Mets’ Carson Benge gets rare back-to-back outfield assists

FLUSHING, Queens (PIX11) — Word must not have traveled to the West Coast regarding Carson Benge's arm power.

The New York Mets' rookie right fielder achieved a rare feat Monday night in the first of three games with the San Diego Padres.

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In the first inning, Benge became the first Mets player to throw out two runners at home plate in the same inning. He did it on back-to-back hits.

New York Mets' Francisco Alvarez (4) tags out San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth (9) at home plate during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Mets' second-year pitcher Nolan McLLean gave up a hit to Ty France with runners on first and second with one out— Benge threw Jake Cronenworth out at the plate. According to MLB data, the throw was 99.9 miles per hour.

No more than a couple of minutes later, San Diego's Jackson Merrill found the right side for a base hit with Manny Machado rounding third. As the aging veteran plastered his eyes on home plate, Benge threw the baseball nearly 104 miles per hour and beat Machado by several steps.

New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean reacts after catcher Francisco Alvarez, right, tagged out San Diego Padres' Manny MacHado during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Those were Benge's eighth and ninth assists of the year; seemingly half have come in the last 14 days.

Benge's teammate and fellow rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing followed suit in the top of the second inning by throwing out Xander Bogaerts on a would-be run-scoring single in a close play at the plate.

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) tags out San Diego Padres' Xander Bogaerts at home plate during the second inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

No other team in the last century had ever been recorded accomplishing three outfield assists in the first two innings of a game.

Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.

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