Pill proves to be prescription for NY in 1st start

NEW YORK -- When the game-tying popup clunked to the dirt at his feet, Asdrúbal Cabrera said, the first thought that ran through his mind was that Tyler Pill would not earn the win. Pill deserved a better fate, Cabrera bemoaned. The rookie pitched well enough to have a souvenir resting in his locker.
But Pill was just fine with taking a no-decision in the Mets' 5-4, 12-inning, walk-off win over the Brewers, his ability to work out of trouble giving them a chance at such late dramatics.
"It's a very good feeling, much like the initial callup," said Pill, who was making his second career appearance but first start for the Mets. "I don't think it will really dawn on me until later on, when I get to the hotel room. I'm just really glad and fortunate everything went well, and we came out on top in the end."
Pill could never feel completely comfortable throughout his outing. He plunked the first batter he faced in the game, Keon Broxton, and allowed him to score on a Travis Shaw double. Yet Pill induced a double play to erase one baserunner that inning, eventually stranding Shaw at second. Topping out at 91 mph with his fastball, Pill left another runner on base in the second inning, then two apiece in the third and fourth.

The rookie's high-wire act reached its apex in the fifth inning, when he gave up a leadoff triple to Eric Thames. Pill then popped up Hernán Pérez, struck out Shaw looking and induced an inning-ending groundout of Domingo Santana. Not long after, Pill was out of the game with this final line: 5 1/3 innings, six hits, one run, three walks and four strikeouts.
He left in line to win, but Cabrera's dropped popup with the bases loaded in the seventh inning ensured that Pill would receive a no-decision. Either way, he earned a standing ovation as he left the mound at Citi Field.
"That's a great feeling," Pill said. "It's awesome how many people are behind you when you're playing, and how much they're rooting for you and cheering for you."

Given his adequacy, Pill should receive at least another big league start. Because Steven Matz and Seth Lugo will each make another Minor League rehab start this week, the Mets need someone to pitch Sunday against the Pirates. Pill seemingly did enough Tuesday to merit the nod.
"He lived up to exactly what I heard about," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "He doesn't give in. He doesn't beat himself. … I thought he pitched very effectively."