MILWAUKEE — Zach Thornton’s rising fame isn’t quieting down anytime soon.
In just his second start, the rookie left-handed pitcher for the Mets went at least six innings, shutting out the opponent. There’s really not much to criticize here.
His bold and assertive pitching style is a breath of fresh air, particularly while some veterans, like Freddy Peralta and Kodai Chiga, struggle to find that rhythm. On Tuesday, Thornton helped the Mets secure a 4-0 win over the Brewers at American Family Field, marking the team’s third victory in five games following the All-Star break.
Thornton, celebrating his first career victory, allowed three hits, one walk, and struck out two over six innings. This follows his impressive performance on July 12, when he threw seven scoreless innings against the Red Sox, and the one earned run in his previous start against the Phillies. The competition is certainly noticing him.
“It’s always been my goal to help this team win games,” Thornton reflected. “Personal accolades don’t really matter as much to me. Being part of a team that’s successful—that’s what I aspire to.”
A trade last month that sent David Peterson to the Cubs opened the door for Thornton, and he’s been making the most of it. This emerging talent has now logged 18 scoreless innings across four major league games, dropping his ERA to 1.93.
Another promising young pitcher, Christian Scott, is lined up to pitch against the Brewers in the series finale on Wednesday. Together with rookie Nolan McLean, they’re shaping up to be a solid pitching foundation for the Mets.
“He showed the same fearless mentality, going right after each batter. Today was a great mix of aggression and defense,” said interim manager Andy Green.
A home run from Jared Young in the second inning put the Mets ahead 1-0. This was Young’s seventh homer of the season, and he’s been proving to be a valuable asset as a left-handed first baseman, drawing more attention to the Mets.
In the third inning, Thornton made a notable diving catch on a sinking line drive from Joey Ortiz, showcasing the team’s defensive effort. He started the game allowing a single and a walk but deftly escaped the inning by inducing a double play against Andrew Vaughn.
Brandon Sproat, once a highly-touted prospect for the Mets, was traded to the Brewers in January. In the game, he pitched four innings, giving up two earned runs, two hits, and four walks while striking out four.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Brandon and how he approaches his game,” Green said, acknowledging Sproat’s dedication. “He’s a hard worker, a great person, and a solid teammate. But once you face him, it changes everything.”
Carson Benge contributed a two-run double in the fifth inning after Sproat walked Bo Bichette. Francisco Lindor hit a leadoff double, extending the Mets’ lead to 3-0 with Benge’s hit.
In the eighth, Luis Robert Jr. launched a 451-foot home run to left field, sealing the win for the Mets. Remarkably, he had just been activated from the injured list after missing two and a half months.
Thornton managed to get his first hit against the Brewers in the sixth inning, a sinking line drive that almost eluded the right fielder’s glove. Ortiz also added a single in the first inning.
Thornton had to rely on Ewing’s catch on a fly ball, which was drifting toward the left-field warning track, to secure the inning.
“I was just aiming to hit my best pitch and keep the infield from opening up,” Thornton explained.
