On June 19, 2015, then-Mets starter Jacob deGrom \-\- turning 27 years old -- turned over a quality start on his birthday against the Braves with 7 1/3 innings of two-run ball. His club lost. On June 19, 2016, deGrom -- turning 28 -- turned over a quality start on his birthday against the Braves, this time allowing three runs over six innings in what also turned out to be a Mets defeat. On Friday, deGrom celebrated his 38th birthday by taking the mound against the Padres at Globe Life Field, becoming the first pitcher in Senators/Rangers franchise history aged 38 or older to make a start for the club on his birthday. This time, deGrom did not make a quality start. He allowed six runs in six innings, also giving up the first grand slam of his career to Ty France in the first inning. deGrom allowed just one run after the first, a solo homer from France in the fourth. But he then powered through with a season-high 106 pitches and limited damage afterwards, striking out nine. And deGrom secured his first birthday win thanks to his offense going blow-for-blow with the Padres, putting up six runs in the bottom of the first inning and adding some insurance later to beat San Diego, 9-7, in the series opener. Friday night marked the Rangers’ largest comeback win of the season, and their biggest since another five-run comeback on Aug. 11, 2025, against the Diamondbacks, when they trailed 5-0 after three innings but won, 7-6, in the 10th. “Obviously I didn't have a very good first inning,” deGrom said. “For \[the offense\
