R.A. Dickey wins 20th game – K’s 13 Pirates

NL Cy Young candidate R.A. Dickey is now 20-6

R.A. Dickey  won his 20th game of the season striking out 13 Pittsburgh Pirates and allowing three runs over 7 2/3 innings of work to beat Pittsburgh 6-5. Dickey became the first knuckleballer to win 20 games since Houston’s Joe Niekro in 1980.

Dickey became the first Met to win 20 games since Frank Viola did so in 1990 and joins Tom Seaver, Dwight Gooden, Jerry Koosman, David Cone and Viola as the only six men to do so  in club history.

Dickey is now 20-6 and while his 222/54 K/BB ratio and 2.69 ERA in a league-high 228 innings.  Dickey solidified his Cy Young candidacy, although manager Terry Collins offered his opinion about his chances, when he said his All-Star right-hander has been dominating despite playing on a losing team.

Washington Nationals Gio Gonzalez delivered another strong performance en route to his MLB-leading 21st victory. Dickey will get one more start this season. Dickey spoke openly about winning the Cy Young Award.

“The thought of it is sort of surreal, but who doesn’t want to win the Cy Young Award? What kid doesn’t grow up wanting to be the best?” Dickey said. “I’m no different. I want to be the best. I’ve always wanted to be the best.”