Jacob deGrom was a sight for sore eyes on Wednesday night. For the Mets, it was more like a sight for sore arms.
The two-time defending National League Cy Young Award winner started for the first time in 10 days after experiencing neck stiffness, throwing six scoreless innings to give the ailing Mets rotation a huge boost.
But Luis Rojas, possibly with an eye on Thursday’s series finale, opted not to use Seth Lugo when things got tight, costing deGrom a potential win.
Instead, Dellin Betances and Edwin Díaz blew a two-run lead in the eighth before Michael Conforto saved the day with a two-run homer in the ninth, lifting the Mets to a 5-3 win over the Marlins.
Clutchforto! #LGM pic.twitter.com/KeXhRxiMy7
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 20, 2020
Lugo was apparently unavailable to help protect deGrom’s lead, and while the Mets had not announced who would start Thursday’s game — it’s Steven Matz’s turn, but the lefty has struggled of late — it appears possible that Lugo is in the team’s plans.
The Mets have won three straight against the Marlins, giving them an opportunity to sweep the four-game series at Marlins Park. It’s their first three-game winning streak of the season.
deGrom — who missed his last start with a stiff neck — flashed 99 mph heat and finished his night with seven strikeouts and no walks, lowering his ERA to 1.93 despite the no-decision.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].