Mets Ace McLean Outduels Mahle, Evens Series with Giants

Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean dominates as New York Mets bounce back to defeat San Francisco Giants 4-2

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:28pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a baseball game between the Mets and Giants into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of color and form, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the intense pitching duel between the Mets' Nolan McLean and the Giants' Tyler Mahle, capturing the game's tension and drama through a fragmented, geometric lens.NYC Today

The New York Mets bounced back from Thursday's series-opening loss to the San Francisco Giants, riding a dominant performance from top pitching prospect Nolan McLean to a 4-2 victory at Oracle Park. McLean, making his second start of the season, held the Giants' lineup in check over six innings, racking up eight strikeouts and allowing just one run. The Mets' offense provided just enough support against Giants starter Tyler Mahle, who struggled with his command and lasted only four innings.

Why it matters

This win evens the four-game series at one game apiece, keeping the Mets within striking distance of the Giants in the early NL standings. McLean's continued emergence as an elite young arm is a significant development for the Mets, who are counting on him to anchor their rotation this season. The loss is a setback for the Giants, who were hoping to build momentum after Thursday's convincing victory.

The details

McLean, the Mets' top pitching prospect, was dominant from the start, striking out the side in the first inning and keeping the Giants' hitters off-balance throughout his outing. He allowed just four hits and one run, a solo home run by Giants catcher Daniel Susac in the fourth inning. Mahle, signed by the Giants in the offseason, struggled with his control, walking three batters and allowing three runs in his four innings of work. The Mets' offense was led by first baseman Pete Alonso, who drove in two runs with a double in the third inning.

  • The series opener was played on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • The second game of the four-game series took place on Friday, April 4, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 10:15 PM ET.

The players

Nolan McLean

The Mets' top pitching prospect, a 23-year-old right-hander who made his MLB debut last season and is considered one of the most exciting young arms in baseball.

Tyler Mahle

A 31-year-old right-hander who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Giants in the offseason after spending the previous season with the Texas Rangers.

Pete Alonso

The Mets' star first baseman, who drove in two runs with a double in the third inning to provide the offense with the necessary support.

Daniel Susac

The Giants' rookie catcher, who hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to account for San Francisco's only run of the game.

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What they’re saying

“Nolan McLean is the real deal. He has the stuff to dominate any lineup in this league, and he showed that tonight against a tough Giants team.”

— Buck Showalter, Mets Manager

“We just couldn't figure out McLean tonight. He had great stuff and kept us off-balance all game long. We'll need to make some adjustments before the next one.”

— Gabe Kapler, Giants Manager

What’s next

The Mets and Giants will continue their four-game series on Saturday, April 5, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET. The Mets will look to take a series lead, while the Giants will aim to bounce back and even the series.

The takeaway

This game showcased the Mets' impressive pitching depth, with top prospect Nolan McLean delivering a dominant performance to even the series. The Giants' offense continues to struggle, and they'll need to find a way to solve McLean and the Mets' pitching staff if they want to maintain their early-season momentum.