Tylor Megill’s new-look slider delivers against Rays

Tylor Megill delivered one of his best outings yet, and it was just good enough to deliver the Mets a second straight win — 3-2 over the MLB-best Rays — for the first time in nearly a month.

The righty matched his longest outing this season — six innings — while finding his groove with his work-in-progress slider.

He threw the pitch 22 times out of his 79 pitches (28 percent), getting 11 swings and misses and three strikeouts with it.

This season his slider has averaged 83.4 mph, down from last year’s 85.2 mph, per Baseball Savant.

Megill ended his day having allowed four hits, two earned runs, one home run while striking out four.

“He found his slider in the second inning. It had a really good shape to it today,” manager Buck Showalter said. “That’s something he hasn’t been consistent with, and I thought the shape of the slider was really good today.”

 Mets starting pitcher Tylor Megill (38) pitches in the fifth inning
Tylor Megill’s revamped slider helped the Mets win back-to-back games for the first time in a month.
Robert Sabo for NY Post

This slider was a newer version of what he was throwing in spring training.

Megill describing it as “harder and firmer” than before and it has hit speeds between 85-87 mph.

Thursday, it maxed out at 86.4 mph.

“I like the speed difference compared to last year,” he said. “Really good depth and movement. So, I think when it’s on, it’s gonna be a really good pitch.”

Some sixth-inning sweats came for Megill after he allowed a homer to Josh Lowe.

A walk to Randy Arozarena and a single to left by Harold Ramirez quickly followed.

Megill was saved, however, by catcher Michael Perez’s throw to get Ramirez, who was trying to steal second.

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso #20, celebrates with New York Mets starting pitcher Tylor Megill #38, after Tampa Bay Rays Harold Ramirez was caught in a rundown
Mets first baseman Pete Alonso celebrates with New York Mets starting pitcher Tylor Megill.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Megill lasted longer than some may have expected since many of his previous starts lasted just five innings due to trouble facing the batting order for the third time.

“My goal is to go as long as possible each outing. For me, when I’m ahead and I’m filling up the strike zones, is when things are going well and then obviously my pitches follow,” Megill said. “I’m throwing all my pitches in for strikes. It’s gonna make it difficult for hitters to obviously get some good swings on the ball. So, I’m willing to go deep and give some length not only for the team, but our bullpen as well. It helps them.”

The Mets are now one of four teams to have won a series against the Rays, who have best record in baseball at 32-13.

The others are the Blue Jays, Astros and Orioles.

“It just goes to show we can compete with anybody, and we’re playing well,” Megill said. “Doesn’t matter who’s on the other side, just go out there and compete.”

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