:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61561245/usa_today_11323848.0.jpg)
Meet the Mets
Jacob deGrom took to the mound for the final time in 2018 and delivered one final masterpiece for the home crowd. He pitched eight shutout innings and struck out ten against the division champions. Dominic Smith provided most of the offense with a RBI single and a home run while Michael Conforto added a mammoth blast of his own. But the night belonged to deGrom who put an exclamation point on his outstanding season.
Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue short and long, Bergen Record, MLB.com, Newsday, Post, Times
deGrom seemingly already had the Cy Young wrapped up, but now there can be no doubt that he will be named the winner after the season.
An argument could also be made that deGrom should be the MVP at season’s end as well (paywall alert).
Around the league, the righty’s peers have taken notice of his season and offered their praise.
It has been a quirky season around the majors, and deGrom’s season added to it.
His last start of the season only added to the insane numbers the righty has already registered this year (paywall alert).
The season deGrom put together ranks up there as one of the best compared with other recent Cy Young award winners.
One excited young fan’s reaction to deGrom’s night summed up how everyone was feeling watching a master at the top of his game.
Michael Conforto’s home run was his twenty-eighth of the season which is a new career high. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing this season for Conforto, but he is happy to know that his shoulder is healthy and he can prepare as he normally would for next year.
deGrom has rightfully earned all the buzz surrounding him, but Zack Wheeler’s surprising season should be recognized as well.
To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month the Mets honored Ozzie Virgil who became the first Dominican-born major leaguer in 1956.
According to the Mets, Wilmer Flores might not necessarily have arthritis in his knees and should be ok moving forward.
Around the National League East
The Braves received some bad news before the game when it was revealed that Dansby Swanson has a partially torn ligament in his left hand. Talking Chop tipped their cap to deGrom and his sensational outing.
The Marlins were clobbered by the Nationals in a rain-shortened game.
The Phillies lost another ugly game to the Rockies, and despite their second half collapse Gabe Kapler will likely be back as manger next season.
The win over the Marlins completed a sweep of Miami for the Nationals. Bryce Harper showed up hours before Washington was scheduled to play, and with the team set to finish the season on the road, Harper might have played in front of the home crowd for the final time.
Around Major League Baseball
The Yankees received some good news regarding Didi Gregorius’s injury.
The Brewers completed a sweep of the rival Cardinals and clinched a playoff spot for the first time in seven years.
Despite blowing a lead late, the Cubs were able to walk-off the Pirates and clinch a playoff berth of their own.
Red Sox ace Chris Sale exited his start early during which he displayed an alarming drop in velocity.
Rockies’ starter German Marquez tied a major league record when he struck out the first eight batters of the game. The feat was, of course, last accomplished by Jacob deGrom. Marquez also helped lead the Rockies’ to victory which put them in first place in the NL West.
This Date in Mets History
September 28, 2008 was memorable for two reasons. The Mets were officially eliminated from playoff contention and with that loss Shea closed its doors for the final time.