Francisco Lindor had three hits, including a go-ahead two-run single in the ninth inning, and the visiting New York Mets beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 on Sunday. The Mets trailed 2-1 before putting the first two batters on base in the ninth inning against Aroldis Chapman (1-4). After striking out Mark Vientos and Luis Torrens, Chapman walked Jose Iglesias to load the bases before Lindor put the Mets ahead with his two-run single to left field. Mets closer Edwin Diaz (3-1) gave up the lead in the eighth inning before recording the final four outs. New York broke a scoreless tie in the top of the eighth inning when Lindor drew a two-out walk and scored on Brandon Nimmo's double against Colin Holderman into the left-center-field gap. The Pirates moved ahead 2-1 in the bottom half of the inning after putting two runners on with two outs against Dedniel Nunez. Diaz entered and walked pinch hitter Joshua Palacios on four pitches before Nick Gonzales followed with a two-run single to left field. Ke'Bryan Hayes had two singles for Pittsburgh, which has scored a total of four runs in consecutive losses after winning 14-2 in Friday's opener of the four-game series. The first six innings featured a tight pitcher's duel between the Mets' Sean Manaea and the Pirates' Luis Ortiz. Manaea allowed two hits with three walks and six strikeouts over six scoreless innings while throwing 89 pitches. Ortiz matched Manaea's performance with four hits allowed over six scoreless frames. He had zero walks and struck out five while throwing 86 pitches in his second start this season. The Mets' best threat against Ortiz came after Lindor doubled with one out in the sixth inning. Lindor advanced to third on Nimmo's groundout, but was stranded when J.D. Martinez grounded out. The Pirates put the leadoff man on base in the seventh inning on Hayes' single, but New York reliever Reed Garrett escaped unscathed when Oneil Cruz struck out and pinch hitter Rowdy Tellez grounded into a double play. --Field Level Media
Jul 3, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports