MATZ GETS NO HELP FROM ‘O’
Even with strong performance from resurgent Matz, Mets offense flops
On the list of positive developments for the Mets this season, Steven Matz’s reemergence is near the top.
But these are the offensively challenged Mets, for whom excellent performances by a starting pitcher routinely translate into no-decisions or losses.
Matz got the full Jacob deGrom treatment Saturday, pitching nicely into the seventh inning only to get stiffed in a 3-0 loss to the Rays at Citi Field.
The Mets went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position against Blake Snell and the Rays bullpen in getting shut out for the seventh time this season. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak during a recent stretch in which the Mets (35-50) had looked competent offensively.
Matz (4-6) allowed one earned run on five hits and three walks over 6 ¹/3 innings in a third straight strong start. It marked the fourth time in his past seven starts Matz pitched into the seventh inning, after not doing so in his first 10 outings this season.
“I got in situations throughout the game where I could crumble,” Matz said. “But I think realizing what I have got to do out there and just the task at hand is really helping me.”
The lefty has pitched to a 2.78 ERA since the beginning of May, joining resurgent Zack Wheeler to give the Mets respectable middle of the rotation pieces.
“Not to discount what those players have done, but Dave Eiland is a pretty good pitching coach and has really helped them a lot,” manager Mickey Callaway said. “They have made some significant adjustments in their mentality and the way they go about their business, who they are on the mound and obviously the health part of it.”
After three straight seasons that were shortened by various injuries, Matz is showing his mettle. His closest brush to a physical setback this year was a strained middle finger when he lost control of his bat swinging at a pitch in late May. But Matz made his next scheduled start and has been a dependable pitcher every fifth day.
“If we win just five games of deGrom’s, Matz’s and Wheeler’s — and that’s being conservative — we are right where we want to be,” Callaway said. “It just hasn’t happened. They have done a great job of giving us a chance to win.”
The Rays added to their lead by scoring one run in the eighth against Robert Gsellman. In the ninth, struggling Anthony Swarzak allowed the Rays’ third run.
The Mets were not charged with an error, but Amed Rosario had a key flub that led to the Rays scoring against Matz. And in the eighth, Michael Conforto got a late jump on Carlos Gomez’s bloop to left that went for an RBI single.
Rosario bobbled Wilson Ramos’ grounder with the infield drawn in — but still recovered to record the out at first base — allowing the Rays to score the game’s first run in the fifth inning. Matt Duffy’s leadoff double against Matz started the rally.
Matz was in trouble in the first and second innings but escaped. In the first he loaded the bases on a single and two walks before retiring Adeiny Hechavarria for the final out. In the second, the Rays wasted Gomez’s leadoff double.
“[Matz] really battled without his best stuff, and that’s what happens when you become a real good pitcher instead of a guy who just goes out there and pitches and has success every now and then,” Callaway said.
“To sustain the consistent success you have to not have your best stuff and do what he did today. That was really good for sure.”