Noah Syndergaard struck out eleven batters while only allowing five hits and two runs during 7.2 dominating innings last night against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. It was the best he’s ever looked on the mound as he completely overpowered Cincinnati’s lineup to earn his 9th win of the season.
Syndergaard, 22, had one amazing stretch where he retired 16 consecutive batters. He even kept the Reds’ two best hitters, Joey Votto and Todd Frazier, in check all night as they did not record a hit against him. Syndergaard struck out Frazier in all three plate appearances and he looked simply overmatched facing the Mes’ rookie.
“I was able to locate my fastball to both sides of the plate. Travis d’Arnaud and I had a perfect game plan going. I was able to throw my offspeed pitches for strikes and get some swings and misses on it, and I had a really good feel for my changeup tonight.”
His fastball was electrifying all night with incredible velocity and movement. His new slider is also starting to look like a nasty pitch, and it’s given him another weapon to add to his already impressive arsenal.
“I think he’s got a better idea of what he needs to do to get outs in the big leagues,” Terry Collins said. “His stuff, we all know he’s got great stuff, but I think he’s become a little bit better pitcher, not just the guy who rears back and throws it hard.”
“I have seen him make some big pitches in big situations that I don’t think he would have done earlier in the year.” (NY Daily News)
There used to be concern about Syndergaard’s performance on the road, but this is clearly not an issue for him any longer. In his last four road starts, he has a 2-0 record with a 34/5 strikeout to walk ratio, and has held opponents to a .209 batting average against.
“One of the things that somebody brought up to me was if we get into the postseason was the question of (Syndergaard) pitching on the road,” Collins explained. “Well, one of the best games he pitched was in Los Angeles. I think he’s growing and getting to understand what it’s like to pitch on the road.
“Right now every game is huge, he better approach this as just another game and not care where it’s played at.”
Whether his first playoff start is at home or on the road, he should have no problem handling the pressure. He’s showed tremendous potential all year long, and now it seems like he’s starting to put everything together.
If he can continue to keep making strides, it’s only a matter of time before he establishes himself as one of the best starters in the league.
You just know the Toronto Blue Jays must want to tear their hair out whenever this kid takes the mound.
