Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean delivered another strong performance in his second career Major League start Friday night, pitching seven strong innings as the New York Mets rolled past the Atlanta Braves 12-7 at Truist Park.
Backed by an early offensive outburst, McLean allowed just two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts and, notably, issued no walks after struggling with command in his debut.
The Mets’ offense gave him breathing room from the start, erupting for seven runs across the second through fourth innings. Brett Baty led the charge with the first four-hit game of his career, while Francisco Lindor reached base four times and Juan Soto blasted his 32nd homer of the season, a two-run shot in the seventh. Cedric Mullins added a two-run triple, Hayden Senger drove in three runs, and five different Mets finished with at least three hits as the team matched a season-high with 21 knocks.
McLean, who became the first Mets starter outside of David Peterson to work past six innings since early June, showed poise after yielding his first career run in the third and a solo homer to Ronald Acuña Jr. in the fourth. By the time the bullpen surrendered five late runs, the outcome was well in hand.Â
Box Score | NL Wild Card Standings
The Mets look to secure a series win on Saturday with Clay Holmes on the mound. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].