3 lessons learned from the Mets’ tie-breaking series against the Pittsburgh Pirates

After a four-game tie against the Washington Nationals, the New York Mets’ road trip continued and they headed to the City of Bridges for a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After the Blue-Orange took an early 2-0 lead, the Pirates responded with 14 unanswered runs and hit so many home runs (seven) that the fireworks went off at PNC Park.

A bases-clearing double by Luis Torrens in the third inning was all the Mets needed to win the second game 5-2.

The Orange-Blues were down to their last out in the third game before Francisco Lindor put the Mets ahead with a two-RBI single and they won the third game 3-2.

After Christian Scott left the game after allowing just one hit in 5.2 innings, the Mets bullpen collapsed and the Pirates scored five runs to win Game 4, 8-2.

3 lessons learned from the Mets’ tie-breaking series against the Pittsburgh Pirates

Sean Manaea’s resurgence continues

Sean Manaea’s recent resurgence continued as the 32-year-old made the leap to the professional ranks in the Keystone State.

Manaea pitched six strong innings, allowing two hits and three walks without allowing a run and recording six strikeouts.

The Indiana native is a hot candidate for this year’s deadline regardless of the Mets’ success and ensures that the organization receives a lot of money.

Mark Vientos is having trouble making contact

Mark Vientos has a tight grip on the third baseman position and put up solid numbers in the series against the Pirates, hitting 4-for-12 and scoring one run, but a flaw has surfaced lately. Vientos struck out six times against the Pirates and has 10 strikeouts in his last 10 games.

As pitchers begin to adjust to the 24-year-old, Vientos will have to adapt or his strikeout numbers could continue to rise.

Adrian Houser is weakening in a new role

Adrian Houser’s move to the bullpen was largely considered a success, but the Oklahoma native entered the game with runners for the first time and struggled.

Houser allowed three runs before ending the inning. The 31-year-old’s record was 2.1 innings, five hits, the aforementioned three runs and two strikeouts.

It seems that the Oklahoma native is not quite ready to compete with runners yet, and Carlos Mendoza should adjust accordingly.