Mets RHP Jacob deGrom took the mound at Citi Field for his final start of what has been a miraculous season worthy of the coveted Cy Young Award. And as he dominated per usual, he went out with the biggest bang possible.
DeGrom was rolling through the Braves lineup, allowing only two hits as he entered the eighth inning. After getting Tyler Flowers to strike out on a 1-2 count, the righty had 999 career strikeouts under his belt with one more batter to go in Ozzie Albies.
Well, with a 3-2 count and Mets fans roaring on their feet, deGrom's last pitch of his 2018 season was a perfect slider to reach career strikeout 1,000.
What a way to get to 1,000 strikeouts. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/34DaqRWplY
- SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) September 27, 2018
With the strikeout, DeGrom also passed David Cone as the fastest Mets pitcher to reach that milestone at 897.2 innings pitched.
"I was definitely excited," he said after the game. "Like I told [SNY's] Steve [Gelbs] I knew I could get 10 strikeouts to get to 1,000. Told Devin [Mesoraco], and that was kinda the goal tonight. Looked up there after three innings, I was like, 'I only got three. I'm going to have to start striking more people out.' So very happy with how the night went."
It also wrapped up deGrom's season with the perfect bow to deliver to the BBWA for Cy Young consideration. He finished the season with a 1.70 ERA over 217 innings pitched, as well as a career-high 269 strikeouts.
"I don't think so. It will probably take a couple days," deGrom said when asked if his season has set in yet. "Like I've said before, I wish we were in a different position, but you know, I'm very happy with how I threw the ball. I think over the next couple days it'll probably set in."
So, does deGrom think that he deserves the Cy Young?
"I guess. I mean, you're going to have to ask who votes," he said. "I feel like I wish I had more wins like I said, but it is what it is. I feel like I put myself in a pretty good position."
Well done, Jake.