 In came Eric Orze, making his Major League debut. Five batters later, the Pirates had scored five runs, went on to romp past the Mets 8-2. Mendoza defended his decision. It's a tough spot, obviously, but these kids are important, obviously. We've got to protect them, especially after he threw 99 pitches his last time out. Going on regular rest this time for the first time in his career. Brandon Nimmo's two-run homer accounted for the Mets' runs. Mets split the four-game set against the Pirates, now move on to play the Nationals again.