ATLANTA — August’s dog days have nothing on Nolan McLean.
At a time of the season when concerns about a rookie starting pitcher’s workload might arise, the right-hander appears on his game. But that alone couldn’t get the Mets a victory Tuesday night.
With their previously sizzling bats cold, the Mets lost 4-0 to the Braves at Truist Park for their second loss in eight games on this road trip.
McLean surrendered one hit — a homer to Ozzie Albies — over six innings with one run allowed. He struck out three and walked two while extending his workload for this season to a career-high 136 ²/₃ innings.
Last year, he combined to pitch 113 ²/₃ in the minor and major leagues.
McLean’s rebound from a shaky start last week in Cleveland was a welcome sign.
On Thursday, he had his worst start of the season, surrendering five earned runs over five innings.
The Mets had averaged 7.1 runs over the previous seven games but on this night were stifled by lefty Martín Pérez. They were also shut out in their other loss on this road trip, Saturday in Pittsburgh.
A.J. Ewing’s full-extension diving catch racing toward the foul line in left field deprived Mauricio Dubón of a hit to conclude the second inning. McLean raised his right arm to celebrate the play.
Albies homered leading off the fifth after McLean retired 16 straight batters to begin the game. Albies jumped on an 0-2 fastball and cleared the right field fence to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.
The Mets wasted an opportunity in the bottom of the inning, putting runners on the corners with one out before Carson Benge grounded into an inning-ending double play against Pérez, who before the night concluded extended his scoreless streak to 18 innings. The lefty allowed four hits and three walks over six innings, departing after 82 pitches.
Jefry Yan walked Matt Olson and Albies in the seventh. Dubón’s sacrifice fly extended the Braves lead to 2-0. The lefty Yan was removed with two outs in the inning after walking Lane Thomas.
MEts merch shop
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.
Chayce McDermott allowed a two-run homer to Olson in the eighth that sank the Mets into a 4-0 hole. Olson’s homer was his 35th this season, tying him for the major league lead with Kyle Schwarber and Yordan Alvarez.
