Nolan McLean, the team’s rookie standout pitcher, was scheduled to make his sixth start of the season as the New York Mets went into Sunday on an eight-game losing run.
McLean was a positive force for New York throughout his first five games on the mound. During his first five starts, the Mets were 4-1, with a 1-0 loss as their only defeat.
On Sunday, McLean whirled six scoreless innings, continuing that trend. In the Mets’ 5-2 victory in extra innings, the rookie pitcher struck out seven batters while giving up five hits and two walks.
Nolan McLean Makes History in Dominant Outing
Since making his big league debut on August 16, McLean has been outstanding. The rookie pitcher for the Mets has a 1.20 ERA after 37.2 major league innings. In addition to striking out 40 hitters and recording a 0.982 WHIP, McLean has only allowed five runs and 12 walks overall.
During Sunday’s most recent stunning performance, McLean made history for the Mets. After six starts, the rookie established the Mets’ franchise record for lowest ERA. Terry Leach (1.73) and Nolan Ryan (1.98) were the only other Mets with an ERA under two after six starts, but McLean’s 1.19 ERA overtook them.
It has been an absolutely amazing run for McLean to begin his career. The 24-year-old has tossed at least six innings in four of his six starts, thrown three scoreless appearances, and made four quality starts.
During this run, McLean has also encountered formidable opponents. Two games against the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies and one against the Detroit Tigers, who have the second-best record in the American League, are among the five clubs he has faced who are in the playoff race.
McLean has been the exception as the Mets have had trouble since the end of July, and particularly since the beginning of August. The youngster has kept the Mets in the wild card chase and has consistently produced outstanding performances when he has on the mound.
With 12 games remaining, New York now controls the National League’s last wild card slot, but the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco Giants, and Cincinnati Reds are right behind it.
McLean’s next appearance is scheduled against the Washington Nationals, thus the Mets should receive two more starts from him in the remaining games of the season.
