Zac Thornton did not just pitch well; he joined a list of Mets pitchers that no one else has touched in franchise history. While most fans watched the strikeouts, the real story lies in the walks he refused to give. In 13 of his first 14 starts, Thornton has walked two or fewer hitters. This specific feat makes him one of only two pitchers to ever do this for the Mets, joining Mike Bruhert.
The game against the Phillies on September 18 showed why this control matters so much in a tight lineup. Thornton started for the Mets and immediately hit Kyle Schwarber with a pitch in the first inning. He followed that up by striking out Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. He also got Luis Arraez to ground out. This mix of aggression and precision set the tone for a 6-3 victory at Citi Field.
A Manager’s High Bar
Interim manager Andy Green knows that one good game does not guarantee a spot on the roster for next year. He watched Thornton throw six innings and allow just two runs on five hits. Green told the New York Post, “I do think this is who he is.” But he also warned that success is not a one-time ticket. “We don’t hand you a job next year because you had 14 good starts,” Green added.
Due to his mound aggression, Thornton has posted a 3.40 ERA and thrown 95 mph. He struck out four batters and walked only one over his six innings. This performance was his eighth quality start of the year. The Mets offense helped him out, led by Francisco Lindor. Lindor hit a double and scored on a Carson Benge single to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead.
Proving the Doubters Wrong
The pitcher himself knows the skepticism that comes with being a starter. He has faced Philadelphia twice and turned in two quality starts against them. Thornton said, “It’s great just to prove myself right,” after the game. He also noted that his performance helps to “prove a lot of others wrong.”
The offense kept piling on runs to secure the win. A solo home run to left-center field was hit by Edmundo Sosa in the sixth inning. Juan Soto then launched a towering home run to right-center field, extending the lead to 6-2. That was his 26th home run of the year. Bryson Stott also contributed with a double off an outfielder’s glove in the second inning, scoring Edmundo Sosa.
Dedniel Nuñez closed out the game by pitching the last inning and a third. He was perfect against the four batters he faced. The game drew 29,764 fans to the stadium on Friday. According to Amazin Avenue, José Urquidy went four and two-thirds innings with no runs allowed. He struck out six batters in that relief appearance.
Nate Lavender surrendered a solo dinger from Derek Hill to conclude the scoring. The Mets showed depth in their lineup and bullpen. The win proves that Thornton is not just a flash in the pan. He has the control to match his speed.
The Road Ahead
Thornton’s ability to limit walks is a rare skill in the modern game. Only Mike Bruhert joins him in franchise history for walking two or fewer hitters in 13 of 14 starts. This stat is more impressive than the ERA alone. It shows discipline when pitchers usually lose their cool.
The Phillies hit hard, but Thornton kept them off the base paths. He induced a ground out from Luis Arraez and struck out Bryce Harper. These are key outs against a dangerous lineup. The Mets need this kind of consistency as they move forward.
Green’s comments suggest that Thornton must keep this up to earn a long-term role. The team will not give him a job just for good starts. He has to keep proving his worth every time he steps on the mound. The fans in Queens saw a pitcher who can handle pressure. He walked one batter in six innings. That is a level of control few can match.
The Mets now look toward their next challenge. Can Thornton maintain this record against other top teams? The answer depends on his ability to stay aggressive yet controlled. He has already proven he can handle the big stage. The rest of the league needs to take notice of his unique skill set.
