For the second consecutive start, Steven Matz threw seven innings but came up empty in the win column. Daniel Murphy again helped the Nationals the Mets with a 3-2 victory, taking three of the four-game series.
The 25 year-old southpaw allowed three runs over his seven innings on the mound. He allowed six hits while walking four batters and striking out five. The home run ball from Murphy got the best of him early in what was a tight game without much offense from the Mets.
“The home run beat me in the last game and it beat me again in this game,’’ said Matz. “I’ve got to focus on making better pitches there.” (NY Post)
The four walks Matz allowed were a career-high as he struggled with control at times throughout the game. He now has not won a decision since May 25th, which came against these same Nationals. In that time frame he is 0-4 with a bloated ERA of 4.47.
The biggest positive that came out of Sunday’s performance was Matz again not feeling any ill effects of the bone spur that is likely to require surgery at season’s end.
“When I realized it would have no [lasting] effect on me, I felt more comfortable,” Matz said.
Matz closed out his first half of the season with an overall record of 7-4 and an ERA of 3.38 in 16 starts. His WHIP stands at 1.23 and he has collected 90 strikeouts in 96 innings pitched this season.
