NEW YORK — In Noah Syndergaard’s first Opening Day start of his career Monday afternoon, his big moments came in the fourth and sixth inning against the Braves.
His first one came when Freddie Freeman was at third with no outs, and his second came when he had Dansby Swanson at third and Freeman at first.
He was able to get out of it both of those innings. In the fourth inning, he struck out Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis to leave Freeman stranded, and in the sixth inning, he struck out Kemp again and got Markakis to line out in ending the Braves’ threat.
What’s remarkable was there was no panic in Syndergaard, and there was not a sense of doom from the Mets fans. He expected to get it done, and so did the fans. That’s what happens when he has that type of sheer talent and makeup.
Syndergaard had a no-decision in his six innings of work, but his ability to shine in a pressure-packed situation set the stage for the Mets to score six runs in the seventh inning to give them a 6-0 victory against the Braves at Citi Field.
That was what Terry Collins envisioned when he named Syndergaard his starter before the start of spring training. The Mets manager’s decision was validated when his starter gave up no runs on five hits while striking out seven.
Watching Syndergaard pitch in that game, it’s easy to understand why scouts feel he might be the best of all the Mets starters just by his ability to overpower hitters. He did just that by throwing heavy diet of sliders and sinkers against the Braves.
He was so locked in that one can’t wonder if this is the year he wins the Cy Young. He has the stuff to get it done, and he has had enough experience that he figured the game out from watching him last year. He broke through last year winning 14 games, and that was good enough for him to start in the wild-card game against the Giants.
In his playoff start against the Giants, he matched Giants ace Madison Bumgarner by throwing seven scoreless innings and striking out 10. That showed right there he has the ability to shine in a big stage. That start was why Collins did not hesitate to start him on Opening Day. One can also say that start could set the stage for a Cy Young season this year.
It’s hard to teach what Syndergaard is doing. It’s hard to coach sheer talent and makeup. Either a starter has it or he doesn’t. The Mets are blessed to have this type of arm. They haven’t had that type of starter since Dwight Gooden in his heyday.
If Syndergaard is healthy all season long, he gives the Mets a legitimate chance to win the World Series. He’s a difference maker. He can shut down any offense. What would anyone give to see him face the Cubs in the playoffs this season? He is one reason the Mets feel good about their chances. Of course, he has to be healthy. That’s no guarantee when young starters are getting hurt these days at an alarming rate, and that’s with teams treating them with care by issuing innings limit and pitch count.
Mets fans were alarmed about Syndergaard leaving the game with a blister. Fortunately for him and the Mets, it will not prevent him from making his start against the Marlins on Sunday. Make no mistake, though. If he is out for any amount of time, he’s going to be hard to replace. It’s one thing to lose Seth Lugo or Steven Matz for the season, but it’s another to lose Syndergaard. There’s no way anyone can replace his talent and his makeup.
There’s no question the Mets are hoping for the best with their best starter this season. His health will be the most interesting part of the season.
Syndergaard has come a long way. After issues about his maturity and his approach to the game, he grew up fast couple of years ago when he was called up. He took his work ethic seriously, and he made sure he was in the best shape of his life heading to this season. He has now become the leader of the Mets staff for all intents and purposes.
Not only he is a great pitcher, but he has showed the ability to shine in the nation’s largest media market in the country. That’s not easy to do as Jay Bruce and other failed New York pro athletes can attest. He has a great personality, and he loves pitching in big moments, especially in New York. He is made for this city.
If his Opening Day start is any indication, this could be a special season for Syndergaard.
