PITTSBURGH (AP) Jon Niese pitched seven scoreless innings against his former team and Josh Harrison had three hits as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Mets 3-1 on Tuesday in the first game of a doubleheader.
The Pirates snapped New York left-hander Steven Matz's seven-game winning streak.
Niese (6-2) gave up four hits, walked two and struck out two in helping the Pirates win for the just the second time in seven games. The lefty is 3-0 with a 1.74 ERA in his last five starts.
Niese was drafted by the Mets in 2005 and spent his entire career in the organization, including eight seasons in the major leagues, before being traded to the Pirates on Dec. 9 for Neil Walker.
Walker was 1 for 4 in his first time facing the Pirates for the Pittsburgh-area native.
Mark Melancon pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 18th save in 19 chances.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.