Lucas Duda's RBI single in the eighth inning gave the Mets a 2-1 lead and an error by Pedro Alvarez one batter later made it 3-1. Some shoddy defense behind Jon Rauch helped the Pirates close the gap to 3-2 but Tim Byrdak and Frank Francisco recorded the final four outs without issue.

R.A. Dickey was brilliant, allowing one run over seven efficient innings, striking out a career-high 11 and walking none in the process. He threw just 88 pitches and was removed for pinch hitter Andres Torres in the eighth inning with the score tied 1-1. It was a questionable move by Terry Collins, as Dickey was rolling and the bullpen is nothing to celebrate.

We knew it was over when...

Francisco tallied the last out of a perfect ninth inning on a Rod Barajas fly ball. It was a quick-and-easy night for Big Frank, as he threw eight strikes over ten pitches.

What else?

David Wright had a rare poor game, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Ike Davis had a customarily poor game, finishing 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. It's painful.

Mike Baxter started the decisive eighth-inning rally with a double off Andrew McCutchen's glove. It was Baxter's eighth double in just 45 at-bats this season.

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by MetsFan4Decades; her effort in the game thread embiggens us all.