Matz With The Maddux

Steven Matz has been removed from the rotation this year. Coming out of the break, he pitched better, but realistically speaking, no one could have expected to see what he did tonight.

Matz would not allow a hit until a Melky Cabrera one out ground rule double with one out in the fourth. Just like he did when Todd Frazier had a second inning homer, he deftly worked around it.

The Pirates would not get another hit until Jacob Stallings leadoff double in the sixth. This would quickly become a dicey situation. After the opposing pitcher Trevor Williams struck out trying to get down the sacrifice, Kevin Newman would single. Fortunately, Stallings would not get a good read on the ball. Instead of having an opportunity to score, he’d go to third.

Stallings stayed there after Matz induced the inning ending 5-4-3 double play. At that point, it was 0-0 with Williams matching zeroes. Finally, with one out in the sixth, Michael Conforto broke through:

Later that inning, J.D. Davis contributed a two run homer giving the Mets a 3-0. That lead gave Mickey Callaway the leeway to allow Matz to go the distance for the first time in his career.

Matz probably had his best slider in a few years, and he was spotting his change-up well. With the way he had it all working, he entered the ninth allowing just four hits and no walks with six strikeouts.

A Newman single to start the ninth got Edwin Diaz up. While it was good to see him up after getting hit on the foot the other day, it was even better that he wasn’t needed.

On pitch 99, Matz got Josh Bell to ground out to short to end the game. With that, not only did Matz have his first complete game, he would also have a Maddux. He’d strike out seven in his complete game shut out.

This is as good as the Mets have looked all year. With Matz throwing Madduxes out there, we can dream a little of what could be . . . at least for a night.

Game Notes: Dominic Smith was placed on the IL with a broken foot. He was replaced on the roster by Aaron Altherr.

page top