Cleveland, OH – New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean battled through his most challenging outing in months on Thursday, allowing five earned runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings. However, the Mets secured a 13-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, completing a three-game sweep. This marked McLean's first start in his last nine in which he failed to complete at least six innings, and the eight hits surrendered tied a career high.

"Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t able to locate the fastball that well today," McLean said after the game. "I always talk about off-speed [pitches] for strikes, and that was pretty much the only thing I had going for me today."

The early innings presented difficulties for McLean, who faced eight batters in the first inning and allowed two runs. The Guardians managed to rally in the fifth inning, culminating in a three-run home run that ultimately led to McLean's departure. Interim manager Andy Green acknowledged the challenge, noting, "And then that fifth inning, I know he didn’t want to fall behind 3-0. Falling behind 3-0 to good hitters puts you in some tough spots."

Adding to the complexity of the outing was facing a lineup composed entirely of left-handed hitters. McLean commented on the impact, stating, "Getting ahead in the count against anybody, righty or lefty, always helps. If I just played a little bit better ahead in the count, it could have been a much better outing for me."

Despite the personal struggles on the mound, McLean was able to celebrate the team's success. "I think finding multiple ways to score like we did today, whether it was homers or grinding out at-bats and making them walk us in, that’s really cool to see," McLean said. "Ideally, a better start out of me could help, too, but I appreciate the offense keeping me in it."

McLean's season strikeout total reached 213, placing him fifth in franchise history for a pitcher's first 31 starts. He trails notable Mets pitchers Dwight Gooden (276), Matt Harvey (234), Noah Syndergaard (221), and Kodai Senga (219).

The Mets' offense provided ample support, scoring runs through a variety of methods, including home runs and patient at-bats that drew walks. The team's ability to consistently score ultimately allowed them to overcome McLean's rough patch and secure the series victory.