Righty Zac Thornton has given the New York Mets pitching staff a reliable option to call on. After a questionable start to his major league career, the former prospect spun six innings and totaled three strikeouts in a 4–0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. His efforts on Tuesday at American Family Field laid the foundation for his first major league win, as he has a 1.93 ERA.
“It’s the same guy. Unafraid, relaxed and went after every hitter. It’s a good mix of aggression and really good defense behind him,” interim manager Andy Green said.
Zac Thornton Shows Poise
In his first three outings, some doubted Thornton’s ability to be a reliable option. He lost his major league debut and then was used in a relief role. His numbers were far from perfect, giving up five earned runs, five walks and 11 hits in 17 innings.
However, Zac Thornton put the struggles behind him against the Brewers. Even when he surrendered a hit and walk in the first, he responded by not allowing a run to score. In the second he got his first strikeout of the evening. This came before he kept the Brewers hitless in the third and fourth.
Thornton held up in the fifth, as he didn’t allow a hit against the Brewers. Still, he ran into trouble in the sixth, giving up two hits. Yet, he struck out the next batter and kept the shutout intact. Overall, he went six innings without giving up a hit and had two strikeouts.
“It’s trial and error, as everything goes. I’ll obviously learn more with more reps and everything. It’s a learning game and I got to keep learning,” Thornton said. “I’ve always wanted to help this team win. That’s always been my number one thing as a player, not my personal accolades. I’ve always been team driven.”
Setting Up The Win
Zac Thornton going six innings is what the Mets needed to bounce back from Monday’s loss to the Brewers. His set up came before a hitless seventh and eighth. In the ninth, Devin Williams gave up a hit, but managed to seal the victory for the Mets. Thornton’s efforts contributed to much of this success, with it resulting in a win going into the series finale.
Christian Scott (3–1, 2.87 ERA) will take the mound in Wednesday’s game against Logan Henderson (3–1, 2.97 ERA). First pitch is set for 2:10 pm Eastern from American Family Field.
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