Big game? No problem.
Nolan McLean just continues delivering quality innings for the Mets down the stretch in the playoff push.
With the team looking to end their dreadful eight-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon, the rookie stepped up and put together six shutout innings in what ended as a walk-off victory over the Rangers.
McLean did endure some early command issues, falling behind each the game’s opening five hitters, but that proved to be no issue as he struck out four and limited Texas to one baserunner over the first three innings.
He then allowed singles to Joc Pederson and Rowdy Tellez in the top of the fourth, but used a double play ball and his fourth punchout of the afternoon to escape the threat.
The Rangers were able to put two more runners on with two outs in the fifth thanks to a double and walk, but the youngster set down Wyatt Langford for his third strikeout of the afternoon to again dance out of danger.
McLean faced another threat in the sixth after a hit by pitch and a bloop single, but he used his second clutch double play of the afternoon to end his outing on a huge note.
Overall, he allowed just five hits and two walks while striking out seven across six frames.
“Nolan was impressive again,” Carlos Mendoza said. “It looks like they had a good gameplan against his sweeper where they took some pitches early in counts and they were aggressive on that pitch, and he recognized that and he started using the sinker and changeup to lefties.
“That's what makes this guy who he is — not only does he have the stuff, but his ability to recognize what hitters are trying to do against him, he has a lot of weapons that he can go to at different times and in different counts, man it’s just super impressive.”
McLean is now the first Mets pitcher to not allow a run in their first three Citi Field starts.
His 1.19 ERA is the lowest-mark in franchise history through ones first six big-league outings.
He's also tied with Dwight Gooden for the third-most strikeouts through six career starts (40).
Certainly some prestigious company and impressive additions to the resume.
“I’m not a huge stat guy,” McLean admitted. “I just try to go out and give my team the best chance to win every time.”
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