Pirates Rally But Aroldis Chapman Blows Save in 3-2 Loss to Mets

PITTSBURGH — After Luis Ortiz threw six-scoreless innings, Nick Gonzales drove home a pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Pittsburgh Pirates their first lead of the game against the New York Mets. 

However, Aroldis Chapman blew the save in the top of the ninth inning as Francisco Lindor’s two-run single sunk the Pirates 3-2.

In the bottom of the eighth, Joshua Palacios pinch-hit for Connor Joe against Mets closer Edwin Díaz and drew a four-pitch walk to load the bases with two outs. 

Gonzales stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and delivered a clutch two-run single into left field to put the Pirates ahead 2-1. 

Chapman (1-4), who was making just his second appearance this month, needed 40 pitches to only record two outs before giving way to Kyle Nicolas.

Francisco Alvarez began the inning with a walk and Harrison Bader followed with a base hit. Chapman struck out the next two batters before another walk to Jose Iglesias setting the stage for Lindor’s game-winning hit.

Díaz (3-1) finished off the win with a spotless ninth inning. 

Ortiz scattered four Mets’ hits, didn’t walk a batter and struck out five. The big right-hander was working with a little bit of extra velocity and used his four-seamer for the final strike for four of his five punch outs. 

He threw 86 pitches, 61 of which went for strikes and induced 11 whiffs, including eight with his slider. 

The Mets only had two runners reach scoring position against Ortiz. Mark Vinetos ended up at third after a Lindor single in the third inning and Lindor later doubled with one out in the sixth.

Holderman wasn’t as sharp as he has been for much of the season and Brandon Nimmo hit a double off the base of the wall in left with two outs and Lindor at second base. Lindor scored on the play as Oneil Cruz dropped a relay throw in, though there very likely wasn’t a chance for a play at the plate anyway. 

After allowing just two earned runs over his first 28 appearances (0.68 ERA), Holderman has been charged with five earned runs in his last six appearances (7.50 ERA)

Mets starter Sean Manaea matched Ortiz by keeping the Pirates from scoring across six innings pitched. Manaea only allowed a pair of hits, walked three and struck out six batters. 

Ke’Bryan Hayes had two of the Pirates’ six hits with a pair of singles. 

Up Next

The Pirates and Mets will conclude their four-game series with a rare Monday afternoon game. Mitch Keller (9-5, 3.48 ERA) will get the start for Pittsburgh opposite Christian Scott (0-2, 4.32 ERA). First pitch: 12:35 ET.

News and Notes

• The Pirates placed LHP Bailey Falter on the 15-day injured list with left triceps tendonitis. RHP Brent Honeywell Jr. was selected from Triple-A Indianapolis and LHP Justin Bruihl was designated for assignment.
• Additionally, the Pirates activated Henry Davis from the 7-day concussion IL and optioned him to Triple-A.