Overview
- Rookie right fielder Carson Benge threw out Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado at the plate in the first inning, with Statcast clocking the throws at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph respectively.
- A.J. Ewing added a third outfield assist in the second inning, and the three throws combined to limit the Padres to one run despite seven consecutive batters reaching base early.
- Starter Nolan McLean worked through a chaotic opening to complete six innings, allowing one earned run on six hits with four walks and three strikeouts.
- Daniel Duarte closed with a 1-2-3 ninth for the save as the Mets secured the series opener at Citi Field in a game decided largely by rookie defense.
- Beyond the single game result, Statcast noted Benge’s 103.9 mph throw as the fastest outfield assist this season and the first player in the Statcast era with two 99+ mph assists in one inning, a development that boosts the Mets’ young core and complicates the Padres’ wild-card push.