QUEENS, NY — If there were any doubts about turning the page to a new season, the New York Mets erased them quickly on Thursday.
Facing reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, the Mets came out swinging and never let up, erupting for five runs in the opening inning and chasing the Pirates’ ace after recording just two outs. The early onslaught powered New York to an 11-7 win on Opening Day at Citi Field.
The five-run first inning set the tone for one of the most productive Opening Day performances in franchise history. The Mets’ 11 total runs are tied for their second-highest output in a season opener, trailing only a 12-run showing against the Cubs in 1994.
Skenes, who entered with high expectations, endured the shortest outing of his major league career. The right-hander failed to escape the first inning, a stark contrast to his previous shortest start — a two-inning appearance in last season’s finale against the Yankees.
New York’s lineup wasted no time applying pressure. After Francisco Lindor worked a leadoff walk and aggressively took third, the Mets strung together quality at-bats to keep the inning alive. Brett Baty delivered the biggest blow, ripping a bases-clearing triple to highlight the rally.
The Mets caught another break moments later when a routine pop-up off the bat of Marcus Semien was lost in the sun by center fielder Oneil Cruz, allowing Baty to score and extend the lead.
“That first inning really set the tone,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “We talk about being aggressive and putting pressure on pitchers, especially someone of that caliber. The way the guys executed from the start was impressive.”
While the offense stole the spotlight, Mets starter Freddy Peralta had a mixed debut. The right-hander surrendered four runs on six hits over five innings, striking out seven without issuing a walk. Much of the damage came from Brandon Lowe, who connected for a pair of home runs, including a solo shot in the third that trimmed the lead.
“Outside of a couple mistakes, he threw the ball well,” Mendoza said. “They made him work, but he battled and gave us what we needed.”
The Mets continued to add on throughout the game. Luis Robert Jr. contributed with multiple RBIs, including a run-scoring single in the fourth. In the fifth, New York pushed across three more runs behind timely hits from Juan Soto and Robert, along with a bases-loaded walk by Jorge Polanco.
Rookie Carson Benge added a memorable moment in his MLB debut, launching his first career hit — a home run — in the sixth inning. Francisco Alvarez followed with a towering 429-foot blast of his own to further pad the lead.
“I don’t even remember rounding the bases,” Benge said. “I just know I squared it up.”
Despite some late offense from Pittsburgh, the Mets maintained control to secure the win and continue their long-standing Opening Day success. The victory improved their all-time record in season openers to 42-23, the best mark in Major League Baseball.
The outcome might have looked different had a few defensive plays gone Pittsburgh’s way. Cruz’s misplay in center field proved particularly costly during the decisive first inning.
Still, the Mets made sure there was little room for doubt — delivering a statement performance to begin the new season.
