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New York Mets' Noah Syndergaard aims to get 'comfortable'

By The Sports Xchange
New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34). Photo by Rich Kane/UPI
New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34). Photo by Rich Kane/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES -- On the surface, Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard is making his first playoff start in the wrong place -- on the road.

The 23-year-old was 2-5 with a 4.23 ERA in 12 starts on the road with a 1.33 WHIP considerably higher than his 0.82 mark in 12 starts at Citi Field.

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But those road numbers are somewhat misleading, weighted as they are by two rough outings in San Diego and Tampa during the first half of the season. Syndergaard actually allowed two earned runs or less in seven of his 12 road starts including both of his September starts away from Citi Field.

"To me, it's just all about getting comfortable out there on the mound on the road," said Syndergaard, who will face the LA Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. "I feel like in the last couple starts I had on the road I had a lot of success, a lot of comfort.

"The big thing for me was being able to execute my pitches and become more of a pitcher, not a thrower. And I feel like that's going to play a huge role (in Game 2)."

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Developing a two-seam fastball that allows him to get more ground balls -- and rely less on overpowering hitters for strikeouts -- has been a big part of that, according to Mets manager Terry Collins.

"One of the things you try to do at this level is to get easy outs, try to get outs early in the count" Collins said. "The two-seamer has allowed him to do that. Now he has a lot more confidence to pitch to contact early in the count where he doesn't have to worry about trying to strike somebody out. I think it's been a big help to him."

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