WASHINGTON — With a 4-1 win in Thursday’s finale at Nationals Park, the Mets managed to extend one of the sport’s most impressive early-season streaks. So far this season, the Mets have played 10 series. They have lost none of them, posting a 9-0-1 record in series overall.
The Mets are MLB’s only team featuring an undefeated series mark. Their overall 22-11 record rates third-best in the league, behind only the Yankees and Dodgers. And beyond that, the Mets have offered plenty of evidence that this sort of run might be sustainable.
Here are 10 takeaways from New York’s 10 unblemished series to open the season:
1. Taijuan Walker can be an important rotation piece
One of several starters to report to camp amidst uncertainty, Walker rebounded from March knee trouble and April shoulder woes to become a regular rotation member by May. Thursday’s seven-inning outing was by far his best so far this season, with zero runs allowed and 11 ground-ball outs. Although Walker spent some time between innings using a heating pack on his lower back, he characterized that as typical treatment.
What Walker stressed is that he’s feeling as physically sound as ever, giving the Mets comfort at the back of their rotation.
“It felt really good just to go out there and contribute and go deep into games,” Walker said. “Now I feel like after this outing, I should be in the clear to go deep every game.”
2. Mark Canha might be ready to break out
Manager Buck Showalter said he has…