Christian Scott‘s afternoon on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies revolved around a four-seam fastball that was extremely effective despite the high altitude of Coors Field. Scott threw 82 pitches and generated a total 11 whiffs, with the majority coming on the heater.
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He opened the first inning by striking out Edouard Julien and Mickey Moniak swinging. After a clean second inning, Scott allowed a double to Kyle Karros in the third but escaped without allowing a run. The fourth inning was a little tougher, as Tyler Freeman would reach on a bunt single and Troy Johnston walked. Willi Castro then drove in a run with a single to right field, but Scott recovered by striking out Jake McCarthy to keep the Mets up 2-1.
In the fifth inning, Scott retired Karros and Brett Sullivan on strikes. Following a two-out walk to Julien, Carlos Mendoza opted for a pitching change. Scott ended with 4 2/3 innings pitched, allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out six.
After the game, Mendoza noted that the team had a “number of pitches in mind, and he pretty much went over that.”
Scott accepted the move, stating he respected the decision because of the fact that he was starting his third time through the order and he had just walked someone.
The game shifted in the eighth when Craig Kimbrel allowed a controversial grand slam to Jake McCarthy, and the Mets ending up losing 6-2. The home run stood after a video review, leading to yet another a collapse for a Mets bullpen that struggled with their control. Kimbrel, Austin Warren, and Huascar Brazobán combined for four walks in the final three frames.
Despite a triple from Juan Soto and multiple walks drawn by the middle of the order, the offense was unable to capitalize on early scoring opportunities. The Mets’ current formula relies on the lineup building early but slim leads that the relief staff must then protect. When the bullpen falters, it makes it a lot harder for young starters like Scott, as they need to be nearly perfect.
For Scott, the encouraging takeaway is his high whiff rate and good command of the strike zone, both of which should lead to longer outings as his pitch limit is eventually removed.
