The New York Mets sent their ace to the mound with their season on life support, if you want to call it that. The reigning CY Young Award winner would, of course, do his part again to help lead his team to victory but the bullpen would implode like clockwork causing the hard-luck Jacob deGrom to have nothing to show for his great effort.

DeGrom, 31, tossed seven spectacular innings for the Metropolitans Friday night in the team’s 7-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed just two runs on three hits while walking three and striking out ten before handing the ball over to the bullpen.

“Everybody in here has a job to do and everybody’s giving 100 percent,” deGrom said. “Unfortunately tonight, we weren’t able to keep that game tied and give ourselves a chance to win it. Those guys are out there trying. This game’s not easy. I think they’ll be fine. Any time I come out of the game, I’ve felt comfortable handing the ball over to them.”

On Friday night, deGrom became the sixth pitcher in franchise history to strike out at least 600 batters at home, joining Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, Jerry Koosman, Sid Fernandez, and Ron Darling. It was the fifth time this season that Jacob has struck out at least ten batters this season and the 37th time in his career.

It was also his seventh consecutive quality start and 13th of the season. He now has posted an ERA of 2.79 over his last 13 starts dating back to May 1. Jacob has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last seven starts, dating back to June 1.

The Mets though have not been able to capitalize on his superb pitching as they are 16-30 in his last 46 starts. In 2018 it was the offense letting him down, this year it has mainly been the bullpen as another insufferable outing from Edwin Diaz opened the flood gates on Friday night.

“He understands what his job is,” Mickey Callaway said. “He can’t do other peoples’ jobs. So he goes out there every day and does his job, and does it pretty well. He doesn’t have much to show for it. That’s frustrating probably more for all of us on this team than it is for him.”

Jacob continues to be a bright spot for the Mets in what has turned into another dark season.