Expected pitching duels during the series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets did not unfold as such, yet the four-game finale that saw Jason Vargas and his 5.22 ERA pitted against Hyun-Jin Ryu, did produce a game in which both offenses were held in check.
Although both teams saw their talented starters surrender a fair share of runs, the Mets raised questions about the validity of the Dodgers’ success against Noah Syndergaard. The right-hander allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings.
Syndergaard, Mets manager Mickey Callaway and bench coach Jim Riggleman each wondered if the Dodgers were stealing signs and/or had assistance from some type of surveillance system.
“I think for us, we feel that we go out there and play 27 outs every night the best we can,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said when asked about the Mets’ claims.
“If we come up short, then it’s a combo of we didn’t play well and giving the other team credit. I guess if they feel differently about the quality of at-bats that we put against these guys, was not as a result of our talent and preparation, that’s their decision. I can’t change their thoughts.
“To be quite honest, I really don’t care what they think. I know we play within the constructs of the rules and we prepare really well, we have really good players and we compete every pitch. To think we’re doing any undercover-op, wow. I don’t know.”
While an elite pitcher throughout his career, Syndergaard has struggled this season, and his results against the Dodgers had more to do with curiously getting away from a changeup and curveball that had their batters off balance.
Furthermore, the Dodgers have a proven track record against pitchers who rely on velocity — Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader twice was hit hard by L.A. this season, and so too was San Diego Padres closer Kirby Yates.
Mets closer Edwin Diaz was added to that list as he failed to get the team a win after Syndergaard’s quality start.
Since last season, the Brewers and Boston Red Sox have accused the Dodgers of stealing signs. It also came to light that Game 163 between the Dodgers and Colorado Rockies was fraught with suspicion.
