McLean spins eight scoreless innings as Mets sweep Phillies

Nolan McLean delivered eight scoreless innings Wednesday night at Citi Field, scattering four hits with six strikeouts as the New York Mets completed a 6-0 sweep of the first-place Philadelphia Phillies and moved to within four games of the National League East lead. The 24-year-old right-hander became the first pitcher in franchise history to win each of his first three major league starts, lowering his ERA to 0.89, according to MLB.com.

McLean, making his third big-league start, worked 95 pitches and did not issue a walk, retiring 15 consecutive batters at one point and facing the minimum into the seventh inning. He threw a varied mix of offerings that included a sweeper, sinker, curveball and four-seam fastball, along with a changeup and cutter, repeatedly keeping the Phillies off balance, managers and opponents said. Attendance at Citi Field was reported at 41,893.

"All I can say is, wow," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said after the game, praising McLean’s "electric stuff" and pitchability. Teammate Mark Vientos called him "a stud" and said it has been "so fun to be a part of what he does on a day-to-day basis." McLean himself credited confidence and execution. "I know I have...