A Rare Struggle for Nolan McLean at Angel Stadium
For the first 15 starts of his career, Nolan McLean has been nothing short of a dominant force on the mound. To opposing batters, he has seemed almost untouchable. However, during the recent angels game, the narrative shifted. For the first time in 2026, McLean looked “hittable,” facing a challenging night that tested his resilience.
In his shortest outing of the season, McLean struggled to find his rhythm, surrendering a season-high six hits and three runs over just four innings. This performance pushed his ERA up to 2.97, marking a rare dip in an otherwise stellar campaign.
Early Tension and a Controversial Call
The game started with a flash of brilliance as McLean struck out the first two batters he faced. But the momentum shifted quickly. The Angels capitalized on a sudden lapse, landing three consecutive hits in the first inning to bring a runner home.
The play was far from clean. Austin Slater made a diving effort to cut down Jorge Soler at third base following a single by Jo Adell. While replays suggested the tag was made before Nolan Schanuel touched home plate, the Mets opted not to challenge the call. As a result, the debatable run stood, setting a tense tone for the rest of the evening.
The Fourth Inning Collapse
After the first-inning scare, McLean managed to regain some composure, retiring seven consecutive batters. However, the fourth inning proved to be the breaking point. A sequence of errors and lapses led to a quick decline:
- n
- A costly walk and a single put two runners in scoring position.
- A wild pitch further complicated the situation, increasing the pressure.
- Vaughn Grissom delivered the final blow with a clutch two-run single.
With the inning winding down and the pitch count hitting 78, the Mets management decided to pull McLean from the game, handing the ball over to Tobias Myers to stabilize the defense.
What This Means for the Mets
While this specific angels game was a setback for McLean, it serves as a reminder of the volatility of professional pitching. Even the most dominant stars have “off” nights. For fans following the MLB season, this game highlights the importance of a strong bullpen, like the one provided by Myers, to mitigate the damage of a tough start.
Will McLean bounce back in his next appearance, or have the league’s hitters finally found a weakness in his game? Only time will tell, but the drama at Angel Stadium certainly provided a highlight for baseball enthusiasts everywhere.
