Rookie Nolan McLean pitches 8 scoreless innings as the Mets sweep the Phillies

The New York Mets’ promising 24-year-old right-hander Nolan McLean has emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise struggling rotation. Today, he started and threw 95 pitches over 8 innings, allowing only 4 singles, issuing no walks, striking out 6, and keeping the Phillies scoreless, leading his team to a 6-0 home victory that completed a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies in their three-game series. He also became the first Mets pitcher in history to win each of his first three career starts.

Nolan McLean isn’t a power pitcher but excels at commanding his slider and sinker. It wasn’t until the top of the 8th inning, after Alec Bohm and Max Kepler hit consecutive singles, that he faced his first runners in scoring position. However, he promptly retired the next three batters, escaping the only real threat. In fact, if you count the top of the 2nd inning when, after one out, Bohm singled but McLean induced a double play to end the threat, this rookie righty effectively pitched a unique “20 up, 20 down” performance.

After giving up 2 runs over 5.1 innings against the Seattle Mariners at home on August 16, Nolan McLean has delivered two consecutive quality starts with no walks. Over his last three games, he has pitched 20.1 innings, struck out 21 batters, and holds an ERA of just 0.89.

The Mets’ offense also provided solid support. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, leadoff hitter Brett Baty doubled, followed by singles from Hayden Senger, Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso that produced three runs. In the bottom of the 5th, a string of singles added more runs. Then, with two outs in the bottom of the 7th, Brandon Nimmo singled and Mark Vientos hit a two-run shot to left-center field, sealing the score.

Completing the sweep in the three-game series has reignited the Mets’ hopes in the National League East race, cutting their deficit to the Phillies to just four games. The two teams will face off in a four-game series in Philadelphia from September 8 to 11, which could be pivotal for the division standings. Additionally, with the Cincinnati Reds losing to the Dodgers on the road today, the Mets have extended their lead for the third National League wild card spot to 4.5 games.