Steven Matz has been one of the New York Mets most consistent starters, but the Phillies were able to rough him up in a hurry.
Look away New York Mets fans. Steven Matz‘s 2019 season just hit its first road bump. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Phillies were able to touch up Matz for eight runs in the first inning.
In fact, the lefty hurler was hooked by manager Mickey Callaway before he was able to record an out. Essentially, the Phillies put this game out of reach before the first inning was over.
Five batters.
Five runs.Realmuto doubles two in and Kingery drives in three with this home run! pic.twitter.com/5nxPnKmrxY
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 16, 2019
In his 0.0 innings, Matz surrendered eight runs, four hits, one walk, and two home runs. Meanwhile, his ERA rose from 1.65 to 4.96.
That being said, two of the runs were unearned due to errors from the usually surehanded Amed Rosario. Perhaps he could have escaped the inning with better fielding up the middle.
Prior to Tuesday’s clunker, Matz had turned in three consecutive starts going at least five innings and allowing fewer than two earned runs. The 27-year-old is going to be one of the most important players to watch in Flushing this season.
Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard will carry the rotation, but Matz and Zack Wheeler are the ones who can take it to the next level.
Speaking of Wheeler, the righty is scheduled to pitch the rubber game in Philadelphia on Wednesday. He’ll face former Cy Young Jake Arrieta in the matinee affair. Following the series in Philly, the Metropolitans will have an off day before starting a three-game set against the Cardinals in St. Louis.
