Noah Syndergaard’s pitch movement is unfair
Vintage Thor was on display Sunday, as Noah Syndergaard struck out 11 Brewers in the Mets' 3-2 win. It was easily Noah’s best start of the season. Eight of his 11 strikeouts came consecutively, two shy of the MLB record. And while this is what we have come to expect from our ace, the filthy movement he had on Sunday deserves a discussion of its own.
Since he’s debuted, Noah’s triple-digit fastballs have made him an intimidating threat to hitters. But Sunday’s outing showed why he may have the best stuff in the game. What is it that’s starting to really set him apart from other aces? Whether it’s a fastball or something off speed, there is an elite movement to his pitches. They simply move in a way things in motion shouldn’t.
Let’s examine some downright nasty pitches against the Brew Crew:
97 MPH Sinker:
Thor's 97 mph Black Magic Sinker (slow).
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 15, 2018
It's looks like he's throwing a pitch in a tornado. pic.twitter.com/6GzYdMQXPy
What is a hitter supposed to do with that? Tomas Nido knew where this pitch was going and he didn’t even try to catch it. If Noah has an 0-2 count and decides he’s going to throw one of these acts of sorcery, our thoughts and prayers are with the batter.
89 MPH Changeup:
Yucky. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/OAUIDirOGs
— MLB (@MLB) April 15, 2018
This is what MLB batters refer to as “unhittable.” As if the offs peed factor wasn’t enough, this bad boy moved with the torsion of a wiffle ball. Poor Travis Shaw...he never stood a chance. Shaw even took to Twitter after the game to beg for mercy, but Thor dropped his hammer.
Hey @Noahsyndergaard ease up a little next time lol.... #gross https://t.co/0zBTfD6ens
— Travis Shaw (@travis_shaw21) April 15, 2018
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) April 15, 2018
97 MPH Fastball:
Noah Syndergaard's 97mph fastball movement.... pic.twitter.com/NlDlUrIvMz
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) April 15, 2018
This has to be from a video game. How did Eric Thames lay off? The pitch was so nasty that Thames had to leave the game with a hip strain, and he didn’t even swing. The movement on this one was wiffle ball-esque, too. And if a batter sees this when he’s behind in the count, it’s lights out and time for bed.
On Sunday, Noah's pitches were the stuff of legend. With the way they were moving, it’s a shocker that the Brewers were able muster even two hits off of him. It's just a reminder that when Noah is on, he’s arguably the filthiest pitcher in the game. If he continues to throw the ball like this, we can expect to see more double-digit strikeout outings, and maybe even a no-hitter. For now, we’re content with another W and some solid GIFs of batters looking silly.
Photo credit: Paul J. Bereswill
Also in The 7 Line Blog
May 9th Pregame In The K Korner
Swing by the K Korner on Friday May 9th before the Mets take on the Cubs. If you're sitting with us or not, you can enjoy exclusive specials on Montauk draft beers by rocking T7L merch to the bar.
T7LRC RUN DC FUN RUN
We're kicking the day off on Saturday April 26th with some miles around DC. Start your morning off on a positive foot, then sightsee or do whatever else you have planned before the Mets/T7LA pre-game party. We picked a slightly shorter route than our usual fun runs. JOIN US!
Pregame With The 7 Line Army In The K Korner!
Swing by the K Korner on Tuesday April 22nd before the Mets take on the Phillies. If you're sitting with us or not, you can enjoy discounted Montauk draft beers by rocking T7L merch to the bar.
Nick Giacone
Author