Mets (31-35) by a score of 2-1 on Sunday  afternoon at PNC Park to claim a series victory.

After struggling over his last three starts, Keller (8-2) bounced back and held the Mets to just one run in seven innings. He only allowed a pair of hits, walked two and struck out seven.

Keller eclipsed the 100-strikeout mark on the season after fanning Mark Vientos in the fifth inning. The right-hander retired the final 10 batters he faced. 

Leading off the bottom of the first inning McCutchen lined a single to left field for the 2,000th hit of his big league career. McCutchen became the 291st player in MLB history to reach the milestone. 

Jeff McNeil put the Mets up 1-0 in the fourth inning with a solo shot to right field off of Keller. It was the third homer of the season for the Mets’ second baseman.

After just missing a home run in Saturday’s game, Jack Suwinski hit a rocket off the right field foul pole for his 13th of the season, tying the game 1-all. Suwinski finished the afternoon 2 for 4. 

The Pirates took the lead later in the inning on a Tucupita Marcano base hit to right field. Ji Hwan Bae, who doubled, scored from third after advancing on a wild pitch. 

David Bednar shut the door in the ninth inning for his 14th save of the season.

After an off day on Monday, the Pirates will travel to Wrigley Field to face the Chicago Cubs for the first time this season on Tuesday night. Luis Ortiz (1-2, 4.23 ERA) will start for Pittsburgh while the Cubs have yet to announce a starter.