WHAT IT MEANS: David Wright is now the most prolific hitter in Mets history. Well, the co-most prolific hitter in Mets history for the next day or so.

Wright tied Ed Kranepool for the career franchise hits record at 1,418 with a two-run single to right field in the seventh inning against Pittsburgh’s Jared Hughes on Tuesday night at Citi Field.

Wright, who earlier homered and finished 2-for-4, was playing in his 1,255^th career game. It took Kranepool 1,853 games to achieve that hit total.

Wright became the fourth active player to lead his franchise in career hits, joining Derek Jeter (Yankees), Todd Helton (Rockies) and Michael Young (Rangers).

However, rookie Collin McHugh was charged with seven runs in 1 1/3 innings in his first major league start in two weeks and the Pirates beat the Mets, 10-6.

In the first inning, Justin Turner and Wright became the first Mets to homer back-to-back this season.

Wright reached 20 homers for the sixth time in his Mets career with a solo shot that pulled the Mets within 4-3. He matched Mike Piazza for the second-most seasons at that level in franchise history. Darryl Strawberry had eight 20-plus homer seasons.

McHugh’s line: 1.1 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 0 K. His ERA swelled to 6.75.

Pittsburgh, bidding for its first winning season in 20 years, improved to 76-78. The Mets’ four-game winning streak was snapped.

MEDICAL ISSUE: Robert Carson departed with one out in the seventh inning and two strikes on Gaby Sanchez after a mound visit by Terry Collins, Dan Warthen and trainer Ray Ramirez. The team announced a preliminary diagnosis of a left elbow strain -- which can be ominous. Carson will undergo an MRI on Wednesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

WHAT’S NEXT: Jeremy Hefner (2-7, 5.79 ERA) opposes left-hander Jeff Locke (0-2, 5.47) Wednesday at 7:10 p.m.