The New York Mets secured a 4-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday, fueled by a strong performance from rookie pitcher Nolan McLean and a late-inning offensive surge. Luis Robert Jr. delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single in the eighth inning, extending the Mets' recent run of success to four wins in their last five games.
McLean continued his trend of solid outings, completing at least six innings for the eighth consecutive start. He held the Marlins to two earned runs or fewer in seven of those starts. Though he did not factor into the decision, his performance provided a bright spot for the Mets, who are looking towards their younger talent as the season progresses.
The Mets’ offense was quiet for much of the game, notching their first hit until the fifth inning with a Marcus Semien single. They broke the scoreless tie in the sixth when Francisco Lindor drove in Francisco Alvarez. The team added another run following a Bo Bichette single and a fielding error by the Marlins. However, the Marlins tied the game in the seventh when Jacob Marsee hit a two-run homer off McLean.
Despite the Marlins’ comeback, the Mets responded in the eighth. Following a lead-off single, Robert Jr. hit his go-ahead two-run single. Devin Williams closed out the game in the ninth for his 16th save of the season.
McLean's outing saw him allow six hits and strike out six batters over 6 1/3 innings. He surrendered two home runs, one each to Kyle Stowers in the fourth and Marsee in the seventh. The rookie has shown significant improvement in recent months, with reduced walks and increased strikeouts, building on his promising call-up a year ago.
The Mets’ bullpen provided crucial support, with Brooks Raley earning the win after pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. The team's recent upward trend is underscored by the performances of young pitchers like McLean, Christian Scott, and Zac Thornton, who have provided consistent outings amid a challenging season.