For the first time in what seems to be a millennia, the New York Mets were able to give starting pitcher Jacob deGrom solid run support, as they defeated the Washington Nationals 4-1.
While the final line seems like it was a peachy outing for deGrom, he had to work his way through a rough second inning which saw him give up his only run of the game. With a first and third with no one out situation, deGrom relented a sac fly to Ryan Zimmerman that at the time tied the game at 1-1. deGrom instantly picked up the pieces, and recorded a pickoff to end the inning eventually.
After that, he was his normal dominant self, not facing any real threat throughout the rest of the game. His final line was seven innings pitched, with three hits and an earned run allowed. He recorded eight strikeouts and only conceded one walk over his 98 pitches. My Gut Reaction is that if he puts up another start like he did tonight in Atlanta, he will earn the Cy Young Award.
The offense, feeling the urgency of providing runs for deGrom, truly stepped it up to give him support. The best offensive performance came from Jay Bruce, who has been hot since his return from injury. Bruce had an RBI single in the top of the first to drive in Amed Rosario, and then an RBI double in the top of the third to drive in Michael Conforto. The other runs were both driven in in the third inning as well, via a Devin Mesoraco double and a Dom Smith single.
Brandon Nimmo, who got hit by a pitch in addition to his normal walk per game, continued his climb up the OBP leader board. He’s behind Paul Goldschmidt for second place in the National League by .001.
Tomorrow, the Mets will again be in Washington to take on the Nationals. Corey Oswalt will take on Tanner Roark at 4:05 pm.
Man I thought Gsellman was gonna blow it, but for once he elevated a pitch and got Soto with the biggest out of his season and just barely escaped with the save but boy was he has been terrible outside of April.
Nobody has been harder on Mesoraco than me after a good May and he has struggled after May but he was great tonight as was Bruce.
Jake looked shaky in the second as his secondaries weren’t great early so he went to fastball at a higher rate than he has all year and he settled down and dominated after that and even found his secondaries. I thought he was pulled an inning too early but thankfully Lugo got a big double play and Gsellman held on.
Jay Bruce is 12-41 (.293) against the Nationals this year with 8 XBH.
My gut reaction: The deGrominator!
Harper said he was special. II’m sure Scherzer appreciated that quote from Harper. Bruce said he’s boring because he’s so consistent. I say he’s remarkable!
I knew that Bruce would come around once he was healthy. Maybe not like 2017 but a a piece that contributes to the whole team. Let’s face it he’s getting old and he has physical problems but Callaway rest his players unlike TC used to do.
Nimmo is a OBP machine and should be leading off. He goes deep into the counts and has enough speed for the leadoff position. It just baffles me why he doesn’t lead off.
Oswalt will go for the series win this afternoon. I’m rooting for him because he’s young and I would like to see him become the fifth starter.LGM
At least we achieved one objective for 2018, We took the season series (11-8)from the Nationals. deGrom is fantastic – if he doesn’t win the Cy Young then MLB should be embarrassed. Looking forward to 2019.