Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Tylor Megill just keeps on delivering the goods for the Mets in huge spots.
While Michael Conforto‘s magnificent right arm won the day and the headlines as the Mets beat the Braves 2-1 at Citi Field on Wednesday night to even the series, Megill came up clutch once again with yet another impressive outing.
Celebrating his 26th birthday, Megill continued to prove that he can be relied upon as a member of this banged-up rotation, tossing over five innings of one-run baseball to help the Mets improve to 54-46 and stretch their lead over the Phillies to four games at the top of the NL East.
Megill did allow Freddie Freeman to get on base in the first but he struck out Austin Riley to get out of the inning unscathed, and he retired three consecutive batters to redeem himself after allowing two Braves to get on base in the second.
He was in a groove and, while Ozzie Albies did get on base in the third, Megill forced a Freeman groundout and then Riley flew out to ensure that the pitcher was perfect through three.
Megill also played his part at the plate after blasting his second career hit into right field, before coming in to score on Jeff McNeil‘s RBI single.
Armed with a lead, Megill was really at the peak of his powers at the top of the fourth as he retired the Braves in order, striking out Dansby Swanson, and he extended his scoreless streak to an impressive 17 innings in the fifth as he struck out the first two batters he faced.
However, the 26-year-old did run into a little bit of trouble as he walked Joc Pederson, although he quickly got himself out of a jam by forcing Albies to fly out to left.
Megill was finally beaten by Riley in the sixth, though, with the Braves third baseman clubbing his fifth home run in his last six games and his 20th of the year to make it a tied game.
That one blot on the copybook was enough to end Megill’s impressive day on a downer, but it was still another statement game from the rookie who finished with six strikeouts, one walk and five hits, while he has now allowed one or no runs in each of his last five starts.
The only other Met rookie to accomplish that impressive feat is Doc Gooden, and Megill’s stellar 2.04 ERA through his first seven games is the third best mark in franchise history behind Terry Leach and Nolan Ryan.
“His demeanor helps him make adjustments and cruise through tough lineups like this one,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said after the game.
“He doesn’t shy away from attacking any hitter. I think that’s why he’s been so effective for us.”
The Mets could improve their starting rotation further with the Trade Deadline now nearly upon us but, no matter what happens, Megill has proved time and time again, albeit a small sample size, that he deserves a role on this team and that was hammered home once again on Wednesday night.
