Jacob deGrom makes history in latest dominant start

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob deGrom makes history in dominant performance against Nationals

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/24/21

Jacob deGrom just keeps getting better.

The New York Mets ace was in peak form on Friday against the Washington Nationals, tossing his second career shutout with a career-high 15 strikeouts.

His 15 K's brought his season strikeout total to 50, breaking the previous record of 48 for most strikeouts in a player's first four outings. The previous record was held by Shane Bieber (2021) and Nolan Ryan (1978).

5️⃣0️⃣ punchouts (and counting) through his first four starts of the season. A new major league record. pic.twitter.com/IaEa2SmidW
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 24, 2021

deGrom allowed just two hits and no walks on the night. The Mets won 6-0 and deGrom lowered his career ERA to 2.55, which is the lowest in franchise history.

The 32-year-old has at least 14 strikeouts in his last three starts, joining Gerrit Cole and Pedro Martinez as the third player ever to accomplish the feat. He is the first Mets pitcher since Al Leiter in 1999 to strike out 15 batters in a single game.

So far this season, deGrom has allowed just 13 hits and one earned run over 29 innings and owns a 0.31 ERA.

After the game, Mets manager Luis Rojas insisted that deGrom is truly a special player and that we are witnessing something truly great.

"It's still surprising to me," Rojas said, via ESPN. "I think we're all in (the dugout) witnessing something special. It's unbelievable. Everyone in there is excited to be part of the team and witnessing what Jake is doing every time he gets the ball."

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