Steven Matz provided his third straight quality start for the New York Mets despite having issues with base on balls and the home run ball on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Matz went six innings, allowing three runs on only three hits (two home runs however), five walks and struck out a season high eight batters. Command was an issue all night for Matz as he threw only 61 strikes in 107 pitches.
The young lefty has now pitched 20 innings in three starts this year and has already allowed five home runs.
The good news is that Matz has now lasted seven innings twice and six innings last night. Length has been an issue for Mets starters all year and Matz has helped limit the continued over usage of the bullpen.
Matz topped out at 95 MPH on the night and kept up the velocity throughout the outing which is a great sign for someone that has missed a good portion of the season up to this point.
“I think I’m taking the right steps here,” Matz told reporters after the loss. “I think I’m going in the right direction.”
