Mets, Braves and Nolan McLean
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On a night when the Braves celebrated the 30th anniversary of their 1995 World Series title, Mets rookie starter Nolan McLean earned his second MLB win in as many big league starts and helped New York’s offense spoil Atlanta’s fun.
Nolan McLean’s impressive big league debut served as a reminder of how the Mets began climbing from the edge of disaster to the playoffs almost exactly nine years ago.
WASHINGTON — Adult Nolan McLean is looking forward to his encore. As is Young Nolan McLean, who grew up in North Carolina rooting for the Braves and listed Chipper Jones among his childhood heroes (which also included a few Orioles and Nationals, plus North Carolinian Josh Hamilton).
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.
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The inning that tested Mets’ Nolan McLean and his answer that brought Citi Field to its feet
The first pitch was a ball. The second, Rodríguez lined toward McLean, who fielded the ball on one hop behind his back, and then had the presence of mind to throw to second for a chance at a double-play.
Nevertheless, McLean instantly proved he belonged with 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball and eight strikeouts against a solid Mariners lineup. He made their hitters look foolish over and over again mostly with his sweeper and curveball.