Nolan McLean's Dream Debut: Mets Beat Mariners with Renewed Energy

In his Major League debut, Nolan McLean didn’t need to become a hero for the Mets, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The team was just looking for a good performance that would give them the opportunity to beat the Seattle Mariners and, perhaps, spark a reaction after two months of underperformance. McLean met expectations, striking out eight batters and showcasing his defensive prowess in 5 and a third innings without allowing runs, in the Mets’ 3-1 victory at Citi Field. This victory, the third in 17 games, broke a three-game losing streak. The energy that McLean generated was a key factor, something that had been missing from the team in recent weeks.

Definitely something we might have been missing. Especially with how tough this stretch has been. We definitely felt it today.
Carlos Mendoza

The 24-year-old right-handed pitcher, known for his ability to spin the ball, arrived in Queens on Friday to get settled. The Mets, needing roster space, designated Paul Blackburn for assignment after Friday’s loss. On Saturday, McLean became the 43rd pitcher to take the mound for the Mets this season, a franchise record.

Impressive. Incredible. Practically everything we’ve heard about him, the reports we keep receiving about him. Presence on the mound. Behavior. Attack. The way he uses all his pitches.
Carlos Mendoza

McLean impressed from the start, striking out Randy Arozarena with a cutter. He finished his first inning by striking out Josh Naylor with a curveball that reached 3,379 revolutions per minute (RPM), an exceptional figure in the Major Leagues. He went out and was calm. Since yesterday, he was calm. He executed from the first pitch.

Rookie Nolan McLean struck out eight in 5 1/3 scoreless innings to lead the Mets to a 3-1 win over the Mariners.

In the third inning, McLean demonstrated his athleticism and defensive ability by stopping a hit by Julio Rodríguez with his back with the bases loaded and one out. Calmly, he threw the ball to second base to start a double play that ended the inning, escaping his first difficult situation.

I think the ball found me on that play. I got a little lucky. It hit my glove. It wasn’t something that was planned, but it worked.
Nolan McLean

McLean struck out Rodriguez, one of the most outstanding hitters since July, with his 91st pitch. Mendoza took McLean out of the game, receiving boos from the fans, something the manager appreciated.

I heard them loud and clear. And if I were in the stands, I would also boo. I understand completely. But, I have the responsibility to win games. But, we are talking about one of our best prospects making his debut in the Major Leagues. We have a plan. And I had to make a decision. But I still love them.
Carlos Mendoza

The ovation for McLean was deafening as he left the mound. He held the Mariners to just two hits, four walks, and struck out with his different pitches. Everything was needed to counter the Mariners’ pitcher, Bryan Woo, who allowed one run in six innings. Surreal. Couldn’t have dreamt it better. To avoid another defeat, Mendoza replaced McLean with Gregory Soto, who secured five outs. Then, the manager turned to Edwin Díaz in the eighth inning. Eugenio Suárez hit a home run, but Díaz closed out the game, sealing a good day for the Mets.