John Gast Makes Major League Debut With Win vs. Mets

May 14, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher John Gast (64) throws to a New York Mets batter during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. St. Louis defeated New York 10-4. Image Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

John Gast made his Major League debut tonight as the starting pitcher in a 10-4 Cardinals win over the New York Mets. Gast cruised through the first 5 innings giving up only 3 hits on 49 pitches despite several balls being hit on the nose throughout the outing.

In the 6th inning the Mets finally broke through with 4 runs on 3 more hits, although Gast should’ve gotten out of the 6th giving up only 2 runs as the Cardinals thoroughly botched a run down between 1st and 2nd allowing John Buck to move up on what should have been the 3rd out of the inning. This defensive miscue prolonged the inning one hitter too long as Marlon Byrd crushed his 3rd home run, a 2 run shot, over the Mets bullpen. To Gast’s credit, he didn’t get overly rattled by this and regrouped to strikeout Ike Davis to end the Mets half of the 6th, and their scoring for the evening.

Gast’s final line for the evening was solid: 6 IP, 4 ER, 6H, 3 K, 1 BB, and most importantly a W in his first MLB start.

Seth Maness manned the 7th inning, getting 3 consecutive ground balls on 10 pitches. The name of his game thus far has been efficiency, and he showcased it again tonight.

Carlos Martinez toed the rubber in the 8th inning, and brought 100 mph heat, his mid 90s sinking 2 seamer, and a nasty changeup to strike out the side.

Joe Kelly came on in the 9th inning to finish off the Mets to preserve the victory.

In the post game interview with FSNMW, Gast’s initial comments were quick to credit the offense for the run support in easing his nerves stating, “Obviously the bats came out tonight, so that helps a lot.”  When asked about his nerves, Gast said, “It was just exciting”, and “I think I got all the nerves out in the bullpen, and warming up in the outfield beforehand.”

Gast was quick to credit the offense and rightfully so. As a club, the Cardinals banged out 10 runs on 11 hits, and the Mets were never really in this game. Carlos Beltran led the way with 3 hits including a monstrous 3 run home run that landed in Big Mac Land.

With the W, the Cardinals improved to 12 games over .500 with a Major League best record of 25-13.