Pirates vs. Mets Recap: McCutchen, Reynolds Power 9-2 Win | June 28, 2025 MLB

On June 28, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a commanding 9-2 victory over the New York Mets at PNC Park, pulling away with a six-run eighth inning to secure the win. Powered by Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds’ consecutive two-run doubles, the Pirates capitalized on a struggling Mets squad that dropped their 12th game in 15. Below, we break down the player stats, pivotal moments, and game analysis for this MLB matchup, optimized for fans searching for Mets vs. Pirates stats, highlights, and 2025 MLB season updates.

Match Overview

• Sport: Baseball
• League: MLB (Major League Baseball)
• Matchup: Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates Match Player Stats
• Date: June 28, 2025
• Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
• Result: Pittsburgh Pirates won 9–2

Game Recap: Pirates Break Open Tight Game in Eighth

The Mets struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning after Francisco Lindor’s leadoff double and Juan Soto’s RBI single. However, an 89-minute rain delay in the top of the second disrupted the game’s flow. The Pirates responded with a three-run second inning, sparked by five straight singles, to take a 3-1 lead. The Mets clawed back to 3-2 with Brandon Nimmo’s RBI single in the fifth, but Pittsburgh’s explosive eighth inning, led by Ke’Bryan Hayes, McCutchen, and Reynolds, sealed the 9-2 rout. New York manager Carlos Mendoza’s ejection in the fourth for arguing balls and strikes added to the Mets’ woes, culminating in a players-only meeting post-game.

New York Mets Player Stats and Key Contributors

The Mets struggled offensively and defensively, managing only two runs despite early opportunities. Here are the standout performers:

• Francisco Lindor: 2-for-4, 1 double, 1 run scored. Lindor set the tone with a leadoff double but couldn’t spark a broader rally.
• Juan Soto: 1-for-4, 1 RBI. Soto’s first-inning single drove in Lindor, but he was quiet thereafter.
• Pete Alonso: 2-for-4, 0 RBIs. Alonso’s multi-hit game provided some offensive spark but lacked impact.
• Brandon Nimmo: 2-for-4, 1 RBI. Nimmo’s fifth-inning single cut the deficit to 3-2, but the Mets couldn’t capitalize further.
• Paul Blackburn (SP): 2.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 1 K (19 strikes on 30 pitches). Blackburn struggled after the rain delay, allowing five straight singles in the second.

Team Stats:

• Field Goals: 7/32 (21.9%)
• Runs: 2
• Hits: 7
• RBIs: 2
• Left on Base: 6
• Errors: 1 (contributed to Pirates’ rally)

The Mets’ inability to convert with runners on base, particularly in the eighth when Caleb Ferguson induced a double play, doomed their comeback hopes.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Stats and Standout Performances

The Pirates’ offense erupted in the eighth, with their depth and timely hitting overwhelming New York. Key contributors included:

• Andrew McCutchen: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, 1 double. McCutchen’s two-run double in the eighth broke the game open, marking his 2,200th career game, the most among active MLB players.
• Bryan Reynolds: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 1 double. Reynolds followed McCutchen with another two-run double in the eighth, capping a six-run inning.
• Ke’Bryan Hayes: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored. Hayes’ RBI single in the second and another in the eighth fueled Pittsburgh’s lead, extending his seven-game hitting streak (10-for-24, .417).
• Joey Bart: 2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored. Bart’s RBI single in the second helped build the early lead.
• Nick Gonzales: 2-for-4, 1 run scored. Gonzales contributed to the Pirates’ multi-hit effort.
• Bailey Falter (SP): 1.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 K (19 strikes on 30 pitches). Falter exited after the rain delay, earning a no-decision.
• Graham Ashcraft (RP): 2.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 2 K. Ashcraft stabilized the game post-delay, earning the win.

Team Stats:

• Field Goals: 12/35 (34.3%)
• Runs: 9
• Hits: 12
• RBIs: 9
• Left on Base: 5
• Errors: 0

The Pirates’ 12 hits, including five in the second and four in the eighth, showcased their offensive depth, while their pitching limited New York’s chances.

Key Moments That Shaped the Game

1. Rain Delay Disruption: An 89-minute delay in the second inning forced both starters out early, but Pittsburgh adapted better, with five straight singles in the bottom of the second.
2. Pirates’ Second-Inning Rally: Hayes, Bart, and Gonzales sparked a three-run inning to take a 3-1 lead, capitalizing on Blackburn’s post-delay struggles.
3. Eighth-Inning Explosion: Pittsburgh’s six-run eighth, featuring Hayes’ RBI single and McCutchen and Reynolds’ two-run doubles, turned a 3-2 game into a 9-2 blowout.
4. Mendoza’s Ejection: New York’s manager was ejected in the fourth for arguing balls and strikes, reflecting the Mets’ frustration during their skid.

Why This Game Matters for the 2025 MLB Season

The Pirates (15-29, 5th in NL Central) showed offensive firepower, scoring 9+ runs in three straight games against the Mets, a feat not accomplished in a series of three or more games since 1999. This sweep highlights their potential to climb the standings with players like McCutchen, Reynolds, and Hayes leading the charge.

The Mets (struggling at 12 losses in 15 games), however, face mounting pressure, as evidenced by their post-game players-only meeting. With stars like Lindor, Soto, and Alonso, New York must address their offensive and defensive inconsistencies to stay in the NL playoff race.

Where to Find Full Box Scores and Highlights

For detailed box scores, play-by-play, or video highlights, visit:

• MLB.com (Official box scores and game recaps)
• ESPN (Game summaries and analysis)
• CBS Sports (Live coverage and stats)
• Baseball-Reference (Advanced stats and historical data)
• Yahoo Sports (Live updates and play-by-play)

These platforms offer comprehensive stats and highlights for fans seeking in-depth data on the Mets vs. Pirates game.

Looking Ahead: Series Finale and Beyond

The Pirates aimed to complete the sweep on June 29, 2025, with RHP Mike Burrows (1-2, 4.45 ERA) facing Mets RHP Frankie Montas (0-0, 0.00 ERA) at PNC Park. Pittsburgh’s offensive surge and bullpen depth make them a threat, while the Mets desperately need a win to halt their slide.

Final Thoughts

The June 28, 2025, Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Mets game showcased Pittsburgh’s offensive prowess and the Mets’ ongoing struggles. Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds’ clutch hitting, paired with Ke’Bryan Hayes’ consistency, powered the Pirates to a 9-2 rout. For the latest MLB updates, player stats, and game highlights, check MLB.com, ESPN, or Baseball-Reference. As the 2025 season progresses, the Pirates’ sweep could mark a turning point, while the Mets face a critical juncture in their playoff hopes.