New York – In a game that highlighted the Mets’ recent surge, rookie outfielder Carson Benge provided the decisive blow on Wednesday night. Benge’s fourth‑inning two‑run homer lifted the Mets to a 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres, giving New York its third win in a four‑game stretch.
Historic rookie milestone
The blast was Benge’s 15th of the season, making him the first Mets rookie since Hall of Famer Darryl Strawberry in 1983 to record at least 15 home runs and 15 stolen bases in a single campaign. The milestone underscores the young player’s growing impact on a club that has posted an 11-4 record since the trade deadline.
Defensive contributions
Benge’s value extends beyond the bat. Earlier in the week, he threw out two runners at the plate during the Mets’ 2-1 win on Monday, bringing his season total to nine assists. Five of those assists have come since Aug. 4, a period in which the Mets have been especially effective on the field.
Supporting performances
Reliever Nate Lavender (1-0) earned the win after retiring all three batters he faced in the sixth inning. Fellow relievers Jefry Yan and Jonathan Pintaro each recorded their first major‑league victories during the six‑game homestand.
Closer Kodai Senga secured his fourth save in as many opportunities, stepping in for the injured Devin Williams. Senga’s ninth‑inning work included a pinch‑hit RBI single by Gavin Sheets, after which he closed out the game.
Starting pitching
Mets starter Robert Stock limited the Padres to one run over 4 1/3 innings, striking out six batters. Stock did not allow a hit until the fifth inning, when Xander Bogaerts led off with a double.
For San Diego, veteran Fernando Tatis Jr. contributed an RBI double, but the Padres entered the game with a two‑game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the race for the final National League playoff spot.
Upcoming schedule
The Padres will return home Friday, though they have not yet announced a starter for their series finale against the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, the Mets will face the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, with left‑hander Sean Manaea (4-5, 4.22 ERA) slated to start against right‑hander Sean Burke (7-6, 3.15 ERA).
Both clubs remain focused on securing a postseason berth as the regular season draws toward its conclusion.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
