Mets Explode for 5 in 1st, Knock Out Pirates' Skenes

Paul Skenes struggles, Mets score 5 in 1st inning

Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes gets knocked out in the 1st inning as New York Mets score 5 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks.

Mets score 5 runs in the 1st inning, knocking out Pirates' ace Paul Skenes...

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, didn't last long in Thursday's Opening Day matchup against the New York Mets, getting taken out in the first inning.

Skenes, 23, lasted just two-thirds of the top of the first, giving up five runs on four hits and two walks on 37 pitches.

Francisco Lindor reached base on a walk, setting the stage for Juan Soto's single that put runners on the corners. Lindor then scored on a sac-fly from Bo Bichette, making it 1-0 and kicking off a wild start.

Bo Bichette drives in the first run of the season 👏 pic.twitter.com/6nr7jR5AjV

— New York Mets (@Mets) March 26, 2026

 

Skenes would give up a single to Jorge Polanco, then proceed to walk Luis Robert Jr. to load the bases up with one out.

Brent Baty would smack a bases-clearing triple that put the Mets up by two runs before Marcus Semien brought him home with a double of his own to make it 5-2 after centerfielder Oneil Cruz lost it in the sun.

Skenes would strike out Carson Benge, but would proceed to hit Francisco Alvarez, which would be the final straw for manager Don Kelly, ending Skenes' 2026 debut game.