New York Mets southpaw, Steven Matz, had another dominant start during Wednesday’s 8-0 win over the Atlanta Braves. Matz continued to show that his first start was nothing but being a bit rusty.
Matz, 24, put forth his longest start of the season and tied a career high with 7.2 innings pitched. He allowed no runs on two hits, while walking none and striking out eight.
“All my pitches, I felt comfortable like I could throw them in any count,” Matz said. “That was definitely a good day.” (ESPN)
The Long Island native has put that first start in the rear-view mirror and has not looked back. Since that first start of the season, Matz, is 4-0 with a 0.67 ERA. Quite a distance from his 37.80 ERA after his season debut. Matz’ cumulative ERA on the season falls at a wonderful 2.83. Being on a regular routine since that disastrous game has helped Steven immensely.
“I’m definitely a rhythm pitcher — I try to stay in that rhythm and work quick, so that definitely does help me,” Matz said.
In his last four starts, Matz has struck out 29 and walked five in what has been a dominant stretch of performances from the young rookie. Over the first 11 starts of his career he has produced an 8-1 record. His eight wins are the most by any pitcher through their first 11 starts in club history. Only two other active pitchers had eight wins in their first 11 games in the majors (Jered Weaver, 8-0, and Masahiro Tanaka, 8-1).
Yesterday’s win was the sixth game this year where Mets pitching has not allowed a walk. They are currently tied with the Chicago White Sox for no-walk games.
