Keeping it Friendly Doesn’t Pay Off
Mets analyst Ron Darling pointed out that Nolan McLean might have hindered his own performance on Tuesday night by telling Byron Buxton he was “bad” and giving him a light punch in the chest after getting hit by an inside pitch during the Mets’ 5-3 loss to the Twins.
After this encounter, Buxton hit a home run on the very next pitch, narrowing the Mets’ lead to 3-2 in the sixth inning. This hit sparked a Minnesota comeback that eventually contributed to the Mets’ frustrating streak of 12 consecutive losses.
Darling noted, “The previous pitch almost hit Buxton. Many pitches were aimed inside throughout the game, and they were teammates in the World Baseball Classic.” He added that McLean and Buxton shared a moment, with McLean saying, “Bad, bad, we shouldn’t do that.” Darling highlighted, “When batters hear comments like that, the next pitch often moves away from the plate.” Buxton, being a smart hitter, capitalized on the situation. Darling claimed McLean was trying to be congenial, but sometimes that’s not necessary.
This was just McLean’s 13th career start, and it’s probably a moment he won’t forget anytime soon.
Leading 3-0, McLean held a perfect game until the sixth inning when he allowed a go-ahead single to Matt Wallner. With two outs and Buxton at the plate, McLean nearly hit him with a 2-1 pitch. He then patted his chest, a gesture that seemed to communicate his regret.
The following pitch, a 90 mph cutter, didn’t go well at all, sailing over the plate where Buxton connected, launching his fourth home run of the season and putting the Twins in the lead.
Darling referred to this exchange as part of the “growing and learning” process, emphasizing that he wouldn’t want to find himself in such a situation. He acknowledged that Buxton is a powerful hitter who had made adjustments during the game.
In the end, McLean pitched for 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs and collecting 10 strikeouts, ultimately taking the loss after Devin Williams faltered in the ninth inning.
Post-game, McLean acknowledged his respect for Buxton, stating, “I pitched it to him, and he took a great swing. Sure, it led to a result, but maybe the pitch could have been different.”
