The Mets turn to their flame-throwing, God of Thunder for Game 3 of the World Series tonight at Citi Field. Noah Syndergaard, 23, becomes the third youngest pitcher to start a World Series game for the Mets behind Dwight Gooden and Gary Gentry.
You would think that with all the weight of an antsy fan base and the pressure of overcoming a two-game hole in the Series, that Syndergaard would be somewhat nervous, but that’s not the case at all.
“Yeah, you can’t be too focused on it’s a World Series game. When I started in L.A. I thought it was going to be a totally and completely different game,” Syndergaard said.
“But in reality it’s the same game, a little louder, a little bit different atmosphere. Travis is still sixty feet, six inches away and you still have to execute every single pitch.”
Just another game he says, but you can’t knock his approach as he has been electric this postseason. So far Thor has tossed 13.0 innings with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.071 WHIP to go with 20 strikeouts.
The Royals is certainly a team who have a knack for not striking out, but Syndergaard is up for that challenge and says he’s sticking with heat.
“I mean, obviously they’re going against us with their strengths and their strength is how aggressive they are. I can’t be too focused on that, because I still have to be able to pitch to my strengths. I was able to watch Matt, deGrom and see how they approach their hitters, and I saw how aggressive they were, and devised a game plan for myself.”
Tonight is sure to be one heck of a thrilling and nerve-wracking night for Mets fans as we look to pick up the first win of the World Series. And there isn’t another pitcher on this team I would like to see in this spot than Syndergaard.
“That’s my main focus tomorrow night is being able to pitch to my strengths and be able to execute all my pitches and just focus on winning one pitch at a time.”
Something Mets starters have not done yet is pitch to their strengths. They switched things up based on scouting reports on the Royals. However, Noah will look to be in attack mode tonight and unleashing his 100 MPH heat to the plate.
“It’s something else being able to watch Escobar walk up there and swing at the first pitch almost every single game. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I’ll be able to break out tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to it.”
With all the confidence in the world, Syndergaard understands their backs are against the wall and that this is “a must win” ball game for the Mets.
“I mean obviously we didn’t plan to be down 0-2. But coming back home is a big thing for us. Having the Mets faithful behind us and the greatest fans in baseball is nice.”
“Part of the reason our team has had so much success this year is being to handle the resiliency and come together as a team, overcome and win some ballgames.”
It will be fun to watch him out there tonight. First pitch is at 8:07 PM EST as the Mets play their very first World Series game ever at Citi Field. Let’s Go Mets!
