I grew up a Mets fan on Long Island. My brother and I would play in the backyard pretending to play for the Mets. We’d hit the game winning homerun in the bottom of the ninth with two outs in a 3-2 count. We’d strike out the best hitters in the game to win the World Series. Tonight, fellow Long Islander, Steven Matz, gets to actually live that dream tonight. 

I’m not afraid to admit I’m jealous. He’s getting the chance we all wanted growing up. Unlike you and I, he’s left-handed and throws a mid to high nineties fastball. He’s also shown he’s a major league pitcher. 

In his major league debut, he pitched 7.2 innings allowing five hits, two earned, three walks, and six strikeouts. He also went 3-3 with a double and four RBIs. Against these same Dodgers, Matz pitched 6.0 innings allowing two hits, two walks, and eight strikeouts. He got to stick it to the Yankees (as every Mets fan has wanted to do) by pitching 6.0 innings allowing seven hits, one earned, one walk, and four strikeouts. 

For the season, he’s 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA, 1.234 WHIP, and a 8.6 K/9 in six starts. By the way, these are the numbers of the Mets fourth starter. He fought through injuries. He’s earned this start. He can pitch the Mets into the NLDS. He’s living every Mets fans dream. I’m jealous, but I’m glad he’s on the mound. 

Lets Go Matz!