New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom wasn’t just good in his playoff debut on Friday night, he was downright masterful in LA.
By David Hong
New York Mets starter Jacob deGrom made his postseason debut in Game 1 of the NLDS vs the Dodgers on Friday night, and boy, did he surely impress.
Aside from the fact that his pitch count was too much, early in the game when he threw nearly 70 pitches after the second inning, deGrom was sharp for most of the stretch.
Overall, he pitched seven innings while surrendering no runs, five hits, one walk and 13 strikeouts. Those 13 strikeouts tie the Mets franchise record for most strikeouts in a playoff game (tying the great Tom Seaver). And his 13 Ks were also one short of the MLB playoff record set by pitchers in their playoff debuts.
Add to the fact that he out-pitched Clayton Kershaw, and it was just one magical night. Even more impressive was the fact that his location was a little off early, resulting in several full counts and the high number of pitches he threw early, deGrom was not rattled and got the big strikeouts to end several threats by LA.
He also finished strong down the stretch, retiring the last 11 batters he faced.
This wasn’t only one of the best playoff pitching performances ever, but definitely one of the best Mets playoff performances of all-time, if not the best.
As a result, the Mets took Game 1 on the road, 3-1 and have a 1-0 series lead and deGrom’s dominant performance is a huge reason why.
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