Justin Dunn/Photo by Ed Delany

Two years ago, the New York Mets made RHP Justin Dunn their first round draft pick (19th overall). With the excitement of the draft, Mets fans were left to imagine Dunn making great starts on his path to becoming the future ace of the Mets.

Well, tonight, Mets fans didn’t have to imagine it as Dunn had what was his best start in his professional career.

In a no decision, Dunn pitched seven shutout two hit innings. On this night, the Tarpons really had no chance against a pitcher who walked one and struck out 10.

Of the five batters who Dunn threw three balls, he struck out five of them. This makes this start not just about his dominating the competition with his pure stuff, but he also showed grit and determination to put batters away who tried to work the count and get on base.

The feat is all the more remarkable when you consider the Tarpons lineup consists of players like MLB Pipeline‘s 30th ranked Yankees prospect Isiah Gilliam.

To put things more in perspective, Tampa has the third most walks in the Florida State League as well as the fourth most hits.

This start is the deepest Dunn has gone into a game, and it matches a career high in fewest hits allowed in a start. This is also the first time he has reached double digit strikeouts in a game.

With this great start, Dunn has now allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight of his nine starts.

Overall, Dunn is now 2-3 with a 2.36 ERA, 1.270 WHIP, and a 10.1 K/9. His ERA is now third best in the Florida State League, and he’s amassed the sixth most strikeouts (51).