FLUSHING - This is the Steven Matz I've been waiting to see.
Ever since I entertained the idea of moving the left-hander, Matz has countered with maximum effort on the mound, emphasized on Friday night with during a 3-2 win over the Nationals.
Matz was economical and stifling, working into the eight before conceding the mound to Seth Lugo for the final five outs. Prior to his exit, Matz (4-6, 3.86) limited Washington to three hits, three walks and two runs while striking out six. He retired the first nine batters in order and 12 of the first 13 he faced before Mac Williamson led off the fifth with a single.
Given a spot start in right, Brandon Nimmo seized the opportunity. He reached on an error in the second that enabled Wilson Ramos, who doubled, to score the game's initial run and tacked on two more in the fourth with a two-run homer.
The win keeps the Mets a game and a half back of the first-place Braves in the NL East.
