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Nolan McLean delivered a stunning performance on Tuesday that left everyone—fans, commentators, and even his teammates—speechless. The rookie pitcher showcased his talent by striking out seven batters during the New York Mets’ decisive 12-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
And let’s be honest, he really shone in the fifth inning, where he retired the side in style, striking out each batter he faced. Play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti’s live reaction was priceless; you could hear the disbelief in his voice as he witnessed this incredible display of skill.
Masterful Fifth Inning: A Pitching Showcase
The fifth inning was nothing short of a masterclass in pitching. McLean kicked things off by striking out Dillon Dingler after a tense six-pitch battle, followed by Trey Sweeney, who went down swinging on a quick four-pitch strikeout.
But the real highlight? That pitch that sent Colt Keith back to the dugout swinging at a dazzling 92 mph sinker. Benetti couldn’t contain himself, exclaiming, “What is that? What was that?”—and honestly, who could blame him? It was a moment that left fans buzzing with excitement.
When the dust settled, McLean wrapped up the game with an impressive stat line: just two earned runs on three hits over six innings, giving him a fantastic 1.37 ERA for the season. Notably, he made history by becoming the first pitcher since 2014 to win his first four MLB starts.
Sure, he faced a few bumps early on, including two walks in the first inning that led to runs, but his resilience was truly commendable.
Overcoming Early Challenges
After that rocky start, McLean found his rhythm and made some smart adjustments.
He candidly shared his early worries about his sweeper and curveball, admitting that he lost confidence in those pitches when he struggled to find the strike zone. But once he regained his groove, those pitches came back into play, and boy, did it pay off.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza couldn’t help but praise McLean’s performance, calling it “impressive.” He highlighted McLean’s adaptability as a key factor in his success, noting, “I thought he attacked and once we got the lead, continued to stay on the attack.” This ability to learn and adapt during a game is a crucial trait for any pitcher, especially a rookie. It’s what separates the good from the great!
Looking Ahead for McLean and the Mets
As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on McLean to see if he can keep up this impressive performance. With two consecutive victories under their belt in Detroit, the Mets are looking strong, and McLean’s current form could be the spark they need for continued success. His knack for mixing pitches—effectively using his sinker and changeup while also reintroducing his sweeper and curveball—will be vital as he faces more experienced hitters in the upcoming games.
The expectations for McLean are undoubtedly rising. If he continues to build on this performance, he could become a significant asset for the Mets this season. With his raw talent and proven ability to adapt under pressure, McLean is setting the stage for what could be a bright future in Major League Baseball. So, are you ready to follow his journey?
