Jacob deGrom and Neil Walker led the way in a definitive road win against the Pirates. deGrom’s eight plus-inning performance was a 2017 first for a Mets starter. In command the whole game, he struck out 10 and walked just one. The lone run was courtesy of a solo home run by Gregory Polanco. deGrom kept the rest of the lineup off balance all night with a nice mix of well-placed fastballs and sliders, with just enough curves and change ups sprinkled in.
deGrom took the mound in the ninth but after surrendering a single to Polanco and striking out David Freese for the fourth time, Terry Collins wisely pulled him. The Mets had a commanding lead and deGrom was at 118 pitches. Still dialing it up to 95 mph, deGrom could have finished the game if it was really necessary. Instead, Fernando Salas got the final two outs, but otherwise, the bullpen got a much needed break. In this game, deGrom exemplified an ace. He also added two hits to raise his batting average to .333.
Despite such a fantastic performance, deGrom would have to share the post game crown with Neil Walker though as the second baseman walloped two home runs en route to a three-hit, four-RBI night. Lucas Duda continued on his hot streak with two hits, a walk and two RBI. Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce each drove in a run as well. In fact, every Met got on base at least once.
The series continues tomorrow with Zack Wheeler opposing Gerrit Cole.
I don’t understand why Sandy refuses to release or DFA Montero. His continued inclusion on the 40 man roster is reprehensible.
no kidding
Las Vegas needs starters too. Don’t expect to see him ever again, but as long as they can maneuver and get players onto the 40-man that they need, it works for both the Mets and Vegas.
I thought the return of Matz and Lugo would be it for him. But Matz isn’t on the 60-day DL, so they’ll only need one roster spot. So when Lugo returns that’ll be the last of Neil Ramirez.
You wouldn’t know it from the box score, but Jay Bruce had a very good night at the plate. Every time up he hit it square and far with a long double, a walk, and twice lined out to an outfielder pretty deep; to left center and to center. He’s getting locked in again.
Also noticed Duda going the other way quite a bit lately and again tonight. Good signs.
This game is what the doctor ordered. Tank you Jacob deGrom and Neil Walker.
OK Zack, it is now your turn.
Neil Walker has a .345/.400/.598 line in May
Lucas Duda has a .926 OPS with a .308 BABIP
Granny has 7 RBIs in his last 9 games with an .862 OPS in his last 75 PA.
I was pleased to see a SP allowed to surpass the 100-pitch limit while staying under 120. Hopefully next time it will be in a game where the starter is cruising and the lead is less than seven runs.
The key to deGrom almost going the distance was limiting the walks. Mets starters have been uncharacteristicly walking hitters at an alarming rate. In 2015 and 2016 this was a control staff.
I fully agree, and also note the road less traveled. This season our pitchers are struggling to shut the door on 2 strikes with endless foul balls that are also running up the pitch count.