Rookie Phenom McLean, Regulars Shine In Mets' 5-0 ST Win Over Astros

The New York Mets started promising rookie right-hander Nolan McLean and played several regulars against the Houston Astros in Thursday’s spring training game.

And the Mets dominated their way to a 5-0 win. McLean was absolutely lights-out, pitching four shutout innings on 56 pitches in which he allowed one hit and one walk while striking out six batters. Two of his strikeouts required just three pitches and he was in complete control from the jump.

Second baseman Marcus Semien led off for manager Carlos Mendoza and went 2-for-3, starting things off with an infield single in the first inning before belting a 389-foot solo home run to center field in his second plate appearance. Semien is now 3-for-8 this spring with a 1.250 OPS.

Right fielder Mike Tauchman, who is battling for a bench spot, hit second but was 0-for-2 with a hit by pitch in his second at-bat. He didn’t have a great day, as he popped out to third base in his first plate appearance and ended his day with a groundout to the pitcher in the fifth.

Third baseman Bo Bichette batted third and started his day by grounding into an inning-ending double play. He flew out to right field in his second AB before salvaging his day with a double to left field in the fifth inning. Nothing was hit his way in this one, but he’s looking more and more comfortable at his new position.

First baseman/designated hitter Mark Vientos cleaned up but wasn’t as lucky as Semien and Bichette, going 0-for-3 with two groundouts (double play in second AB) and an 11-pitch strikeout to end his day. He fouled off eight pitches, including seven straight fouls. He counts as a regular although he will be fighting utilityman Brett Baty and infielder Jorge Polanco for ABs.

Backup catcher Luis Torrens went 2-for-2 with a double to left field in the second inning and a single to left field in the fourth inning out of the six-spot. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor, who is battling prospect Carson Benge for the right field job, hit eighth and crushed a 419-foot three-run homer to center field in his first plate appearance before striking out in three pitches in the fourth and grounding into an inning-ending double play in the sixth.

Right fielder Mike Tauchman, who is battling for a bench spot, was 0-for-2 with a hit by pitch in his second AB. He didn’t have a great day, as he popped out to third base in his first plate appearance and ended his day with a groundout to the pitcher in the fifth.

Righty reliever Robert Stock signed a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training and isn’t expected to make the 26-man roster but was outstanding in his first appearance. He relieved McLean and even one-upped him, throwing three scoreless innings and allowing just one hit with six strikeouts of his own.

It was a strong outing for the Mets and the team improved to 3-2-1.