Mets’ Nolan McLean delivers six strong innings in shutout loss to Braves
McLean’s performance, which included a home run to Ozzie Albies, highlights the Mets’ offensive struggles against Martin Perez and the Atlanta bullpen.
New York Mets starter Nolan McLean delivered a composed performance on Tuesday night, pitching six innings and allowing just one hit in a 4-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves. The right-hander, navigating his first full season in the major leagues, surrendered a home run to Ozzie Albies but otherwise maintained control over the Braves’ lineup.
The single blemish came on a 0-2 count, with McLean throwing a fastball up in the zone that Albies connected with for a home run. McLean acknowledged the quality of the swing and the execution of the pitch, noting that while the result was frustrating, Albies made a good swing on a pitch that was close to the outside corner.
Interim manager Andy Green commended McLean’s ability to recover from early deficits in the game. Green noted that McLean managed to avoid hits in the first couple of innings despite pitching behind in the count, eventually finding his groove for a solid six-inning outing. The manager described the performance as great, with the home run being the only pitch McLean would likely want back.
Despite McLean’s strong outing, the Mets were unable to generate runs against Braves starter Martin Perez and the Atlanta bullpen. The team’s offense, which has shown recent momentum, was held scoreless, resulting in a shutout loss for New York. Under different circumstances, particularly given the team's recent offensive form, McLean’s performance would have been considered win-worthy.
McLean, who made his MLB debut on 16 August 2025, maintains a 13-9 record with a 3.07 earned run average through 32 career starts. His current performance draws comparisons to Dwight Gooden’s 2.60 ERA in 31 starts during his rookie season in 1984. McLean previously recorded a 2.06 ERA in eight starts during the previous season.
The rookie pitcher emphasised a focus on continuous improvement rather than resting on his current achievements. McLean stated that there is still significant work to be done as the season progresses, noting that each lineup presents a different challenge. He described his development as a constant work in progress, involving ongoing tweaks to his approach as he learns to navigate lineups multiple times through the order.
