New York Mets: Jenrry Mejia’s hot start impressive

Apr 21, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jenrry Mejia (58) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Jenrry Mejia came into the 2014 season for the New York Mets with lack of experience. The 24-year-old didn’t have many major-league starts coming into the year, but his early starts have been impressive to say the least.

After his win tonight against the St. Louis Cardinals, Mejia (3-0, 1.99 ERA) has started four games resulting in Mets wins. In those starts, he has allowed just five runs and has struck out 25 batters.

In his first start of the season, he stifled the Cincinnati Reds offense. They were able to notch just four hits over six innings, scoring just one run in New York’s 4-3  home victory. On the 15th, he managed to pitch five scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks before being pulled after 77 pitches with a blister.

Last night, Mejia made it clear that the blister that bothered him last week was gone and he was ready to continue his hot start. The Cardinals were shut out for his 6.2 innings as Mejia struck out seven batters. The starter allowed just four hits over the 6.2 innings. Despite the lack of run support, Mejia didn’t need any help as he was able to pitch his finest game of the season.

The Mets have to be thrilled that their Dominican-born pitcher is healthy and back on the mound to help them begin their season. Their 10-9 start has featured some impressive individual performances and statistics, but Mejia’s hot start might be the biggest surprise of the young season. If he can keep up his success through the months of April and May, the Mets will have a chance to compete close to the all-star break.