With all due respect to Billy Hamilton, Jacob deGrom (2.68 ERA, 3.08 xFIP, and 3.35 K/BB in 21 starts) is almost certainly the National League Rookie of the Year frontrunner, particularly after last night’s performance at Citi Field. The 26-year old fireballer fanned the first eight Marlins he faced, tying a MLB record (i.e., since 1900) set by Jim Deshaies of the Astros on September 23, 1986.

All that stood in deGrom’s path for setting the record was the No. 9 hitter, Jarred Cosart, the opposing pitcher. (In contrast, Deshaies faced a pinch-hitter who popped up to second base.)

And wouldn’t you know? Cosart, who came into the game with only two hits on the season, swung at the first pitch, a fastball, and smacked a single into right field.

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Of course, the Mets managed to lose the game, 6–5, and deGrom, who ultimately struck out 13 batters while surrendering three runs over seven innings, received a no-decision.

And to make matters worse, when our great-great-grandchildren look back at his historic performance, the only thing they’ll ask each other is: “Why on Earth were deGrom and his teammates wearing heinous camouflage uniforms?”