By Stephen J. Nesbitt / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Gerrit Cole, the former first-overall pick, was two outs away from his first career complete game and shutout. After a single and a walk, though, he stared at the dirt and kicked the rubber. His night was done after 8 1/3 superb innings.
Cole dazzled, scattering six hits and 10 strikeouts in a 111-pitch outing, and Mark Melancon got the final two outs as the Pirates took the season opener from the Mets, 4-1, Friday night at PNC Park.
The Pirates had lost six of their previous seven games.