Jacob Degrom’s dominant start helps the Mets snap seven-game losing streak

The New York Mets desperately needed a win on Friday night at Citi Field against the Los Angeles Angels. Fortunately for the Mets, their ace Jacob deGrom turned in one of his best starts of the season. 

After not looking like his usual self over his last three starts, New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom returned to top form on Friday night.

With the Mets trying to avoid their eighth consecutive loss, deGrom took the hill against the Angels. He got into some trouble in the first inning after walking Cameron Maybin to lead off the game. Maybin tried to steal second base but was thrown out by Mets catcher Rene Rivera. Later in the inning, Mike Trout singled with two outs and nobody on base. The next batter was Luis  Valbuena, and deGrom was able to strike him out to end the inning.

The Mets were able to get deGrom a run early in the game. In the bottom of the first inning, Curtis Granderson hit a RBI ground-rule double to give his team a 1-0 lead.

DeGrom cruised through the next four innings, only surrendering one hit and striking out six Angels. He got into a little bit of trouble in the top of the sixth inning after giving up a two-out single to Kole Calhoun.

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After a wild pitch allowed Calhoun to advance to second base, Mets manager Terry Collins decided to intentionally walk Trout. This ended up being a smart move, as Valbuena grounded out to end the inning.

In the bottom half of the sixth inning, Rivera hit an RBI single. This much-needed insurance run helped the Mets extend their lead to 2-0.

The seventh inning was the most stressful one of the night for deGrom. He gave up a leadoff double to Andrelton Simmons. After this, Collins and Mets trainer Ray Ramirez came out to the mound to look at deGrom because it appeared as though he was having a problem with one of his fingers. However, deGrom was able to convince them that he was fine and could stay in the game.

The next batter was C.J. Cron, and deGrom walked him. He then hit Martin Maldonado with a pitch, loading the bases with nobody out. At this point, Collins could have pulled his starter. Instead, he decided to let deGrom battle through the inning. He got

He got Danny Espinosa to strike out looking for the first out. Angels manager Mike Scioscia then sent up Ben Revere to pinch-hit for his starter Ricky Nolasco. Revere hit a line drive that looked like it might drop into shallow center field for a hit, but the ball was bobbled and then caught by Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. Needing one more big out to escape the inning, deGrom got Maybin to fly out to right field.

It was a very impressive performance by deGrom. He allowed just four hits and walked three batters while striking out nine over seven scoreless innings of work. According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Collins said after the game that deGrom’s issue in the seventh inning was a blister on his ring finger.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Mets added another run on a Michael Conforto solo home run.

The Mets bullpen was able to finish the job. Jerry Blevins and Paul Sewald combined for a scoreless eighth inning.  Addison Reed retired the side in order in the top of the ninth inning, and the Mets won the game 3-0.

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DeGrom’s excellent start on Friday night was exactly what the Mets needed. The team will go for their second consecutive win tonight. Hopefully the blister will not be a serious problem; the Mets have enough injuries to deal with already.