Luis Robert Jr’s Walk-Off Homer in Extras Lifts Mets over Pirates

For most of a cold and chilly afternoon at Citi Field, the 2025 version of the New York Mets made a return.

The offense left a ton of runners in scoring position, and it was a game where both New York (NL) and the Pittsburgh Pirates spent the day leaving runners on base. However, the 2026 Mets did something that last year’s squad didn’t do: win a game when trailing after eight innings. New Met Luis Robert Jr. hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the 11th inning to win it for New York and send a freezing crowd home happy, and the Mets to 2-0 on the young season.

Welcome to Queens, Luis Robert Jr. 

The potential of Robert Jr has been there, and it showed at times during his tenure with the White Sox, especially in his 2023 All-Star season. Robert had a solid debut on Opening Day with two hits and two RBIs. On Saturday, Robert showed exactly what he can do again with the Mets trailing 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 11th. New York wasted many opportunities throughout the game, including leaving the bases loaded with nobody out in the 10th as Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette weren’t able to get the winning run in. 

After Pirates pitcher Hunter Barco walked Jorge Polanco, and with Bichette on second as the ghost runner, Robert would hit a 1-0 slider over the left field wall for a memorable first Mets home run in walk-off fashion. Robert, just like Opening Day, put up some good at-bats again on Saturday, including working a walk in the bottom of the 7th inning. The big emphasis by the Mets on Robert was his approach to the plate. Saturday’s win is a glimpse of what could be for Robert in a Mets uniform.

David Peterson Starts 2026 Strong

David Peterson was very effective in his first start of the season and looked more like the pitcher the Mets are more familiar with. Peterson was solid for most of 2025 before struggling at the end. Peterson went 5 1/3 shutout innings with three strikeouts, six hits, and two walks. Most importantly, he orchestrated eight groundball outs. His biggest jam he had to get out of came in the top of the fifth inning. After getting the first two hitters out, he loaded the bases by allowing two singles to Jared Triolo and Ryan O’Hearn, and a walk to Bryan Reynolds. Peterson would face Marcell Ozuna and get Ozuna to pop out to end the inning. 

The Bullpen Holds Steady

It isn’t ideal to use your entire bullpen in game two of the season, but the Mets had to on Saturday. However, the bullpen did everything it could to give the Mets a chance to win. Huascar Brazobán finished the sixth in relief of Peterson with a strikeout and a groundout to leave Pirates runners stranded. Luke Weaver and Brooks Raley pitched scoreless innings, which led to the debut of Devin Williams.

With the game scoreless, Williams faced Reynolds with two outs after allowing a hit to Jake Magnum and a walk to O’Hearn. Williams would strike out the Pirates’ All-Star leadoff hitter swinging on a 93 mph fastball. Luis García and Richard Lovelady would each allow a run to score, but were able to keep it a one-run deficit for the Mets offense in their innings pitched.

Game Notes

Before Robert played hero in extras, the Mets struggled with runners in scoring position. Credit has to go to Pirates starter Mitch Keller, who was outstanding for Pittsburgh. However, the Mets’ offense had plenty of chances to put runs on the board. Including the ninth inning with the winning run on second base, and the tenth inning with the bases loaded. 

Bichette struggled at third base on Saturday as he made a throwing error in the top of the fourth inning. He also had a couple of other offline throws in the game. 

Mark Vientos, who struggled in spring training, got his first plate appearance of the season in a pinch-hit role. He batted for Carson Benge in the bottom of the tenth inning and notched a base hit. 

On Deck

The Mets will send Nolan McLean out to the mound on Sunday against Pirates starter Carmen Mlodzinski. First pitch is set for 1:40 pm EDT and will be telecast on SNY and broadcast on WHSQ 880AM.

 

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