Noah Syndergaard wrapped up an impressive rookie campaign with another dominating performance on Saturday afternoon against the Washington Nationals. Syndergaard allowed one earned run on two hits and a walk while striking out ten in 7.0 innings of work.
In his last four starts, Syndergaard struck out a staggering 37 batters while issuing just two walks. He became the first Met to record consecutive double-digit strikeout outings since Jacob deGrom did it in September of 2014. He also joins Dwight Gooden (1984) and Jerry Koosman (1968) as the only Met rookies to strike out at least 10 in back-to-back starts.
“It’s surprising how much he pounds the strike zone,” said manager Terry Collins. “That’s what I was most impressed with as he went through the season. He throws strikes and he makes you swing the bat, and that is why I think he’s going to be a very good pitcher.”
Syndergaard finishes his rookie season with 166 strikeouts, the fifth-most for a Mets rookie and his 9.96 K/9 is the second-best mark for a rookie in franchise history. His 1.05 WHIP is a new club-record for a rookie. Thor’s strikeouts, K/9 and WHIP lead all major league rookies this season.
“I feel like I ended the regular season on a high note today and I learned a lot this season,” said Syndergaard after the game. “When I came up here I was more of a thrower. Now I think I’ve advanced myself to more of a pitcher. I’m excited at the strides I’ve made this season.”
“Now I have to transfer what I learned during the season into the playoffs.”
And speaking of the playoffs, Syndergaard didn’t hide his feelings about home-field advantage and facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.
“We prefer to open up at home, just because we have the best fans in baseball,” said Syndergaard. “But regardless, I think we’re going to give it to the Dodgers anywhere we are.”
Tough words from the hard-throwing righty. If Syndergaard could carry over his strong regular season finish into the playoffs, with that confidence and that demeanor, the Dodgers have a tall task in front of them.
Let the playoffs begin.
