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Matt Harvey Twirls A Gem To Lead Mets Past White Sox

By Kenneth Teape

May 30, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Harvey was masterful Monday afternoon against the Chicago White Sox, leading the New York Mets to a 1-0 victory.

2016 has been a struggle for Matt Harvey, as he has been a shell of his former self. Harvey has been rocked throughout most of the season, as he came into Monday’s start against the Chicago White Sox with a 6.08 ERA and poor peripheral stats.

There had been discussions among the coaching staff and front office of the New York Mets for the past two weeks what to do with Harvey to try and get him back on track. There were rumors about sending him down to the minor leagues to figure things out, placing him on the DL to give him some rest or remove him from the rotation and place him in the bullpen. Harvey was able to talk himself out of those options and continue on his regular schedule.

The Mets determined letting him pitch would be the best way for him to get out of his funk, and for one day that looked to be the right decision. Harvey was masterful against the White Sox this afternoon, as he led them to the victory.

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Harvey had his longest outing of the season, pitching seven innings against the White Sox. He retired the first 13 hitters to come to the plate, allowing his first base runner in the top of the fifth inning when B.J. Shuck singled.

It looked like the wheels were going to come off in the middle innings again, as the next batter, Brett Lawrie, ripped a line drive down the first base line. But, the ball found a diving Wilmer Flores, who got the unassisted double play to end the inning and keep Harvey’s outing going.

Harvey had a quiet sixth inning before getting into the seventh inning for the first time this season. It was a risky decision by Terry Collins to leave Harvey out there for the seventh, and it looked like it would come back to bite him.

Harvey issued a leadoff walk to Adam Eaton before Jose Abreu singled to left field. Melky Cabrera then had a sacrifice bunt to move them up to second and third, but Harvey would hunker down after that. He got Todd Frazier to foul out to third base and then Shuck grounded out to shortstop to end the threat.

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That would be the end of Harvey’s afternoon, as he had easily his best game of the season. He finished with seven innings pitched, two hits and one walk allowed for zero runs with six strikeouts. Harvey hit 98 miles per hour on the radar gun a handful of times, as today’s start was very encouraging.

Addison Reed and Juerys Familia would close out the game and victory for Harvey, as the Mets took home a 1-0 run. It was a pitcher’s duel, as White Sox starter Jose Quintana was strong in his own right, with the only run being allowed coming courtesy of a Neil Walker home run.

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The Mets and White Sox will continue their series tomorrow night when Steven Matz takes the mound looking for his eighth straight victory and will be opposed by Mat Latos.

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