While Mets hitters were combining to hit six homers, Megill allowed none to Colorado. He’s surrendered just five in 64 2/3 innings on the season. Throw in the outstanding 30% strikeout rate, and it’s kind of surprising he’s not doing better than a 3.76 ERA. Alas, it’d held him back that he has far weaker numbers with men on base than with the bases empty. He remains a fair mixed-league play anyway, and he’ll get the Rays next.

Megill was hit for four runs in the open frame, including two on a home run by Max Muncy. He recovered tremendously following the first inning, locking in for five more scoreless frames, striking out seven batters over six innings. The 29-year-old right-hander will take a 3.77 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and a 79/28 K/BB ratio across 59 2/3 innings into a start against the Rockies in Colorado on Sunday.

Megill punched out six batters on the night while also issuing four free passes. All of the scoring done against him came in the opening inning as Mike Tauchman drew a one-out walk and Miguel Vargas followed with a two-run blast. He settled in nicely after that though and kept the White Sox’ offense at bay the remainder of the evening. He got 14 swings and misses on 100 pitches on the night — six each on his fastball and slider — while posting a CSW of 31 percent. Now 4-4 on the season, he’ll bring a 3.52 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and a 72/27 K/BB ratio (53 2/3 innings) into Monday’s showdown against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Megill might’ve felt the heat after a handful of poor starts and with the Mets many injured pitchers due back soon. He responded to that pressure with a dominant first few innings. He struck out four batters through two and importantly for Megill, 21 of his 30 pitches through those first two innings were strikes. His strikeout total rose to nine after four innings and the Red Sox struggled to generate any base runners. Then, he ran into trouble during the fifth after an infield hit, hit-by-pitch, two walks, and a sacrifice fly which forced him from the game. Still, this start was a huge step in the right direction and was spurred by him being more aggressive in the zone with his fastball. His next start is scheduled to come Tuesday against the White Sox.