Stat Line: 8 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 4 SO, 0 BB
Matt Harvey amassed 19 strikeouts to zero walks, allowing only one run in 22.2 innings over his last three starts. Currently, Harvey owns a 15 inning scoreless streak. Harvey allowed only four hits against the Colorado Rockies, three of which were infield singles. The Dark Knight is back.
Harvey’s found command in his fastball which was inconsistent during the first half of the season. The success in his pitching repertoire is a chain of domino’s beginning with the command of his fastball.
Fastball Command Dictates Success in His Other Pitches
Last night, Harvey threw 72% strikes with his fastball, accounting for three of four strikeout pitches. More importantly, strong fastball command sets up Harvey’s secondary pitches.
Successful fastball command directly correlates with Harvey repeating his delivery and proper release point over his front foot insuring Harvey’s pitching fingers stay on top of the baseball. This allows Harvey to push down on the seams of the baseball, creating tighter spin which translates to sharper pitch movement and directs the baseball down in the strike zone. All of which create a much tougher hitting environment for opposing batters.
Additionally, Harvey used his fastball to constantly get ahead or fight back in at-bats. Harvey’s confidence with fastball command allows him to pitch backwards (start hitters off with off-speed pitches). He knows even if he falls behind 1-0 on a first pitch off-speed pitch, he has the ability to consistently fight back to a 1-1 count with his fastball. The ability for Harvey to pitch backwards enables his fastball to become an out pitch. This forces hitters to guess which pitch will be thrown and normally, guess wrong. Even if they guess right, they still have the daunting task of making solid contact.
Simply, that’s the circle of life for a successful MLB pitcher.
Success with Changeup
Harvey showed the best command and movement in his changeup thus far this season. Most pitchers put the majority of their hand on the baseball when throwing a changeup as compared to their other pitches. As a result, a pitchers changeup is the toughest pitch to get their feel and command back after an extended period away from pitching.
This is extremely encouraging, not only for his changeup going forward but proof that Harvey’s overall feel in his repertoire of pitches is back for good.
Looking Forward
Harvey’s next start will come against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on Sunday at 1:10 PM. The Pirates roughed up Harvey on May 23rd for seven runs on six hits in four innings. Pedro Alvarez and Andrew McCutchen hit homeruns.
Stat of the Night
Harvey’s now 7-2 with a 2.47 ERA at Citi Field this season.
Follow Chris Zaccherio on Twitter @ziography for more Mets pitching insight that goes beyond statistics.
