Despite his start being overshadowed by a steal of home plate, Mets LHP Steven Matz struck out seven batters in seven strong innings in Sunday's 2-0 loss to the Cubs, his first start since suffering a strained middle finger.
"He's been tremendous,'' manager Mickey Callaway told reporters. "He's attacking the hitters. Great changeup. Better breaking ball probably than I've ever seen.''
Matz (2-4) allowed two runs -- both in the seventh inning -- and five hits in seven innings, lowering his ERA to 3.42. Over his last three outings, including last Tuesday's start in which he left after three innings with a finger strain, Matz has a 1.