Mets Pitching Injury Crisis Deepens with 9-1 Loss to Pirates

The New York Mets suffered a heavy 9-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, highlighting ongoing struggles in their pitching rotation due to injuries. Mets starter David Peterson, who had been the rotation ace in Kodai Senga's absence, gave up five earned runs including a damaging second inning where the Pirates scored four runs, effectively ending the Mets' chances early. The Mets' bullpen, including newly recalled Blade Tidwell, also struggled to contain the Pirates' offense, which featured key RBI hits and a three-run homer by Bryan Reynolds. Offensively, the Mets were largely ineffective, going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position despite Juan Soto's solo homer. The loss snapped the Mets' two-game winning streak and underlined the challenges faced with four starters on the injured list, including Griffin Canning who had season-ending Achilles surgery. Despite earlier season optimism and strong pitching performances, the Mets' depleted staff and inconsistent offense have contributed to recent losses, while the Pirates capitalized on their opportunities to improve their standing.