Taijuan Walker started for the Mets in Pittsburgh, looking to continue his strong season, but the first inning quickly unraveled. After an easy first out, the Pirates strung together a couple of doubles and walks to take an early lead. Then came the bizarre play that blew the game open. With the bases loaded, a swinging bunt trickled down the line. Walker tried to touch it before it rolled fair, but the ump ruled it had already crossed into fair territory. The ball stayed live, nobody moved fast enough, and the Pirates cleared the bases as the Mets scrambled. It was ruled a three-run hit even though the whole thing looked like a toss-up, with camera angles offering nothing definitive.
Walker and the Mets’ dugout were furious. The manager came out yelling, face-to-face with the ump, demanding answers or at least a discussion with the third base ump who might’ve had a clearer look. Despite the chaos, the umpires stuck with the call. Walker stayed in the game for one more batter, but after another walk, the Mets were down 6-0 with just one out in the first. Somehow, it didn’t matter. The Mets answered right back with seven runs and ended up taking the game. They avoided a sweep and salvaged the series after a wild, frustrating start turned into a comeback win.