Calla Kessler for The New York Times
WASHINGTON — Sporting a new beard and relieved to have his contract extension completed, Jacob deGrom, the Mets’ ace and the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, commenced his encore to a sensational 2018 season on opening day against the Nationals.
It was a fresh start. The Mets’ offense, for a change, afforded him a lead. Robinson Cano, the second baseman who was brought in to energize a stagnant lineup, stroked a home run to left-center field in the top of the first inning.
DeGrom followed with filthy sliders and fastballs that reached as high as 98 miles per hour.