MILWAUKEE \u2014 The intrigue surrounding Zac Thornton isn\u2019t about to dissipate anytime soon.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For a second straight start, the rookie left-hander worked at least six innings for the Mets and departed without allowing a run. What\u2019s not to like?\u00a0<\/p>\n
His attack-the-strike-zone approach is refreshing, as veterans such as Freddy Peralta and Kodai Senga in particular continue to struggle on that front. On Tuesday, Thornton carried the Mets to a 4-0 victory over the Brewers at American Family Field for the team\u2019s third win in five games since the All-Star break.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Thornton, who picked up his first career victory, pitched six shutout innings, allowing three hits and one walk with two strikeouts. It followed his seven scoreless frames against the Red Sox on July 12, and in his previous start he surrendered only one earned run over six innings against the Phillies. The opposition has been challenging.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always wanted to help this team win ballgames,\u201d Thornton said. \u201cIt\u2019s always been my No. 1 thing as a baseball player, not my personal accolades or anything like that. I have always been very team-driven and wanted to be part of the winning and a successful team.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
David Peterson\u2019s trade to the Cubs last month created the opening for Thornton, and he\u2019s seized the moment. This latest gem extended his scoreless innings streak to 18 and lowered his ERA to 1.93 over four career major league starts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another young pitcher who has excelled, Christian Scott, is set to face the Brewers in Wednesday\u2019s series finale. Those two arms have joined rookie Nolan McLean to give the Mets a starting pitching nucleus worth celebrating.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201c[Thornton] was the same guy, unafraid, he attacks,\u201d interim manager Andy Green said. \u201cHe went after every hitter, and it\u2019s just a good mix with aggression and really good defense behind him today.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jared Young\u2019s second-inning homer against Brandon Sproat gave the Mets a 1-0 lead. Young\u2019s blast was his seventh of the season, continuing his left-handed offensive contributions at first base, where he has provided a measure of respectability for the Mets this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mets\u2019 Zac Thornton pitches during the first inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 21, 2026. AP Photo\/Aaron Gash<\/p>\n
Thornton received a defensive boost in the third when A.J. Ewing snagged Joey Ortiz\u2019s sinking line drive on a dive in left field for the second out. Thornton began his night by allowing a single and a walk in the first inning, but escaped by getting Andrew Vaughn to ground into a double play.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sproat, who was once the Mets\u2019 top pitching prospect \u2014 he was traded to the Brewers with Jett Williams for Peralta and Tobias Myers in January \u2014 lasted 4 \u00b2\/\u2083 innings and surrendered two earned runs on two hits and four walks with four strikeouts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOn a personal level, I have a ton of respect for Brandon, the way he went about his job with us,\u201d said Green, who served as the organization\u2019s farm director before becoming interim manager last month. \u201cHe works incredibly hard and he\u2019s a great person, a great teammate. You pull for those guys, but at the same time you face him today, you go hard in the other direction.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing (9) catches a fly ball against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tMEts merch shop\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tNew York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.\t\t<\/p>\n
Carson Benge stroked a two-run double in the fifth after Sproat walked the final batter he faced, Bo Bichette. Francisco Lindor doubled ahead of Benge\u2019s hit that gave the Mets a 3-0 lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n