Noah’s arc is pointing straight up
CINCINNATI — Noah Syndergaard couldn’t have picked a better time to raise his game.
With the Mets planning on a big October, the rookie righthander is not only a slam dunk for manager Terry Collins’ postseason rotation, but could be headed toward the head of a pack that includes Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom.
Syndergaard allowed two runs on five hits over 7 ²/₃ innings with 11 strikeouts Friday night against the Reds in a performance that moved the Mets to the brink of their first NL East title since 2006. The Mets entered play Saturday needing only a win — or Nationals loss — to wrap up the division.
Over his past three road starts, the righthander is 20 with a 2.34 ERA and may have erased any fears team brass harbored about starting him away from Citi Field in the postseason.
“That is a good lineup, and to pitch like that against that lineup and have that kind of success is pretty impressive,” Collins said. “I don’t care [where] he is going to pitch, he is going to pitch, and you’re not going to see him pitch in the seventh inning. He’s going to start the game and whatever game it might be, but I’m very impressed.”
Syndergaard attacked early with his offspeed pitches and brought his signature 98mph heat.
“I felt pretty amazing,” Syndergaard said.
Collins credited the game plan pitching coach Dan Warthen crafted with Syndergaard.
“One of the things [Warthen] talked about was using his offspeed stuff in the first inning — show them you’ve got it, and he used it,” Collins said. “As a matter of fact, about the fourth inning he got a little out of control. I think he threw five or six offspeed pitches in a row. When you throw 98 [mph], that might be overdoing it just a hair. But he was having success with it, so he was using it.”
Collins conceivably could use Syndergaard to pitch Game 1 or 2 of the NLDS, presumably against the Dodgers. And given Syndergaard’s recent road success, that wouldn’t be contingent upon the series opening at Citi Field.
Since the AllStar break, Syndergaard is 53 with a 3.54 ERA.
“The past couple starts I’ve had, the stuff ’s always been there,” Syndergaard said. “This time out, I just focused more on each and every pitch, and I was able to execute them. That’s what the huge difference was.”
Among those Syndergaard has leaned on for advice is Harvey. Earlier this season, Harvey spoke to Syndergaard about the importance of keeping his composure on the mound.
“Body language was his big thing,” Harvey said. “Holding your emotions, whether it is high or low, was kind of the main thing.
“I said, ‘You know, you’re a big, strong guy and don’t let the other team see they have gotten under your skin and always keep an even keel on the mound, and then when you know you’re done, then you can get excited or if it’s a big situation,’ and I think that has definitely helped him progress throughout the year.”