A Tough Loss for Our Pirates 
Hey Pirates fans, we were all hoping for a better outcome today, but sometimes the game just doesn't go our way. Let's break down what happened in this close 3-2 loss against the Mets.Pitching Showdown Through the Early Innings 
Both pitchers were in complete control in the early innings. The Mets couldn't get anything going against our pitchers, with Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, and J.D. Martinez all getting shut down in the top of the 1st. Our boys also struggled with scoring, despite Andrew McCutchen and Connor Joe working their way onto the bases.Mets Break Through in the Eighth 
After seven scoreless innings on both sides, everything changed in the top of the 8th. Mark Vientos and Jeff McNeil shut down, but Francisco Lindor walked, then came through with a double from Nimmo, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead. We all felt that pinch, but the tides turned quickly.Pirates Rally Back! 
Bottom of the 8th, our Pirates weren't going down without a fight. Jack Suwinski's single and Andrew McCutchen’s follow-up got us rolling. Joshua Palacios, pinch-hitting for Joe, showed patience and earned a walk, loading the bases. Then, Nick Gonzales delivered a critical single to score Suwinski and McCutchen, putting us up 2-1. The energy at our home park was electrifying!Heartbreak in the 9th 
Unfortunately, the Mets had a response. Francisco Alvarez walked to start the 9th, and Harrison Bader singled, putting the pressure on. Even after a couple of strikeouts, Francisco Lindor came through again with a single that brought Bader and Ben Gamel home, flipping the score to 3-2. Our closer couldn't contain their hitters, and we went into the bottom of the 9th down.One Final Push
In the bottom of the 9th, Oneil Cruz, Rowdy Tellez, and Jack Suwinski tried to rally, but stellar Mets defense shut us down. The game ended with our Pirates falling just short.Final Thoughts 
It's a tough way to end a game where we showed so much heart, especially in that 8th inning rally. Let's keep our heads up, Pirates fans—there's always another game and more opportunities to show our true Black and Gold spirit! 
Until next time, LET'S GO BUCS!!
Scoreboard for Mets @ Pirates (July 7th, 2024)
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 1 |