Brett Baty’s Breakout Sparks Mets’ Surge as Pirates Struggle in Series Finale

The New York Mets are proving their early-season dominance is no fluke—and Brett Baty is leading the charge.

With a crucial seventh-inning home run in Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baty not only lifted the Mets to another tight win but also sent a clear message: he’s here to stay in the majors.

The Mets, leaders in the National League East, are now poised to complete a three-game sweep of the Pirates on Wednesday night at Citi Field. Right-hander Clay Holmes (5-1, 2.74 ERA) will take the mound for New York, squaring off against left-hander Bailey Falter (2-3, 4.36 ERA) of Pittsburgh.

Baty’s Redemption Fueling Mets’ Momentum

Since being recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on May 5, Baty has transformed into an offensive catalyst. He’s smashed four homers in five games—a dramatic turnaround after hitting just one in 19 games prior to his demotion.

“I think it’s just a testament to this whole group—just coming in every single day and being the same person,” Baty reflected, underscoring the resilience and chemistry driving the Mets.

Depth and Surprises Bolster Mets’ Early Surge

It’s not just Baty carrying the load. Rookie Luisangel Acuna has added spark on the base paths with 10 steals in 11 attempts. Meanwhile, Clay Holmes and Griffin Canning, offseason additions on short-term deals, have combined for a 10-2 record and a 2.55 ERA.

Even the bullpen has exceeded expectations. Huascar Brazoban, Max Kranick, and Reed Garrett, all of whom weren’t on major league rosters at the start of last season, have posted a collective 5-2 record with a 2.02 ERA.

Pirates’ Offensive Drought Deepens Despite Leadership Change

The contrast couldn’t be sharper for the Pirates. Despite a managerial shake-up that saw Derek Shelton fired last week and Don Kelly stepping in, the offensive struggles persist.

Tuesday’s loss marked their 19th consecutive game scoring four or fewer runs. They stranded 11 runners—nine in scoring position—including a bases-loaded threat in the ninth inning that fizzled out with back-to-back outs from Bryan Reynolds and Joey Bart.

“We’ve got to find a way to get those runs in,” said Kelly. “It’s not for lack of effort. We’ve just got to get it done.”

Pitching Preview: Holmes vs. Falter

Holmes, once a Pirate himself, is set to face his former team with momentum on his side. He allowed just one run over six innings in his last outing against the Cubs.

Falter, on the other hand, impressed with six scoreless innings in a win over the Braves but holds a 1-3 career record against the Mets. Don’t Miss The Latest Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

What’s Next?

With momentum on their side and contributions pouring in from across the roster, the Mets have their sights firmly set on a series sweep and maintaining their divisional lead. For the Pirates, the focus shifts to breaking their offensive funk before the season slips further out of reach.

New York Mets vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions May 14th 2025