Jacob deGrom
@Mets

Jacob deGrom‘s stellar Opening Day outing leads the New York Mets to a shutout over the hated Washington Nationals. 

Robby Sabo

  • New York Mets 2 (1-0)
  • Washington Nationals 0 (0-1)
  • NL, Final, Box Score
  • Nationals Park, Washington D.C.

Major League Baseball’s dream Opening Day pitching matchup did not disappoint.

The New York Mets incredible Opening Day record continues to balloon thanks to a 2-0 victory in D.C. over the Washington Nationals.

Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer showcased exactly why each is considered the best in the game.

The reigning NL Cy Young award winner pitched six clean innings. Over 93 pitches, deGrom struck out 10 while allowing no runs on five hits and a walk. At times, deGrom put baserunners on only to battle as he usually does.

The 2017 Cy Young winner wasn’t completely outdone. Unlike Mickey Callaway‘s cautious approach via deGrom, Scherzer went 7.2 innings (109 pitches). The Nats ace struck out 12 Mets while allowing two earned runs on two hits and three walks. (The second run came in the eighth inning while Scherzer looked on from the dugout.)

Offensively, Robinson Cano made sure his Mets debut counted. His first-inning solo home run represented the only run for seven and change innings.

With Scherzer in the shower, Cano knocked in his second run of the young season in the eighth. Dominic Smith arrived home after pinch-running for Pete Alonso—the kid who blooped his first big-league hit just a batter prior.

Elsewhere, the hits not coming off the bat of Cano or Alonso came in the form of a Wilson Ramos single and an Amed Rosario base knock in the eighth.

Jeurys Familia, despite falling behind 3-0 to his initial batter, pitched a clean eighth inning. Likewise, Seth Lugo struck out the side in a perfect seventh. Newly-acquired closer Edwin Diaz showcased his fire in the ninth, pitching his first perfect Mets inning (defensive replacement Keon Broxton caught the first two outs in right field).

For the Nats, Trea Turner finished 2-for-4 with three stolen bases.

There was no offensive explosion on Opening Day. Instead, Cano, deGrom and a revamped bullpen took the Mets home against their bitter NL East rivals.

The new arrivals—Cano, Diaz, Ramos and even young Alonso—all starred in the impressive victory.

Game 2 of the opening season series will come your way Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET from Nationals Park.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com