The New York Mets' four-game winning streak came to an abrupt end Saturday with a 9-0 shutout loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Robert Stock, making his second start since returning from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, surrendered eight runs on nine hits and five walks over three innings.

Stock, a 36-year-old journeyman, struggled to find the strike zone. "When I am getting guys 0-2, and even if I am giving up weak contact, you can’t give up weak contact if you strike them out," Stock said after the game. "And then falling behind in the count later in the game is just inexcusable, because even if you are losing, the manager is looking at you to eat innings, and that was the worst part of tonight: When I got fatigued, I didn’t battle through it. I kind of gave into it. That’s on me."

The Pirates jumped on Stock early, scoring three runs in the first inning. Ronny Simon's two-run double was the key hit after Jake Mangum and Bryan Reynolds singled. The Pirates added four more runs in the fourth, knocking Stock out of the game. Jacob Gonzalez's two-run double ended Stock's night.

Luis Torrens pitched two innings in relief, allowing one earned run. The Mets' offense, which had produced 10 home runs in the previous four games, was held to just three hits against the Pirates' pitching staff. The team was also without Carson Benge, who is sidelined with a bone bruise in his left wrist.

Mets interim manager Andy Green acknowledged Stock's difficult outing but remained cautiously optimistic. "He has talent," Green said. "He earned that right for a second start. We’ll make a determination where we go from here, but this most surely doesn’t define him."

The Mets have faced challenges in filling out their starting rotation this season, with prospects like Jonah Tong struggling at Triple-A Syracuse. The team also recently traded starting pitcher Freddy Peralta and pitcher Clay Holmes, receiving four minor league prospects in return. Kodai Senga, a former starter, has recently transitioned to a relief role, and his future in the rotation remains uncertain.