New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean overcame a challenging start to record a win against the San Diego Padres on Monday night, pitching six innings and allowing one earned run in a 2-1 victory. The Mets' defense, particularly rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, provided critical support by throwing out three runners at the plate.

In the first and second innings, McLean allowed seven consecutive batters to reach base, though only one run scored during that stretch. Benge threw out Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado at home plate to end the first inning, and Ewing prevented another run in the second by throwing out Xander Bogaerts at home. McLean acknowledged the defensive efforts, stating, "That fires me up. It’s saving not only the team runs, but me as well."

Despite the early baserunners, McLean managed to pitch six innings, giving up six hits, four walks, and striking out three. Jonathan Pintaro, Nate Lavender, and Daniel Duarte closed out the game with three scoreless innings. Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) tags out San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth (9) trying to score at home on a single by Ty France (25) during the first inning at Citi Field in Queens, NY, on Monday, August 17, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post Mclean's offense provided support in the bottom of the first inning with an RBI single from Bo Bichette and a sacrifice fly from Luis Robert Jr., giving the Mets a 2-0 lead.

In the second inning, McLean loaded the bases with no outs after drilling Gavin Sheets and walking Xander Bogaerts. He escaped the inning by allowing one run, making a force out at home and then getting Fernando Tatis Jr. to fly out for an RBI.

This outing marked McLean's 10th start in his last 11 in which he has pitched at least six innings. He has also allowed two earned runs or fewer in 12 of his last 14 starts, posting a 2.55 ERA over that period. Interim manager Andy Green commented on McLean's performance, noting, "He was a little lucky at the outset. But the competitor that he is, he didn’t let his first two innings dictate the next four. He was really good from that point."

McLean attributed some of the early struggles to a difficult grip on the ball. "Some pretty unlucky hits early from a how-hard-they-were-hit standpoint," he said. "I had a hard time getting a grip on the ball early in the game. I was able to find it a little bit later, which helped me get through it."