During a time where their pitching staff can’t seem to stay healthy or consistent, Zack Wheeler spun a solid start to help the Mets win their second game in a row against the divisional rival Washington Nationals, after being swept in embarrassing fashion this past weekend by the last-place Miami Marlins.

Wheeler’s dominant outing through six innings -giving up just a solo home run to Juan Soto in the second- became a quality start when he allowed a second homer to Brian Dozier in the seventh. Soto’s long ball was the first home run allowed by Wheeler at Citi Field since Matt Adams took him deep at home on July 14 of last year. Before Dozier’s two-run blast, he had been 0-for-27 against the Mets this season.

Wheeler finished out the seventh inning before being pulled at 118 pitches. Prior to last night’s start, he hadn’t thrown more than 111 pitches in a game this season- doing so twice before against the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers.

While many may question manager Mickey Callaway’s decision not to pull him earlier, it was evident that he was cruising up until facing Dozier. With the team’s bullpen depth looking extra slim as a result of Seth Lugo being placed on the injury list, it only made sense for Wheeler to come out and continue to pitch through the seventh.

The quality start was a refreshing rebound from his last outing against the Nationals, where he gave up six earned runs in six innings and ended up with the loss.

In last night’s triumph, he pitched seven innings, allowed four hits and three earned runs, while walking two and adding six strikeouts. With his punch out of Juan Soto in the seventh inning, he now has 600 for his career. Wheeler is the 17th Mets pitcher to record at least 600 strikeouts with the club.

“Everything was a lot better today. I’m happy with it- minus the two home runs,” Wheeler commented postgame, per MLB Yahoo Sports.

For the season, Wheeler owns a 4.74 ERA and 3.20 FIP, with a solid 3.3 BB/9 and career-high 10.1 SO/9 in 62 2/3 innings pitched.

The Mets will hope for a continuation of this control from Wheeler, as the team continues on through their 20 game stretch without an off day. With the club’s current rotation struggles, injuries, and lack of depth, they are depending on him to perform like the solid starter he was projected to be after a strong 2018 season.