Jason Vargas has a 1.85 ERA over his past seven starts, spanning 39 innings. NEW YORK -- Less than a month ago, New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen reiterated the idea that the club's greatest strength comes from its starting pitching. Jason Vargas set a season-high with eight strikeouts in a 7-0 shutout of the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night at Citi Field.