PHILADELPHIA — Nolan McLean was lights-out for the Mets , and Aaron Nola was lights-out for the Philadelphia Phillies. In the battle of the established NL East starter and the up-and-coming rookie, the old guard won, but barely.

For the second straight day, the Mets faced a starting pitcher that looked nearly unhittable for seven innings in a 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.

It was the third straight loss for the Mets (76-68), who played a similar game one day prior against the Cincinnati Reds, when rookie right-hander Brandon Sproat made his MLB debut.

The kids are alright , but the anemic offense has made the margin for error extra thin for the three rookie starting pitchers.

McLean made only his fifth start in the big leagues Monday ni

See Full Page