Mets’ deGrom in total command against Nationals
Jacob deGrom struck out a career-high 15, pitched a two-hitter and boosted the sagging Mets’ offense with a go-ahead double from the No. 8 spot in the batting order, powering New York over the visiting Washington Nationals 6-0 on Friday night.
DeGrom has struck out 43 in his past three starts and 50 overall this season, breaking the major league record for most in a pitcher’s first four starts set just last weekend by Cleveland ace Shane Bieber with 48.
Perennially plagued by a lack of run support, deGrom lowered his career ERA to 2.55 and overtook Tom Seaver (2.57) as New York’s franchise leader.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner retired the final 19 batters of his second shutout and fourth complete game in 187 starts, walking none.
BRAVES 5, DIAMONDBACKS 4 >> Huascar Ynoa earned his first career win, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies homered and Atlanta beat Arizona.
Ynoa (1-1) allowed only two runs on two hits in six innings. The right-hander led 3-0 before giving up a two-run homer to Carson Kelly in the fifth.
Ynoa’s night to remember also included his first two career hits and his first RBI. The 22-year-old Ynoa doubled to left field off Luke Weaver (1-2) in the third inning for his first hit and added a run-scoring single in the fourth. CUBS 15, BREWERS 2 >> Jake Marisnick homered and matched a career high with five RBIs, and Chicago pounded visiting Milwaukee for its fourth straight victory.
Anthony Rizzo, Javier Báez and Willson Contreras also connected for Chicago, which was coming off a three-game sweep of the New York Mets.
Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (1-2) pitched six innings of two-run ball in his first win of the season. He struck out six and walked one,
BLUE JAYS 5, RAYS 3 >> Steven Matz won his fourth consecutive start, Marcus Semien hit a three-run homer, and Toronto beat Tampa Bay.
Matz (4-0), acquired from the New York Mets in January, gave up three runs and five hits over five innings. The lefty went 0-5 with a 9.68 ERA with New York last year.