Nolan McLean became the first New York Mets pitcher in franchise history to win his first three major league starts in a commanding 6-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. The 23-year-old right-hander threw eight innings of masterful mound work, allowing just two hits and striking out eight batters. This performance completed a three-game sweep of a formidable Phillies team, capping off a historic weekend for the young hurler.
McLean’s dominance was evident from the start, as he silenced the often raucous Citizens Bank Park crowd with his precise command and sharp secondary pitches. The rookie’s ability to consistently locate his fastball and mix in his curveball and changeup has drawn comparisons to veteran relievers, though his 200+ ERA is a cause for concern. However, his 1.00 WHIP and 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings have signaled a promising future for the Mets’ pitching rotation.
Manager Buck Showalter hailed McLean’s performance as a ‘statement game,’ emphasizing the young pitcher’s ability to ‘take control of the game from the first pitch.’ The sweep over the Phillies, a team with one of the best records in the National League, has injected a new sense of confidence into the Mets’ young core. With three more starts remaining in his rookie season, McLean is on the cusp of a breakout year that could solidify his place in the Mets’ long-term plans.