The New York Mets needed their ace to step up in a big way yesterday as the team had dropped their previous three games. The offense had been struggling, unable to produce runs for a pitching staff that kept them in just about every game. But in epic style, both Noah Syndergaard and the offense came through last night in the team’s 11-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Syndergaard put forth a commanding performance, pitching a career-high of 8.1 innings of dominant baseball, just missing a complete game. He allowed two runs, only one of which was earned. That run also did not come til the ninth inning as he tried to complete what he started. He allowed five hits on the night while walking none. Thor brought the thunder last night, striking out 11 Pirates on his way to victory. Syndergaard though wanted the complete game.
“Pretty badly. I was not really satisfied with myself after not being able to complete the game,” Syndergaard said. “It was still a lot of fun to be a part of . . . Sometimes I try to focus on too much of the negative because I want to do so well for myself.” (Newsday)
There was nothing for him not to be satisfied with after last night’s performance, as he was tossing pure filth on the mound. He improved his record to 7-2 on the season while lowering his ERA to 1.91. He has now won his last five decisions dating back to May 11th and posted an ERA of 1.35 in that time frame. He has pitched to a WHIP of just 0.96 on the season, dazzling opponent after opponent.
In last night’s game, Syndergaard also reached the 100 strikeout plateau on the season. He has now struck out 106 batters in 85 innings pitched. He reached the 100 strikeout mark at 81.1 innings, the fastest in team history. Pedro Martinez held the old mark of 86 innings in 2005 when he hit the 100 strikeout mark.
Syndergaard had retired 17 straight batters after allowing a leadoff single in the first to John Jaso. He cruised through the majority of the game and the crowd came alive when he batted for himself in the bottom of the eighth. Chants of “No-ah, No-ah” could be heard throughout the electrified Citi Field. With the way he has pitched this season, Syndergaard has endeared himself to the greatest fanbase in baseball.
“It’s a great feeling,” Syndergaard said. “We have the best fans in baseball. They root for you 100 percent of the time. I couldn’t be happier to be a Met.”
In a season where others have faltered at times in the rotation, Syndergaard has been steady. He has been the driving force for a rotation that has the ability to dominate anyone at any time. He has been embraced by a city who constantly demands greatness and he has embraced it back in every way possible, relishing in the opportunity at hand.
Did you know…
ESPN Stats & Info points out that of the nine MLB games with the highest fastball velocity by a starting pitcher this season, eight of them belong to Noah Syndergaard.
