DeGrom allows 3 runs or fewer in MLB-record 30th straight start

Jacob deGrom picked up right where he left off from last year.

In his first start as the reigning National League Cy Young winner, the New York Mets ace continued his historic run from 2018 by turning in another record-setting outing Thursday. DeGrom's six shutout innings against the Washington Nationals marked the 30th straight start in which he's allowed three runs or fewer, a new major-league record, according to MLB Stats.

DeGrom had shared the record with Jake Arrieta, who did it in 29 straight starts over the 2015 and '16 seasons for the Cubs, according to Baseball-Reference. Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Ryne Stanek also matched this mark last season, though he did so in 29 starts of two innings or fewer as an "opener."

It's been almost a calendar year since deGrom surrendered at least four runs in a start. The Miami Marlins tagged him for four runs in six innings on April 10.

DeGrom's six shutout innings also marked his 25th straight quality start, moving him into a tie with Eddie Cicotte for the second-longest streak in baseball history, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. He can tie Bob Gibson's record set across the 1967-68 seasons in his next outing.

The 30-year-old's last non-quality start came on May 18 when he lasted just one inning while dealing with an elbow issue.

DeGrom, who recently signed a five-year extension with the Mets, left Thursday's season opener having allowed five hits while striking out 10 and walking just one. He earned his first win of 2019 in the Mets' 2-0 win over Washington.