CYBER ATTACK
DeGrom strengthens case as NL’s best pitcher in Mets’ win over Nats
Jacob deGrom is a .500 pitcher now. The Mets’ hard-luck right-hander and Cy Young candidate allowed one run in seven innings to pick up the win in the Amazin’s 4-2 victory Friday night over the Nationals. With the rare win, deGrom raised his record to 9-9.
WASHINGTON — Jacob deGrom’s season and chase for the Cy Young Award now likely consist of one last start that could remove some of the stigma surrounding his candidacy.
Based on Friday’s result — a 4-2 win over the Nationals in which deGrom received his first win in more than a month — the Mets’ ace will be shooting for 10 wins and a winning record when he faces the Braves on Wednesday at Citi Field.
DeGrom (9-9) received rare run support and turned in a 28th straight start in which he allowed three runs or fewer, extending his major league single-season record.
“As a pitcher you want to have wins. I feel like a lot of times it’s a reflection of how your season is,” deGrom said. “But I’ve had some starts where we just weren’t able to score runs. I have started against a lot of really good pitchers this year. They have done a good job of matching me whenever they are out there, so that part is out of my control.”
The performance was also deGrom’s 23rd straight quality start, which set a major league record. Bob Gibson (1968) and Chris Carpenter (2005) previously shared the record, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Over seven innings deGrom allowed one earned run on three hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. DeGrom watched his major league-leading ERA drop from 1.78 to 1.77. Aaron Nola (2.44) and Max Scherzer (2.57) are next on the NL list. Scherzer’s 290 strikeouts lead the NL, with deGrom next at 259.
“[DeGrom] is just able to do things other guys aren’t,” Jay Bruce said. “He goes out there and is pretty automatic. He is either going to give up zero or one every time he goes out there. He’s just been so impressive the way he goes about his business. You wouldn’t know if he’s 1.7 [ERA] right now or a 4.7.”
DeGrom allowed his only run in the second, after walking Anthony Rendon leading off the inning. Juan Soto’s single put runners on the corners and Ryan Zimmerman hit a sacrifice fly to tie it 1-1.
Robert Gsellman navigated the ninth for the save, but not before allowing an RBI single to Rendon that sliced the Mets’ lead to 4-2.
The Mets provided deGrom with the support he needed by scoring three runs in the third to take a 4-1 lead against Joe Ross.
Bruce, Dominic Smith and Devin Me- soraco all had run-scoring hits in the inning, following Michael Conforto’s leadoff double. Bruce also delivered an RBI single in the first that gave the Mets their initial run, after Amed Rosario led off the game with a double.
“[DeGrom] has been tremendous whether we are scoring runs or not, and that is what it takes,” manager Mickey Callaway said.
DeGrom’s last victory had come against the Phillies on Aug. 18. Since then, he had two losses and three no-decisions, despite posting a 2.12 ERA over that stretch. Callaway hinted deGrom could return in some capacity on short rest in the season finale a week from Sunday if it means something to the Cy Young race. But the manager and pitcher view Wednesday as deGrom’s probable season finale.
“I have really enjoyed every start I’ve had at Citi Field, pitching in front of those fans,” deGrom said. “I like pitching there and pitching against those Braves, that is a good lineup.”