Megill thrives with big Citi energy vs. cross-town rivals
It might not match the level of Dave Mlicki’s or Dae-Sung Koo’s memorable contributions to Subway Series lore, but Tylor Megill’s debut performance against the Yankees was precisely what the Mets needed out of their rookie starting pitcher.
And then some.
Megill mowed down the Yankees through a season-high seven innings after allowing two early runs, helping the Mets cruise to a 10-3 victory Friday night at Citi Field.
The 26-year-old Megill also recorded a career-best 10 strikeouts to earn his second win in three starts following a rough patch that nearly derailed an impressive start to his bigleague career.
“The energy definitely felt different from a lot of games, Yankees-Mets, so going in today, I had a really good feeling and the energy with the crowd, it was fun. I had a blast,” said Megill, who threw 98 pitches. “For me, it was my first time going seven since I don’t know when. Being able to keep my pitch count as low as it was, for the most part I was dominating tonight. To go seven innings and save some bullpen arms, I was glad as I was able to do that for them.”
Megill (3-4) had been a revelation through the end of July, posting a 2.04 ERA over his first seven starts and 35 ¹/3 innings. He worked the exact same amount of innings over his next seven outings, but he allowed 25 earned runs over that stretch (6.37 ERA).
Brett Gardner tripled past diving left fielder Jeff McNeil with one out in the first before scoring on Aaron Judge’s infield out. Megill also was tagged for a first-pitch home run to center by Joey Gallo one inning later that put the Mets in a 2-1 hole.
Still, the Mets plated five runs in the third to seize a 6-2 advantage, and Megill made the lead and subsequent extensions of it stand up through the seventh.
“It gives me all the confidence in the world to be able to throw the ball over the plate and attack the hitters and know there’s room for mistakes,” Megill said of the run support. “The offense killed it today, it was awesome.”
After the Gallo blast, Megill retired 11 of the next 12 batters he faced, allowing only a single to center by Gardner in the third. He didn’t allow another hit until Gleyber Torres’ oneout double off Villar’s glove at third in the seventh.
But Megill fanned Gallo to reach double digits in Ks for the first time and then retired Gary Sanchez on a flyout to strand the runner in scoring position.
“Tylor did an outstanding job tonight, seven innings ... and the offense came into play,” manager Luis Rojas said. “That separation was a big relief.”