The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a split in their four-game series against the New York Mets with an 8-2 victory on Monday, thanks to a five-run sixth inning and a strong pitching performance by Mitch Keller, who struck out six in eight innings. Oneil Cruz and Joshua Palacios contributed key home runs for the Pirates, while Brandon Nimmo hit a two-run homer for the Mets. The previous day's game saw Francisco Lindor hit a go-ahead two-run single in the ninth inning to lift the Mets to a 3-2 win over the Pirates, capping a dramatic comeback. Mets closer Edwin Diaz, returning from a suspension, successfully closed out the game despite earlier struggles in the series. Both teams' starting pitchers delivered solid performances, with the Mets' Sean Manaea and the Pirates' Luis Ortiz each pitching six scoreless innings.