Nolan McLean Makes Mets History with Impressive 4-0 Start
In a standout performance, rookie Nolan McLean led the New York Mets to a convincing 12-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night. McLean’s achievement marks him as the first Mets pitcher to start his career with a 4-0 record and the first in Major League Baseball to do so since Chase Anderson began his career 5-0 with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014.
After a challenging first inning, McLean regained his composure, retiring his final 14 batters. He finished the game with seven strikeouts, allowing just two runs on three hits and three walks. This performance places McLean in an exclusive group; he is the first pitcher to win his initial four career starts while conceding two or fewer runs in each game since Jered Weaver accomplished the feat with the Los Angeles Angels in 2006.
Historic Milestone and Manager’s Praise
McLean’s 28 strikeouts in his opening four starts rank second in Mets history, just behind the legendary Nolan Ryan, who recorded 29 strikeouts in his first four games. Following the victory, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised McLean’s ability to adapt during the game. “Another impressive outing for him,” Mendoza noted. “We all saw how in that first inning, especially with the sweeper and the curveball, he didn’t have command of those pitches. That’s what you call pitching—understanding that you have to make adjustments and find a way to get through five or six innings.”
The team also showcased a powerful offensive performance, with Pete Alonso hitting two home runs and Juan Soto adding another. Alonso’s first homer was a striking 435-foot drive that landed in the shrubbery beyond center field. The Mets scored six runs in the seventh inning, including back-to-back solo shots from Soto and Alonso, extending their lead to 12-2. Soto’s 37 home runs this season reflect an impressive debut with New York, including five homers in his last five games.
In addition to Alonso’s contributions, Jeff McNeil drove in three runs and recorded three hits as part of the Mets’ offensive onslaught, which totaled 17 hits for the game. Brandon Nimmo and Brett Baty also had three hits each. With this victory, the Mets have moved five games ahead of Cincinnati for the final National League wild card spot, while the Tigers have struggled, losing seven of their last nine games.
This match not only highlights McLean’s impressive start but also underscores the Mets’ strong positioning as they approach the postseason. The combination of McLean’s pitching prowess and the team’s resilient hitting could prove pivotal as the season progresses.
Information in this report is attributed to both the Associated Press and ESPN Research.
