After a Mets tweet celebrating young pitcher Nolan McLean during his start for Team USA, Phillies fans quickly flooded the replies when things took a sudden turn during the game.
Mets tweet sparks early excitement
McLean, one of the Mets’ most promising pitching prospects, started for Team USA against Team Italy on March 10.
The right-hander began the game in dominant fashion, striking out the side in the first inning and looking completely in control against Italy’s lineup.
Following that impressive opening frame, the Mets’ social media account posted about McLean’s performance, highlighting how dangerous the young pitcher could be.
At that point, the post appeared perfectly timed.
Momentum quickly shifts
However, the game changed dramatically in the second inning.
Italy opened the scoring when Kyle Teel launched a solo home run to give his team a 1–0 lead.
Moments later, McLean hit Jac Caglianone with a pitch before allowing another long ball — this time to Sam Antonacci — extending Italy’s lead to 3–0.
What started as a promising outing quickly turned into a difficult inning for the Mets prospect.
Italy eventually held on to win the game 8–6, pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Phillies fans enjoy the moment
Once the game shifted, Phillies fans quickly seized the opportunity to poke fun at their division rival.
Many fans replied directly to the Mets’ original tweet, referencing the sudden collapse and reviving the long-running “LOLMets” meme that often circulates whenever the team experiences an embarrassing moment.
The timing of the Mets’ celebratory post — followed immediately by McLean surrendering two home runs — made the situation particularly entertaining for rival fan bases.
Rivalry still heated
The social media moment is just the latest example of the ongoing rivalry between the two NL East clubs.
Tensions between the fan bases were already high after the Mets signed Bo Bichette this offseason — a player the Phillies were widely expected to pursue.
That move frustrated Philadelphia fans, who believed the star infielder was likely headed to their team.
Fuel for the season ahead
While McLean’s rough inning in the WBC will not define his career, it has already provided plenty of ammunition for Phillies fans ahead of the 2026 season.
Whenever McLean faces Philadelphia in the future, the moment will likely resurface online.
For now, the Mets prospect remains a highly regarded young pitcher — but for one night, at least, Phillies fans enjoyed the last laugh.
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