On Monday afternoon, reigning National League Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom took the mound for the New York Mets against the Miami Marlins. With just 16 days to Opening Day, the Mets stretched the righty out in what was his fourth start of the spring.
Here’s how his start went thanks to fellow writer, Jack Hendon, who was tracking deGrom’s start.
deGrom tossed fifteen pithes in a scoreless first inning. He ran into some trouble, as he gave up three hits, but was able to get out of the inning unscathed thanks to Juan Lagares, gunning down Brian Anderson at third.
He flew through the order in his second inning of work, needing just ten pitches and punching out both Lewis Brinson and Chad Wallach. However, the third inning was where Miami did their damage against the righty.
After Curtis Granderson lined a one out single, Anderson took deGrom deep to right-center for a two run home run. It took deGrom 21 pitches to get through that inning.
The fourth inning featured one long at-bat from Miguel Rojas but no damage otherwise. deGrom then closed out his day with another successful inning, as he needed just ten pitches and struck out a pair.
In total deGrom threw five innings and allowed the two runs via home run on six hits, while striking out six. Mets manager Mickey Callaway was really happy with the way deGrom threw the ball on the afternoon saying, “Really good. Right where he was last year in spring training, and it’s only going to get better.”
Postgame deGrom was asked about his impending matchup with Max Scherzer on Opening Day, and he said he’s looking forward to it. “That’s who you want to start against, that’s why you do this, to compete, and he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball so I’m looking forward to that matchup.”
