Jacob deGrom Ties K Record, Mets Blow Game
Jacob deGrom took a huge step Monday towards convincing voters that he should be the National League Rookie of the Year, tying a major league record by striking out the first eight batters of the game. Then he coughed up the lead and the Mets offense bailed him out to give him the chance for the win. But the bullpen blew the lead and eventually the game.
deGrom breezed through the first eight batters to tie the record set by Jim Deshaies in 1986. He faced opposing pitcher Jarred Cosart to tie the record, and wouldn’t you know it, he singled to end the streak.
The Mets took the lead in the first inning — with two out and two on, Wilmer Flores doubled to drive in two runs.
The Marlins broke through against deGrom in the seventh. A single and double put runners on second and third with no outs. Old pal Jordany Valdespin singled in both of them to tie the game at two. Valdespin moved to second on the throw home and advanced to third on a bunt. He scored on a sacrifice fly to give the Marlins a 3-2 lead.
Eric Campbell led off the bottom of the seventh by reaching on an error by the third baseman. Josh Satin pinch hit for deGrom. He struck out. Juan Lagares walked to put runners on first and second. Murphy singled to shallow left-center to score Campbell to tie the game at three. But Lagares was thrown out trying to go to third. With two outs and a runner on second Travis d’Arnaud doubled to left to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. Lucas Duda and Flore walked to load the bases. Then Curtis Granderson walked to force in a run and make it 5-3. Dilson Herrera struck out to end the inning.
Jacob deGrom struck out a career high 13 batters in his seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk.
The Marlins loaded the bases with one out in the eighth against Jeurys Familia. Adeiny Hechavarria singled to right to tie the score at five, costing deGrom the win. Familia was removed with runners on first and third with one out. Josh Edgin got a strike out for out number two. Jenrry Mejia came on and promptly allowed a single to Jeff Mathis to give the Marlins a 6-5 lead.
The Mets bats went quietly in the eighth and ninth as they lose 6-5.
Jacob deGrom’s record remains at 8-6 after the no-decision to go along with a 2.68 ERA and 134 strikeouts in 134.1 innings. With Billy Hamilton fading and deGrom making headlines, he has the momentum that could eventually snag him the rookie honor.