Pirates Fall to Mets 5-1 Despite Johan Oviedo’s Strong Start

PITTSBURGH — Johan Oviedo delivered another strong start for the Pittsburgh Pirates but the Pirates were defeated 5-1 by the New York Mets on Saturday at PNC Park.

Brandon Nimmo fought off a pitch from Oviedo into left field for an RBI-single in the third inning to get the Mets on the board– his second hit of the day. 

The Mets (31-34) didn’t strike again until seventh inning when Mark Canha doubled home a pair off of Dauri Moreta, putting New York ahead 3-1. Moreta entered the game in relief of Oviedo.

It’s only the second time Moreta has allowed an inherited runner to score this season and the first time since May 12.

Canha’s double closed to book on Oviedo (3-5). The Pirates’ right-hander was tagged for two earned runs on four hits and a pair of walks in 6.1 innings. He struck out five batters and threw 55 of his 90 pitches for strikes. 

Over his last six starts, Oviedo has a 2.62 ERA (10er/34.1ip).

In the top of the ninth, Canha again doubled to right-center and plated another run, giving him three RBIs on the game.

Francisco Alvarez extended the Mets’ lead to 4-1 with a solo homer to left field off of Pirates reliever Colin Holderman.

The Pirates (33-30) took advantage of a pair of Mets’ errors to push across a run and tie the game at 1-all. Shortstop Luis Guillorme dropped a double play ball before second baseman Jeff McNeil saw a grounder go past him on the very next pitch. The miscues allowed Jack Suwinski to score.

With two outs in the third, Mets starter Kodai Senga (6-3) issued three-consecutive free passes. Connor Joe gave one a ride to center, but Nimmo made a great catch at the wall to keep the Pirates from scoring. 

That was all the Pirates were able to manage against Senga, who went seven stellar innings for New York.

Andrew McCutchen, one hit away from 2,000 for his career, finished the game 0 for 3 with a walk. Ke’Bryan Hayes’ eight-game hitting streak came to a close with an 0 for 4 day.

The Pirates will conclude their nine-game home stand in the series finale against the Mets on Sunday afternoon. Mitch Keller (7-2, 3.60 ERA) will be the Pirates’ starter while veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 5.94 ERA) will get the ball for New York. First pitch: 1:35.