DeGrom Dominates, Mets Earn 5-2 Win Over Braves

The New York Mets (70-39) hoped to take a huge fourth games in the teams’ five-game series from their division-rival Atlanta Braves (64-46) Sunday afternoon. At Citi Field, after a very short 50-minute rain delay, Jacob deGrom showcased his impressive self in an almost perfect outing. The bats once again performance thanks to a big third inning, and the Mets captured a 5-2 victory improving their NL East lead to 6.5 games.

As expected, the contest was a pitcher’s duel for most of the first third of the game. However, in the third inning, New York broke through. After Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor singles, Pete Alonso hit a ball that struck the third-base bag. In doing so, it careened into the outfield to score two runs.

Mark Canha then ended the inning with an exclamation point. He lined a two-run double to left-center field. In doing so, it chased Braves’ starter Spencer Strider who had to throw 79 pitches in 2 2/3 innings. New York led 4-0 after three innings.

The Mets added another run in the fifth inning. Jeff McNeil led the inning off with a double. After advancing to third via a Canha fly out, McNeil came home on a wild pitch. New York led 5-0 after five innings.

Jacob deGrom had a perfect game through 5 2/3 innings. He issued a walk to the number nine hitter, then gave up a two-run home run to Dansby Swanson. It was a dominate performance for deGrom, who was untouchable until the end of the sixth inning. He looked exactly like his old self. Joely Rodríguez picked up the last out in the six, and the Mets led 5-2 headed to the bottom half of the inning.

Rodríguez continued his outing in the seventh inning. After a leadoff single, he retired the next three hitters in order. That included two strikeouts. Rodríguez was called upon for the eighth inning as well, where he once again dominated. He struck out two more and induced a ground-ball out.

In total, Rodríguez tossed 2 1/3 innings while striking out four and only allowing on hit. He did not walk a batter and ensured his third straight scoreless inning. The Mets led 5-2 headed to the bottom of the eighth inning.

Edwin Díaz entered for the ninth inning. He did what he does best and sat down the Braves in order. Specifically, he struck out the side. In doing so, he notched his 26th save of the season.

New York came into the five-game series with their division foe knowing it was their biggest series thus far this season. With that in mind, they promptly took four out of five in convincing fashion and built their NL East lead to 6.5 games. They now own a 70-39 record.

Player of the Game: Jacob deGrom

Up until two outs in the sixth inning, deGrom was untouchable. He struck out 12 batters and retired 17 hitters in a row. He also generated an absurd 18 straight swing-and-misses on his slider before contact was first made with one in sixth inning.

In all, deGrom only allowed one hit and one walk to go along with his 12 strikeouts. Unfortunately, the one hit he allowed was a two-run home run which put a blemish on one of the best starts a Mets’ pitcher has made in a long time. If deGrom looks anything like he did on Sunday evening the remainder of the season, the Mets will be absolutely thrilled.

On Deck

The Mets welcome in the 44-63 Cincinnati Reds for a three-game set beginning tomorrow. Game one at Citi Field will take place Monday at 7:10 P.M. ET. The projected pitching matchup is Justin Dunn versus Chris Bassitt (3.61 ERA). Dunn, a former Mets’ prospect, will be making his season debut.