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Mets Home Opener Highlight: Jacob deGrom receives loudest ovation of all

By Edward Lennon

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 03: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets smiles towards Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets in the dugout during the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on April 3, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 03: Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets smiles towards Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets in the dugout during the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on April 3, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Citi Field was open for business on Thursday. The New York Mets player to get the loudest ovation from the fans, Jacob deGrom.

The New York Mets‘ home opener against the Washington Nationals was booming with energy. Thousands of fans flocked from all over to welcome the Mets for their first game at Citi Field, selling out the stadiums. Right before the game, as the players were introduced to the fans at home for the first time this season, to no surprise, Jacob deGrom received the loudest applaud and a standing ovation, and it was not even close.

The obvious cheers and roars from the enthusiastic masses were a sign of gratitude for the reigning Cy Young. He is the best pitcher in baseball, and now a  part of the Mets’ long-term future after signing a five-year, $137.5 million extension. Fans have loved watching #48 dominate for the past five seasons and are thrilled that he will stay with the club through 2025. He is the face of the Mets’ franchise.

After cheers for deGrom, however, there wasn’t much else to get excited about. The Mets offense was silent in the 4-0 loss to the Nationals.

deGrom’s loud and enthusiastic cheers come after a historic night. Wednesday night against the Miami Marlins, deGrom became the fifth pitcher since 1969 to strike out at least 14 batters and hit a home run in the same game. deGrom got the win and went seven innings, allowing no runs, three hits, one walk, and striking out 14. As well as his impressive performance on the mound, deGrom gave himself some run support by hitting a 383-foot blast in the third inning.

Through two starts, the 30-year old right-hander is 2-0, has struck out 24 batters in 13 innings and has yet to allow a run. Not only did he start where he left off last year, but deGrom may have gotten even better. He is making hitters look foolish at the plate. His campaign to repeat as the National League Cy Young is off to a hot start.

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His next scheduled start next Wednesday, April 10 against the Minnesota Twins. deGrom will benefit from the extra rest before his next start. Fans cannot wait to see a well-rested deGrom continue his young, dominant season.