Marcus Stroman Steps Up In Mets Win

Much was made about Marcus Stroman‘s availability (and even his heart and dedication) after he said he couldn’t make a start after his facing three batters in a suspended game. He felt good after a bullpen and declared himself good to go on one days rest.

He was brilliant.

Stroman didn’t allow a hit until the fourth. A runner didn’t reach scoring position until two outs in the fifth. Just when you thought he was tiring in the sixth, he got Rhys Hoskins to hit into an inning ending double play.

His final line would be 6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K. He would also get the win.

After getting the game winning RBI in the first half of the doubleheader, Jonathan Villar would do it again in the second half albeit in far less dramatic fashion.

Much like Stroman, Aaron Nola was pitching great making this a pitcher’s duel. It would take Jeff McNeil BARELY beating out an infield single to get a rally started.

The Mets might’ve caught a break there, and for seemingly the first time all season, they took advantage. Kevin Pillar followed with a single, and then Villar hit a flat Nola curve for an RBI double.

Nola plunked Tomas Nido, and Stroman would strike out. Brandon Nimmo would then come up and hit the first pitch from Nola into a two RBI single. That gave the Mets a 3-0 lead.

It was Nimmo again in the sixth. Nido would triple, and Stroman got for himself and drew a walk. Nimmo would then drive Nido home with another RBI single extending the Mets lead to 4-0.

Jeurys Familia came on to pitch the seventh in a non-save situation. In typical Familia fashion, it was an adventure, but he got the job done.

The Mets are now over .500 for the first time this season, and they have their first shutout. Their starting pitching has been great with Nimmo arguably being better. Things are getting really fun right now.

Game Notes: Stroman has allowed just one earned over 12.0 innings this year. He’s the only Mets starter so far to earn a win this season. Michael Conforto sat out after getting HBP in the first game. The x-rays on his wrist were negative.

page top