Major League pitchers typically aren’t threats to hit the longball. They are often automatic outs, and they rarely make opposing pitchers pay for their mistakes. But don’t tell that to Noah Syndergaard and the Mets’ starting rotation.
With Syndergaard’s solo shot on Thursday afternoon, the Mets tied their franchise record for home runs in a season with four. Syndergaard crushed a pitch from Reds’ starter Tyler Mahle to the opposite field in what was a historic rebound effort for the 26-year-old flamethrower.
“He was unbelievable,’’ Pete Alonso said. “He was a one-man wrecking crew out there today … He absolutely demolished that ball out there. That’s really special.’’ (Steven Marcus, Newsday)
The home run was Syndergaard’s second of the season, and his sixth of his career. He’s now tied with Tom Seaver for second most in franchise history, and he ranks just one behind Dwight Gooden.
Syndergaard hasn’t been the only Mets’ pitcher supplying power this season. Jacob deGrom, a former shortstop in college, went deep in his second start of the year against the Marlins, blasting a home run against Trevor Richards.
Zack Wheeler also crushed the first home run of his career against the Phillies’ Zach Eflin on April 23. Wheeler has also collected a double and two singles during 13 trips to the plate this season.
Steven Matz and Jason Vargas remain the only members of the starting five to not go deep this season. Matz is 1-for-9 in ten plate appearances this season, while Vargas, a career .212 hitter, is hitless in nine plate appearances this year.
Given that it’s only May 3, the Mets look like they will obliterate their franchise record for home runs in a season. And with the way Syndergaard has been launching the ball, it seems like only a matter of time before Thor smashes his way into the record books with the most home runs all-time by a Mets’ pitcher.
