New-look Mets torture Paul Skenes in Opening Day win over Pirates

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New-look Mets torture Paul Skenes in Opening Day win over Pirates

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Mets rookie Carson Benge (3) is greeted by catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) after scoring on a home run in the sixth inning on March 26, 2026, Image 2 shows Mets DH Brett Baty reacts after scoring on Marcus Semien's RBI double in the first inning on March 26, 2026, Image 3 shows Pirates ace Paul Skenes (30) is pulled during the first inning against the Mets on March 26, 2026

Mike Puma · NY Post Sports

Thu, Mar 26, 2026 ·

4 min read

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Long ball, short ball or ball four, the Mets ’ new-look lineup aced the first of at least 162 tests it will face this season.

Whether it was Carson Benge and Francisco Alvarez going deep Thursday or Luis Robert Jr. milking a plate appearance into a walk or using his speed to earn an infield hit, the Mets had an Opening Day to remember, torturing Paul Skenes and the Pirates in an 11-7 victory in front of a Citi Field sellout of 41,449.

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Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young award winner, didn’t even complete the first inning . Two defensive miscues by center fielder Oneil Cruz helped the Mets score five runs in the frame and remove Skenes from the scene after 37 pitches.

“If you want to beat guys like this, you have to play perfect baseball, pretty much,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Not only putting together some really good at-bats, but running the bases, putting the ball in play and the whole way everything unfolded was pretty impressive.”

The Mets, who had lost their previous two openers, improved to 42-23 on Opening Day. The .646 winning percentage is the best among MLB teams in openers.

This was the perfect start for a rebuilt Mets lineup that shed Pete Alonso , Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil in the offseason.

Mets DH Brett Baty reacts after scoring on Marcus Semien’s RBI double in the first inning on March 26, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

In his Mets debut, Freddy Peralta lasted five innings, surrendering four earned runs on six hits with seven strikeouts. The right-hander was removed at 80 pitches.

“Amazing,” Peralta said of the atmosphere. “It was something that helped me to get better. I can’t wait to see them the rest of the season.”

Peralta’s first inning in a Mets uniform was one to forget: After Cruz singled leading off, Brandon Lowe hit a shot to right that nestled just over the fence for a two-run homer.

Skenes was removed after facing his ninth batter in the first inning: Alvarez, who got drilled by a pitch. The right-hander retired only two batters.

Mets rookie Carson Benge (3) is greeted by catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) after scoring on a home run in the sixth inning on March 26, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

The rally began with Francisco Lindor ’s leadoff walk and Juan Soto ’s ensuing single. Bo Bichette hit a sacrifice fly and Jorge Polanco ’s swinging bunt put runners on first and second. The key plate appearance of the inning followed as Robert saw 10 pitches and drew a walk to load the bases.

But the real damage wasn’t inflicted until Cruz misplayed Brett Baty ’s fly to center into a bases-clearing triple that gave the Mets a 4-2 lead. Cruz started in on the ball and then watched it sail over his head.

“Worst-case scenario, I was hoping it was going to be a sacrifice fly,” Baty said. “Then I saw Cruz kind of come in on it, so then I was like, ‘Let’s keep running.’ ”

Pirates ace Paul Skenes (30) is pulled during the first inning against the Mets on March 26, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Cruz’s misery wasn’t finished. Marcus Semien hit a fly that Cruz lost in the sun, allowing Baty to score the Mets’ fifth run.

“They got on us early and then to turn around and respond in the bottom of the inning was huge,” Baty said.

Lowe’s second homer of the game pulled the Pirates within 5-3 in the third inning. Robert’s athleticism was on display later in the inning as his diving catch in right center robbed Marcell Ozuna of a hit to end the frame.

Robert extended the Mets’ lead to 6-3 with a two-out RBI single in the fourth after Lindor and Soto had walked successively to begin the inning.

The Pirates recovered the run in the fifth on Henry Davis ’ RBI double past the diving Bichette. Nick Gonzales ’ leadoff single began the rally.

Soto delivered an RBI single in the fifth before Polanco drew a bases-loaded walk to extend the Mets’ lead to 8-4. Robert’s infield squib brought in the inning’s third run for the Mets.

Ryan O’Hearn homered against Tobias Myers in the sixth to slice the Mets’ lead to 9-5. The blast was the third surrendered by the Mets.

Benge, in his MLB debut, delivered his first hit and homer in the bottom of the inning, giving the Mets a 10-5 lead. Benge jumped on a first-pitch sweeper from Justin Lawrence and cleared the fence in right center. The next batter, Alvarez, also homered.

“It’s just one game,” Mendoza said. “But there is a lot to like.”

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