Despite starting the year 1-2 after losing their season-opening series to the New York Mets, the Pittsburgh Pirates still have plenty to feel good about after three hard-fought games at Citi Field.

The tenacious Pirates battled until the end in all three games, showing impressive resilience that should serve them well this year.

It was evident on Opening Day, when Pittsburgh quickly fell behind after allowing five runs in the bottom of the first in the shortest start of Paul Skenes’ career.

The Pirates didn’t quit, however, and kept chipping away, scoring two in the ninth to make things relatively interesting in their 11-7 loss.

Saturday saw both teams trade zeroes until the 10th, when both offenses finally broke through. Surprisingly, Pittsburgh lost again, 4-2, in 11 innings despite outhitting the Mets 12-6.

Sunday’s series finale was more of the same: a tight, tense, back-and-forth affair that went to extra innings. This time, the Pirates prevailed, emerging with a 4-3 victory in 10 innings for their first win of 2026.

New York is one of the best teams in the National League and among the most talented teams in baseball, so it’s encouraging that Pittsburgh was able to go toe-to-toe with them all weekend. It’s a good sign for the Pirates going forward, especially with another tough road series against the Cincinnati Reds coming up.

More MLB: Pirates Earn First Victory Of 2026 With Extra-Innings Win Vs. Mets