Nolan McLean keeps making his case for NL Rookie of the Year, one start at a time.
The right-hander went seven innings Saturday, allowing an unearned run on two hits and three walks while striking out four, as the New York Mets beat the Houston Astros 6-2 at Citi Field. McLean earned his 10th win of the season and lowered his ERA to 3.06, according to Yahoo Sports.
It was the fourth time McLean has thrown seven innings this season and the first since June 17 against the Cincinnati Reds. The rest of New York's pitching staff has reached seven innings a combined six times all year. It was also the fourth straight start in which he allowed one earned run or fewer, something he has now done in 14 outings this season.
Offensively, Jared Young carried the load. He went 3-for-4 with three RBI. In the first inning, he tied the game with a fly ball single. In a three-run fifth, he drove in two more with a triple to extend New York's lead. He then singled to lead off the eighth and came around to score on a Francisco Alvarez two-run double.
Juan Soto returned from the injured list and started at designated hitter, going 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. He appeared to be in pain in the fifth inning after fouling a ball off his shin but stayed in the game, singling home Francisco Lindor, who had doubled before him. Other contributors included Marcus Semien, who went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base, and Brett Baty, who went 2-for-3 with a double.
Daniel Duarte came on in relief of McLean in the eighth inning with New York leading 4-1 and gave up a solo home run to Yordan Alvarez. Kodai Senga then handled the ninth, allowing a leadoff double to Jose Altuve before retiring the next three batters to close it out.
The win gives New York a two-games-to-one edge in the series. The Mets and Astros play the rubber game Sunday at 3:10 p.m., with left-hander Zac Thornton scheduled to start for New York. He carries a 3-4 record and a 2.88 ERA into the start. Houston has not yet announced a starter.
