ONE DOWN, TWO TO GO!
Jacob deGrom pitched seven scoreless innings and Daniel Murphy and David Wright delivered the big hits as the New York Mets defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1 to take Game 1 of the NLDS on Friday night.
Pitching:
Jacob deGrom stole the show tonight, as the young righty surely established himself as a big time starter. DeGrom turned in seven strong innings, allowing zero runs, on five hits, while walking one and striking out thirteen.
Through six innings, both deGrom and his opposition Clayton Kershaw both had eleven strikeouts. This marked the first time in playoff history that both pitchers had struck out 10+ batters a piece.
Jacob deGrom’s thirteen strikeouts also ties Tom Seaver‘s record for most strikeouts by a Mets pitcher in a postseason game.
DeGrom did a great job of dealing with adversity tonight and didn’t get rattled, especially after two miscues by Michael Cuddyer in the outfield.
Tyler Clippard spelled Jacob deGrom in the eighth inning, and was hit hard as he surrendered a run on two hits, while only recording two outs.
Jeurys Familia then came on to record a four out save, and got out of the jam that Clippard had created in the eighth.
Familia then pitched a clean ninth, to seal the win for the Amazin’s.
Offense:
Clayton Kershaw and Jacob deGrom pretty much matched each other tit for tat until Daniel Murphy broke the ice with a solo home run in the fourth inning.
The Mets hung on to their one run lead until the seventh inning. Clayton Kershaw loaded the bases, and was subsequently removed for Pedro Baez to effectively end Kershaw’s evening.
With Baez on the mound, David Wright stepped to the plate and worked out a full count before drilling a line drive up the middle to plate two runs.
This would prove to be more than enough, as the Mets pitching held up their end of the bargain, as the Mets trump the Dodgers by a score of 3-1.
On deck:
The Mets will look to increase their series lead tomorrow night at Chavez Ravine. Noah Syndergaard (9-7, 3.24 ERA) will take on Zack Greinke (19-3, 1.66 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 9:00 PM.
