The Pirates found themselves in another extra-inning game against the Mets with their backs up against a possible sweep and 0-3 start, but pulled it out this time for their first win of 2026. Carmen Mlodzinski struck out eight in 4.1 innings, the bullpen was fantastic and the bats came through with enough to secure the 4-3 win and avoid the sweep.
The Offense is Going to Be OK
Yes, the Pirates (1-2) had a litany of baserunners on base the past two games. Twelve today and an absurd 17 yesterday, but that also means they’re getting men on base. Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn have been revelations already this season. They acquired two All-Stars from last year and they’re performing like All-Stars again. It also seems like everyone in the lineup is seeing a lot of pitches, making good at-bats. And this was against a tough Mets team on the road. I know it’s only three games in, but I feel the offense is going to be a-okay. Once others heat up and the power comes from Cruz, Horwitz or Reynolds, the offense is going to put some crooked numbers up at times this season. Much more than they did last season. Maybe even as soon as this next series against the Reds in that launching pad in Cincinnati.
Losing Today Would Have Been a Backbreaker
Today’s win over the Mets in 10 innings to avoid the sweep wasn’t a must win this early in the season, but another loss would have been brutal. Losing in extras on another walkoff when you had a lead and were involved in another close game could have been a tough blow for this team. Instead, they get out of New York with a win, improve to 1-2, avoid the sweep and have to feel good about how they played overall through most of the series. You can’t win a division in April, but you certainly can bury yourself early and lose it. Today’s win should be a good lift for this team on getaway day. In Cincinnati we’ll see Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler and Paul Skenes so you have to feel good about their chances with those three going.
Henry Davis Continues to Impress Me
A lot has been said and written about Henry Davis struggling at the plate in his young MLB career. He’s not there yet, but man does he continue to impress me behind the plate and he’s one of the best home plate taggers I’ve seen. I’ve never heard of who the best home plate taggers are, but I’m rolling with that new skill category and Davis is great at it. On the relay home in the 10th inning from Cruz to Triolo to Davis as he nailed Francisco Lindor dead to rights at home plate, Davis was in position, doesn’t move until he catches the throw and then bang makes the tag. And did he ever nail Lindor…he tagged him right in the face on the chin (ouch!). It was a great tag and saved the game. Davis also had to run after a wild pitch strike three and he drilled a long throw to first to throw the runner out.
Henry also singled in the top of the 10th inning to give the Pirates a 2-run lead. And Davis had a double on Opening Day and is hitting .250/.400.375 for the year. If Davis can muster a hit per game and hits .250 with 10-12 HRs while playing fabulous defense and tagging people out at the plate, sign me up for that season from him.
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