Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer are the Mets star pitchers. But Chris Bassitt, the right-hander, whose fastball merely lives in the low-to-mid-90s, has been the most reliable Mets starter throughout this season.
The overlooked and quietly overpowering No. 3 starter silenced the Pirates for six solid innings in the Mets’ 5-1 victory in front of 40,111 at Citi Field on Saturday night. Bassitt has set a career high in starts, with 28, and only appears to be gaining strength.
With the victory, the Mets (92-55) remained one game clear of the Braves, who beat the Phillies.
Since being swept by the Cubs, the Mets have won three straight against the Pirates going into the series finale Sunday, which will end a streak of 16 straight games against sub-.500 opponents. The Mets, who have gone a disappointing 8-7 in the stretch, will visit Milwaukee beginning Monday.
They can thank their pitching staff for the rebound in this series, in which they have held the Pirates to five runs in three games. Bassitt, an encouraging David Peterson and Adam Ottavino combined for 12 strikeouts Saturday.
The Guy Report 