Lowe's Historic Homer Powers Pirates Past Mets
PITTSBURGH — Brandon Lowe added another chapter to his standout first season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting a solo home run off position player Luis Torrens in the seventh inning to cap a 9-0 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday at PNC Park. The win snapped a four-game losing streak for Pittsburgh and evened the four-game series at 1-1 heading into Sunday's finale.
The home run was Lowe's 25th of the season, but more importantly, it set a franchise record. The blast was his 24th as a second baseman, surpassing Neil Walker's previous mark of 24 set in 2014. Lowe also has one home run as a designated hitter, giving him the outright record for most homers by a Pirates second baseman in a single season.
Lowe's historic night came in a game where the Pirates jumped on Mets starter Robert Stock early, scoring three runs in the first inning and never looking back. Stock lasted just three innings, allowing eight runs. Torrens, primarily a catcher, pitched the final two innings and surrendered Lowe's milestone blast.
The Pirates' offense, which had struggled during the losing streak, exploded for nine runs on 12 hits. The shutout was a team effort, with starter Jared Jones (2-3, 4.02 ERA) earning the win after allowing just three hits over six innings. The Mets, who had won four straight entering the series, managed only three hits all game.
The Stakes and the Series So Far
Sunday's series finale at 1:35 p.m. ET carries extra weight for both teams, though for very different reasons. The Pirates (58-61) are fourth in the NL Central, still clinging to faint wild-card hopes but needing a strong finish to make a late push. The Mets (51-67) are fifth in the NL East, their playoff chances all but gone, yet they are playing for pride and to evaluate young talent under interim manager Andy Green.
The Mets arrived in Pittsburgh on a roll, having won four straight, and they took the opener on Friday before Saturday's blowout loss. A win on Sunday would give them a series victory and maintain some momentum, while the Pirates are desperate to avoid a losing series after their recent skid.
Injuries have reshaped both rosters. The Mets are without Juan Soto (calf), Mark Vientos (hand), and several relievers, which has forced them to use position players on the mound—like Torrens on Saturday. The Pirates, meanwhile, are missing key pieces such as Oneil Cruz (hand) and Mitch Keller (arm), but they have found a new offensive catalyst in Lowe.
Lowe, acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays along with outfielder Jake Mangum and left-hander Mason Montgomery, has been a revelation in Pittsburgh. Through 110 games, he is slashing .254/.320/.487 with an .807 OPS, leading the team in home runs, RBI, and slugging percentage. His 74 RBI rank 10th in MLB, and his 25 homers are 13th. He also made history earlier this season with two home runs on Opening Day and three homers in the series against the Mets at Citi Field in March.
His consistency has been notable, though his power has tailed off slightly since July—he has five homers since the start of July after hitting eight in March/April and six each in May and June. Still, his overall production has made him one of the better power hitters in baseball and a rare bright spot for a Pirates team that has hovered around .500 all season.
What This Means Going Forward
Lowe's record-setting season is a significant development for the Pirates, who have long searched for a consistent power threat at second base. His presence in the lineup provides protection for Bryan Reynolds and gives the team a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat. For a franchise that has struggled to compete in recent years, Lowe's emergence offers a building block for the future.
The series finale on Sunday also features an intriguing pitching matchup. The Pirates send right-hander Jared Jones, who missed the March series against the Mets while recovering from surgery. He has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 28-strikeout stretch over four starts earlier this season, but has been inconsistent lately. The Mets counter with left-hander Sean Manaea, who has a 3.79 ERA in 10 starts since joining the rotation.
For the Mets, the remainder of the season is about evaluation and building toward 2027. The emergence of rookie Carson Benge, who has 13 home runs and 18 steals, and the steady production of veterans like Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette give fans reason for cautious optimism. The return of Juan Soto from the injured list could provide a spark, though his timeline remains unclear.
As the season winds down, both teams are looking to establish an identity. The Pirates, with Lowe and a young core, are hoping to avoid a sixth straight losing season. The Mets, under new interim leadership, are trying to find a formula for relevance in a tough NL East. Saturday's game showcased the potential of the Pirates' offense when it clicks, and Lowe's historic achievement is a reminder that even in lost seasons, individual milestones can provide a glimmer of hope.
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