Luis Severino continues to roll for Mets even as innings mount

The last time Luis Severino threw this many innings in the majors was during his second All-Star season with the Yankees, way back in 2018. 

And after allowing eight or more hits in three of his last four outings, it was fair to wonder whether the workload was taking a toll on Severino, in the midst of a bounce-back season with the Mets. 

But he had another strong outing in Wednesday’s 6-2 win over the Nationals at Citi Field, as he allowed just two runs — on four hits — over 6 ¹/₃ innings. 

Severino said he was “happy” with how he felt physically. 

“The work we’re doing here and in the offseason is paying off,’’ Severino said. “The routine we do now, we’ll keep it the same routine and I’m looking forward to a good second half.” 

Severino used a six-pitch mix, with more sweepers, against Washington. 

He didn’t allow a hit until Ruiz’s single with one out in the fourth and was in control outside of a rough fourth inning. 

About the only thing Severino did wrong on Wednesday — and he somehow did it on consecutive plays in the fourth — was fail to backup home plate on base hits. 

The first one came with two on and two out, when Juan Yepez singled to right, and it cost the Mets a run. 

Tyrone Taylor fired home and it got away from Francisco Alvarez. 

Keibert Ruiz scored easily on the play, but Severino staying near the mound allowed Lane Thomas to score all the way from first on the play to give Washington a 2-1 lead. 

“At first, I thought they were cutting the throw [off],’’ Severino said. “After that, I saw everything that happened. Of course, that was bad on me. I should have done a better job there.” 

Then Ildemaro Vargas singled to left and Severino lingered near the mound again, but Thomas was held at third, so no more damage was done. 

Asked about the plays, Carlos Mendoza said: “We’ll address it. He knows. He let the play develop and he didn’t get to where he needed to get to. We’ll fix it.” 

Otherwise, though, the manager was encouraged again by what he saw from Severino. 

“He was good,’’ Mendoza said. 

And Mendoza added the team would “keep a close eye” on Severino physically, considering his injury history. 

Severino was confident his good form would continue in the second half and said his training was “way different” this season. 

“My biggest concern going into free agency [last offseason] was getting good trainers and people to keep me on the field,’’ Severino said of his decision to sign with the Mets after his final season in The Bronx went haywire. 

“He’ll get a break here with the All-Star [Game],’’ Mendoza said. “He’s had an unbelievable first half. Everything continues to trend in the right direction.”