Skip to main content
Empire Writes Back
Fansided

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

ByMichael Addvensky|
May 19, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws the ball during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws the ball during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

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 Metsstarting pitcherJacob deGromreturned 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 walkingCameron Maybinto lead off the game. Maybin tried to steal second base but was thrown out by Mets catcherRene Rivera. Later in the inning,Mike Troutsingled with two outs and nobody on base. The next batter wasLuisValbuena, 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 Grandersonhit 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 toKole Calhoun.

More fromNew York Mets

After a wild pitch allowed Calhoun to advance to second base, Mets managerTerry Collinsdecided 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 toAndrelton 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 wasC.J. Cron, and deGrom walked him. He then hitMartin Maldonadowith 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 gotDanny Espinosato strike out looking for the first out. Angels managerMike Sciosciathen sent upBen Revereto pinch-hit for his starterRicky 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 shortstopJose Reyes. Needing one more big out to escape the inning, deGrom got Maybin to fly out to right field.

That is some kind of gutsy pitching by deGrom to get out of the 7th unscathed.

— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs)May 20, 2017

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.

Jacob deGrom's issue in the seventh inning was a blister on his ring finger, per Terry Collins.#Mets

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo)May 20, 2017

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Mets added another run on aMichael Confortosolo home run.

The Mets bullpen was able to finish the job.Jerry BlevinsandPaul Sewaldcombined for a scoreless eighth inning.Addison Reedretired the side in order in the top of the ninth inning, and the Mets won the game 3-0.

Next: New York Mets 10 Most Impactful Trades The Last Two Decades

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.

Add us as a preferred source onGoogle
Follow

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations