Jacob deGrom’s stellar season: Start #28

Outside of the postseason, Jacob deGrom had never recorded a win over the Dodgers and, by the time this game was over, that would still remain the case. However, deGrom once again did whatever he could to give his team a chance to win, despite having quite a few obstacles to overcome.

deGrom was ambushed early by Justin Turner, who put the Dodgers on the board with a first inning home run. Los Angeles has a deep lineup and were always going to be a tough opponent, but the issue was compounded by deGrom not having his best stuff. The Dodgers made him work but so did the Mets’ defense who made two errors behind their ace.

Devin Mesoraco had been catching most of deGrom’s starts this year but he was forced from the game early when he re-injured himself on a swing. Kevin Plawecki came in to replace him and deGrom was able to pick up where he left off. All told, it was not deGrom’s best night but he still pitched six innings, gave up two hits, walked one, and gave up only one run. Once again, he drove in the first Mets’ run with an RBI single. The Mets did not score again until the ninth was it was too late to get him the win.

It was a history-making start for the 30-year-old since it was his twenty-fifth consecutive start of allowing three runs or fewer. This was the first time that feat was accomplished since 1913. He also passed Tom Seaver’s franchise record of nineteen consecutive quality starts when he completed his twentieth against the Dodgers.

Both Aaron Nola and Max Scherzer also did not put forth their best efforts in their most recent starts. They both gave up multiple home runs and saw their respective ERA’s rise. They did manage to have huge strikeout days but the days they struggle look a lot different than the days that Jacob deGrom struggles.

Nola and Scherzer still lead the world in bWAR but deGrom still remains tops in the league in ERA, HR/9, ERA+, FIP, and fWAR. Scherzer of course leads in K/9, strikeouts, WHIP, innings pitched, and average. This was a big week for deGrom to hold steady against a tough opponent after the other two struggled.

deGrom is now in the Mets history books with his consecutive start record and his ERA is still ahead of the others which is very impressive at this point in the season.

September got off to a good start for deGrom who cleared a major hurdle by holding one of the best teams in the National League to one run. He still has some tough opponents coming up but also has a nice cushion in the ERA standings.