Rookie Nolan McLean continues his brilliant start in the MLB, dominating opposing hitters and guiding the Mets to a resounding victory over the Detroit Tigers. McLean, with an outstanding performance, retired the last 14 batters he faced on Tuesday night, securing the Mets’ victory with a score of 12-5. The pitcher became the first Mets pitcher to achieve a 4-0 record in his first four starts, a milestone not seen in the Major Leagues since 2014. After a challenging first inning, McLean finished the game with seven strikeouts, allowing only two runs, three hits, and three walks. Furthermore, he is the first pitcher to win his first four starts allowing two or fewer runs in each since Jered Weaver in 2006.
Mendoza added: “Another very good sign for a kid who is only making his fourth start at the major league level.” McLean’s 28 strikeouts in his first four starts place him second in Mets history, surpassed only by Nolan Ryan (29). The Mets’ first baseman, Pete Alonso, who hit two home runs on Tuesday night, highlighted McLean’s work ethic as key to his success.Another impressive performance for him. We saw how in the first inning, especially with the sweeper and the curve… he had no control of those pitches. A couple of walks and they connected a couple of singles. That’s what we call pitching. Understanding that you have to make adjustments and find a way to get through five or six innings, and he was able to do it.
Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
Juan Soto and Luis Torrens also hit home runs for the Mets, who won the first game of the series 10-8 on Monday. New York moved five games ahead of Cincinnati in the fight for the National League wild card. The Tigers, leaders of the American League Central Division, have lost seven of nine games. The first home run by Alonso was a 435-foot blast in the first inning that landed between the first and second row of bushes behind the center field wall. Soto and Alonso hit back-to-back home runs in a six-run seventh inning that gave the Mets a 12-2 lead. Soto has 37 home runs in his first season with New York, including five in the last five games. Alonso’s second home run was number 33 of the year. Jeff McNeil drove in three runs and finished with three of New York’s 17 hits. Brandon Nimmo and Brett Baty also had three hits for the Mets.I know everyone’s going to talk about all the good things he’s doing on the field, which is justified, but how he takes his job, day in and day out, is super impressive. And that’s the reason why he’s been able to do what he’s done on the field… He’s been a professional since he arrived, and there’s no surprise in why he’s found success.
Pete Alonso, Mets First Baseman
