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Washington Nationals Shut Out In Murphy’s Return To New York

By Ricky Keeler

May 17, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) acknowledges the crowd before taking on the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) acknowledges the crowd before taking on the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Ben Revere (9) is tagged out by New York Mets second baseman Neil Walker (20) while attempting to steal second base during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Missed Opportunities In 2nd And 6th Innings

As I mentioned earlier, the Nationals didn’t have many chances to score runs against Syndergaard, who was dominant all night. I thought the one real chance they had to score a run was in the second inning. With one out, Ryan Zimmerman doubled to the gap in left center and Anthony Rendon lined a single to left.

With runners on the corners and Wilson Ramos up, I thought that Dusty Baker was going to have Rendon steal second. Coming into this game, teams were 14-for-16 on stolen base attempts against Syndergaard. But, Rendon stayed and Ramos ended up grounding into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

The Nats would try to steal a base in the sixth inning after Ben Revere singled with one out, but Revere was thrown out at second and the call stood on the challenge. Even though Revere looked safe, give Plawecki credit for making a strong throw to get the out.

All in all, those were the only two chances the Washington Nationals had against Syndergaard. The Mets’ right-hander went seven innings, gave up five hits, struck out ten, and did not walk a batter on 102 pitches (71 strikes). He had all of his pitches working, including in the fourth when he struck out Bryce Harper with a 100 mile per hour fastball and then Ryan Zimmerman with a 99 mile per hour fastball.

Right now, Syndergaard has been the most dominant pitcher on the Mets’ staff and he showed it tonight as he was able to outpitch Scherzer and pick up the win.

Next: Granderson Tough Out In Lineup

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