Syndergaard (7-2) struck out 11 over 8.1 innings Wednesday against the Pirates, allowing just two runs (one earned) on five hits without a walk.
The Pirates got some good swings at Syndergaard when he faced them a week ago, but he was back to his normal godlike self in this one. He entered the ninth inning looking for a shutout, but gave up a pair of doubles before being yanked, with an error bringing home the runner he left on base. Syndergaard's now reached double-digit strikeouts four times this season and still has't allowed more than two earned runs in a start since the first day of May. He'll draw a rematch with his Opening Day (and World Series) opponent, Kansas City, on Tuesday.