Nolan McLean continued to strengthen his case for National League Rookie of the Year on Saturday, delivering another strong performance as the New York Mets defeated the Houston Astros, 6-2, at Citi Field.
Mets place Luis Robert Jr. on waivers McLean worked seven innings and surrendered just two hits and three walks while allowing one unearned run. He struck out four and earned his 10th victory of the season, lowering his earned-run average to 3.06.
The outing marked the fourth time McLean has completed seven innings this season and his first such performance since June 17 against the Cincinnati Reds. He has also allowed one earned run or fewer in four consecutive starts and has accomplished that feat in 14 of his appearances this season.
Jared Young provided much of the offensive production, going 3-for-4 with three runs batted in. He tied the game in the first inning with a run-scoring single before delivering a two-run triple during New York’s three-run fifth inning. Young added another single in the eighth and later scored when Francisco Alvarez doubled home two runs.
Juan Soto made his return from the injured list and contributed immediately. Starting at designated hitter, Soto went 1-for-4 with a run batted in and a run scored. He briefly appeared uncomfortable after fouling a pitch off his shin in the fifth inning but remained in the game and followed with a run-scoring single.
Marcus Semien added two hits, a stolen base and a run, while Brett Baty went 2-for-3 with a double. Carson Benge reached base twice and scored a run.
Daniel Duarte surrendered a solo homer to Yordan Alvarez in the eighth, but Kodai Senga closed out the game with a scoreless ninth.
The Mets will go for the series victory Sunday at 3:10 p.m., with Zac Thornton scheduled to start against an Astros pitcher yet to be announced.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.