Bo Bichette recorded a career-high five hits on Sunday, fueling the New York Mets to an 11-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The performance was a significant boost for Bichette, who has had a middling season with a .685 OPS, and for a Mets lineup that has shown increased production on its current road trip.
Bichette's day began in the first inning with a single that helped the Mets establish an early 2-0 lead. He added another single in the third, later scoring on a two-run homer by Luis Robert Jr. In the fourth, Bichette delivered a bases-loaded double, driving in three runs. He concluded his offensive efforts with a double and a single in the fifth inning, narrowly missing a sixth hit when he drew a walk in his final plate appearance.
The Mets have won five of their last six games, a stretch that includes Bichette's go-ahead single in the 10th inning against Cleveland on Wednesday. The team also received a home run from Francisco Alvarez and three hits from Jared Young in their series win against the Pirates.
Following the trade deadline, Bichette noted a shift in the team's focus. "I think the trade deadline was kind of a turn-the-page moment," he said. "It’s in everybody’s best interest to come out here and try to get better every day, try to win, become a better team, become better individuals. That is our focus."
Bichette, signed to a three-year, $126 million contract, has expressed a desire to improve upon his season performance. "It’s definitely not up to my standards, for sure," Bichette said of his season. "I had two really bad months that I can’t take back, so right now I am just focused on being the best version of myself, finishing strong." Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea was also on the mound during the game.