Benge Sets Mets’ Rookie Hits Record in Win over Phillies

Before the game on Saturday, the New York Mets honored one of their best players in franchise history by retiring Carlos Beltran‘s number No. 15 and placing it right next to his former teammate David Wright.

The ceremony was memorable, and so was Beltran’s speech, and the Mets responded with a 10-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Carson Benge had a three-hit day, including a home run, and with that became the Mets rookie hits leader. The bullpen was solid. The Mets are now 71-84 on the season.

Throughout the course of what has been a frustrating season for the Mets, the brightest light has been the play of their rookie outfielder, who has been up since Opening Day. Benge’s had a solid rookie season both at-the plate and on defense, and on Saturday, he etched his name in Mets history.  Against Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter, Benge’s night began with a bang in the second inning when he hit his 19th home run of the season to get the Mets on the board 1-0.

Benge would walk in the sixth inning, and then in the bottom of the seventh inning, Benge singled to right field to tie Pete Alonso‘s rookie hits record. One inning later, Benge passed Alonso with a little dribbler down the third-base line to set the new Mets rookie hits record with 156 on the year. In all, Benge reached base four times, with three hits, a home run, and a hit that put him in the New York Mets record books.

Christian Scott got the start for the Mets; while striking out seven, he only went 4 2/3 innings, was taken out in the fifth inning, and was relieved with two outs and runners on base. Scott allowed three runs on six hits. Jefry Yan came in; he allowed two hits, including an RBI single from Alec Bohm as the Phillies extended their lead to 3-1. Yan struck out Bryson Stott to end the inning. He would then pitch a scoreless sixth inning.

In the seventh inning, Cionel Pérez got into a jam as the Mets were up 6-3, and Jonathan Pintaro came in. Pintaro loaded the bases on a walk to Alec Bohm, but he got Stott to ground out to keep the Mets in the lead. Dedniel Núñez and Tobias Myers would take the Mets home for a win from there. Mets pitching as a whole struck out 13 Phillies, six of them by the bullpen.

The Mets have seen a little of everything from Francisco Alvarez this season, both good and bad. On Saturday, Alvarez showed the good in a big spot with the Mets down 3-1. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Marcus Siemien walked and Brett Baty singled to begin the Mets’ rally. Alvarez stepped up to the plate and took an Andrew Painter fastball over the right-field wall for a go-ahead three-run home run. 102.2 MPH off the bat.

The home run gave the Mets the lead and was part of a 10-run, 11-hit performance from the Mets offense. Benge, Alavarez, Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Bo Bichette, Baty, and Ronny Mauricio all drove in runs.

Carson Benge drove in two runs, hit a solo home run, got on base four times, had three hits, and set the new Mets rookie hits record.

Barring rain, the Mets will play their home finale as Jonah Tong will start against Cristopher Sánchez. The game will start at 1:10 pm EDT and will be telecast on WPIX and broadcast on Audacy WHSQ 880 AM.