WHEEL GREAT
ZACK DOES IT ALL
PITTSBURGH — Zack Wheeler didn’t receive much help from the New York Mets on offense. Luckily for the Mets, Wheeler was prepared to help himself.
The right-hander pitched six strong innings and drove in the lone run, leading New York to a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
“I think being successful definitely helps,” Wheeler said. “I have the same confidence, or same demeanor, but when you’re getting guys out on a consistent basis and doing what you want to do pitch by pitch, then it makes it a lot easier and fun.”
Wheeler (5-6) allowed five hits with seven strikeouts and one walk, and got his fourth RBI of the season on a double in the fifth. He won a third straight start after giving up a combined six runs in 14 2⁄3 innings over his past two.
“He’s just steady as he can be these days,” Mets manager Mickey Callaway said. “So, it’s fun to get to run him out there every five days . ... The way he’s attacking hitters now, he knows his stuff is good. He knows he’s going to beat them. That makes for the most effective pitcher.”
Right-handed reliever Anthony Swarzak retired the side in order, striking out two, in the ninth for his third save.
Musgrove didn’t allow a hit until the fifth, when he gave up a leadoff single to Austin Jackson before the two hits from Guillorme and Wheeler.
After going at least seven innings his previous two starts, Musgrove went seven again and gave up five hits with two strikeouts and two walks.
SICK NO-AH MORE
Noah Syndergaard is likely to return from the 10-day disabled list and start Wednesday against the Nationals in Washington D.C., according to Mickey Callaway.