The New York Mets (43-57) beat the Pittsburgh Pirates (53-51) 12-6 in the opening game of their four-game series at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Pitching

Steven Matz (5-8, 3.79 ERA) took the mound for the Mets looking to rebound from his worst start since June 21. His performance this time around was pretty solid. He picked up the win after going six innings and holding the Pirates to three hits, four runs and two walks. One of the most impressive parts of his outing was his nine strikeouts. It was the most he’s struck out since Aug. 9, 2016 and tied his career high.

Paul Sewald took over for Matz in the seventh and struggled. He gave up two hits, a walk and a run to make it a 10-5 game.

Jerry Blevins pitched the eighth inning and turned in a scoreless frame.

Drew Smith came into the game for the ninth and gave up a run before retiring the side to end the game.

Offense

Mets batters were opposed by rookie Nick Kingham (5-5, 4.80 ERA) who was coming off three consecutive quality starts. They got off to a quick start against him as Michael Conforto hit a two-out double in the first inning and Wilmer Flores immediately followed with a home run to put the Mets up 2-0.

After Matz gave up the lead in the bottom of the inning, the Mets were able regain the lead in the second when Asdrubal Cabrera hit a RBI double to drive in Devin Mesoraco.

The Mets extended their lead to 4-2 an inning later as Mesoraco drove in Flores on a sac fly.

The Pirates tied the game up again in the bottom of the third, but the Mets took a 6-4 lead off a two-run homer by Cabrera in the fourth. The Mets added a third run in the fourth on a throwing error by David Freese.

While the Mets were quiet in the fifth and sixth, they kept the Pirates busy in the seventh as they combined for four hits, one walk and three runs.

Matt den Dekker got his first RBI of the season in the eighth with a sac fly. Flores also added a run an in the ninth with a sac fly of his own.

A total of nine Mets had hits in this game. Those nine combined for 14 hits and nine walks.

On Deck

Jason Vargas (2-6, 8.60 ERA) will make his first start off the disabled list tomorrow and will be opposed by Ivan Nova (6-6, 4.28 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT and the game will be broadcast on SNY and 710 WOR.