Mets fall to Pirates after benches clear, Francisco Lindor injury worry

PITTSBURGH — The second half was off and running Friday night and not in a good direction for the NL East's first-place team. Francisco Lindor's grimace on a swing in the fifth inning that forced him from the game was just the start. Before long, benches were emptying at PNC Park, giving the Mets an opportunity for swings resulting in solid contact. None occurred, continuing a theme for the Mets, who managed only three hits in a 4-1 loss to the Pirates.