Noah Syndergaard (9-7, 2.85 ERA) and his struggles continued during Thursday’s 9-0 embarrassment of a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The loss helped clinch a three-game sweep of the Mets for Arizona.
Syndergaard pitched just five innings while taking the loss Thursday. He allowed three runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out six. Thor has not won a decision since July 3 against the Chicago Cubs. That was also the last game he was able to complete seven innings.
Early high pitch counts have plagued Syndergaard terribly. His inability to put away hitters early has disallowed him from being able to go deep into games, as he has normally hovered between completing just five or six innings per start. Since the All-Star break, Syndergaard is 0-3 with a 3.45 ERA.
“I’m aware what I’m mentally doing wrong, I just continue to do it,” Syndergaard said. “It’s kind of frustrating. I’m going out there and trying to purposely miss bats, as opposed to just going out there and making my pitches.” (Newsday)
The Diamondbacks, who had already been taking advantage of being able to run rampant all over the Mets pitching staff did the same to Thor. He allowed four stolen bases in his five innings pitched, including one to his opposing pitcher, Braden Shipley.
Another day to forget for a team that is floundering horribly as the Wild Card still sits within reach. The Mets need to see the Syndergaard that dominated the league in the first few months of the season. They need their ace back.
