Nolan McLean has started his MLB career brilliantly. In fact, it's hard to start much better than the New York Mets' rookie right-handed pitcher. Nobody in MLB history has begun a career quite like McLean has. The criteria that makes that true through his first two starts, via OptaStats: McLean was sharp on Friday night against the Atlanta Braves.

The first pitch was a ball. The second, Rodríguez lined toward McLean, who fielded the ball on one hop behind his back, and then had the presence of mind to throw to second for a chance at a double-play.

On a night when the Braves celebrated the 30th anniversary of their 1995 World Series title, Mets rookie starter Nolan McLean earned his second MLB win in as many big league starts and helped New York’s offense spoil Atlanta’s fun.

Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean delivered another strong performance in his second career Major League start Friday night, pitching seven strong innings as the New York Mets rolled past the Atlanta Braves 12-7 at Truist Park.

This story was excerpted from Anthony DiComo's Mets Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

One series win is hardly enough to determine whether or not the Mets are fixed, especially since that win came against the NL East’s fourth-place team, but the fact that it came in Atlanta does say something.

The Atlanta Braves are set to take on the New York Mets in a three-game set beginning tonight at Truist Park. It’s a sneaky critical matchup because — if there’s any chance the Braves are to make the postseason — they have to sweep the Mets this weekend.