Mets Rookies Make History with 3 Assists at Home in 2-1 Win Over Padres

Right fielder Carson Benge recorded two assists at home plate as the New York Mets defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Monday night.

The New York Mets secured a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday night at Citi Field, fueled by three outfield assists at home plate during the first two innings. Rookie right fielder Carson Benge threw out two runners at the plate in the opening frame, while fellow rookie left fielder A.J. Ewing cut down a third runner at home in the second inning. According to SNY, this performance established the Mets as the only Major League Baseball team since at least 1920 to record three outfield assists at the plate within the first two innings of a single game.

San Diego’s scoring threat began in the first inning against rookie pitcher Nolan McLean, who allowed four consecutive hits. With one out and runners on first and second, Ty France hit a soft single to right-center field. Benge fielded the ball and delivered a 99.9 mph one-hop throw to catcher Francisco Alvarez. Jake Cronenworth, attempting to score, tried to leap over Alvarez but was tagged out. On the very next play, Jackson Merrill singled sharply to right field. Third base coach Bob Henley signaled Manny Machado to head home, but Benge fired a 103.9 mph strike to the plate. Machado, sliding feetfirst, was tagged high by Alvarez for the final out of the inning.

Record-Breaking Arm Strength at Citi Field

Benge’s 103.9 mph throw to retire Machado stands as the fastest throw by a position player in the major leagues this season, according to ESPN Research. The 23-year-old former Oklahoma State pitcher has now recorded four assists in his last 13 innings of play. This stretch includes a runner thrown out at home in the seventh inning of Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals and another runner caught rounding second base during the second inning on Sunday. Benge currently ranks second among National League outfielders with nine total assists, trailing only Andy Pages of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who entered Monday with 13.

In the bottom of the first inning, the Citi Field crowd provided Benge with a standing ovation during his plate appearance, following the applause he received while walking off the field. When asked about the Padres' decision to test his arm a second time, Benge noted he simply focuses on throwing the ball as hard as possible without worrying about the runner's intent.

Ewing Preserves the One-Run Lead

The defensive clinic continued into the second inning with the Mets holding a 2-1 advantage. With two outs, Jake Cronenworth hit a single through the left side of the infield. A.J. Ewing fielded the ball in left field and threw out Xander Bogaerts at home plate. This play, which was described as much closer than Benge’s earlier throws, successfully maintained the New York lead. Manager Andy Green credited the rookie duo for the win, stating that the team would not have emerged victorious without the defensive contributions from the corner outfielders.

Despite the Padres finishing the first inning with four straight hits, they failed to score a run due to the two outs recorded at the plate. The Mets' defensive efficiency allowed them to overcome the early pressure applied by the San Diego lineup. Benge’s recent defensive surge has seen him become a primary focus for opposing base runners, as his arm strength continues to register at the top of league leaderboards. The game concluded with the Mets improving their record behind the arm of their rookie right fielder and the timely tag applications by Francisco Alvarez.