McLean Punches Out Seven, Mets Defeat Tigers

Rookie pitcher Nolan McLean struck out seven to help the New York Mets defeat the Detroit Tigers 12-5 on Tuesday.

Photo by John David Mercer/Getty Images

September 3, 2025

Mets 12, Tigers 5

Rookie pitcher Nolan McLean struck out seven to help the New York Mets defeat the Detroit Tigers 12-5 on Tuesday at Comerica Park. McLean pitched for six innings and ended the outing with a 1.37 ERA after surrendering three hits, two runs, and three walks.

“Another impressive outing from [McLean],” Manager Carlos Mendoza told SNY during a postgame interview. “That’s what you call pitching. Understanding you have to make adjustments and find a way to go five or six innings.”

Mets Defeat Tigers by Seven Runs

Pete Alonso recorded New York’s first run of the game by his 32nd home run of the season to center field. Detroit responded during the bottom of the first inning with a pair of RBI singles hit by Spencer Torkelson and Wenceel Perez. Torkelson, the first baseman, scored Kerry Carpenter, who was walked by McLean, and Perez, the outfielder, scored Riley Greene, who reached base on a walk.

In the second inning, McLean walked Zach McKinstry and gave up a single to Dillon Dingler. The Mets’ lineup rallied during the fourth inning, scoring four runs to help their team defeat the Tigers. Tigers pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long walked Juan Soto, while Brandon Nimmo hit a single to right field. Mark Vientos reached base on a walk to set up Jeff McNeil’s RBI single, which scored Soto.

Cedric Mullins then hit a sacrifice fly to score Nimmo, before catcher Luis Torrens hit a three-run home run to score McNeil and Vientos, which put the Mets in a comfortable position to defeat the Tigers.

Mets Score Five Runs in the Seventh Inning

To start the seventh inning, Soto and Alonso hit home runs to center field, which was followed by a single by Nimmo. Vientos then hit a double, before McNeil scored Nimmo with an RBI single.

Torrens hit a single, and Brett Baty hit an RBI single to score Mullins, who reached base on a force out. Shortstop Francisco Lindor hit a sacrifice fly to score Torrens. Detroit attempted to come back from the nine-run deficit during the final inning by scoring three runs.

Jahmai Jones reached base on a walk before being scored by an RBI double by Justyn-Henry Malloy. Perez then hit an RBI double to score Malloy, before an RBI single from McKinstry scored him.

What Went Right for the Mets

After allowing two runs to score, McLean slowed down the pace during the second inning to record three outs. He did the same during the next four innings to record his fourth win.

“Started to lose confidence in the sweeper and curveball early, wasn’t throwing it for strikes,” he told SNY during a postgame interview. “Once I got in a groove there, I figured I’d go back and try it again and wound up having it later in the game.”

The batters, on the other hand, ended the outing with 17 hits and 12 runs.

What Went Wrong for the Mets

Kevin Herget replaced McLean during the seventh inning, but gave up four hits, three runs, and two walks. Ryne Stanek came in during the ninth inning to close the 12-5 triumph.

Mets Can Sweep Detroit

After taking care of business against Detroit on Monday and Tuesday, the Mets can sweep the Tigers if they defeat them on Wednesday. The third and final game of the series starts at 1:10 p.m. Eastern on SNY.