Overview
- The sequence began when Mets rookie right fielder Carson Benge threw out Jake Cronenworth at the plate and, on the next play, Manny Machado also at the plate during the first inning of the game, preventing both runs.
- MLB tracking showed Benge’s throws at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph, figures that underscored his elite arm strength and helped beat runners by clear margins.
- Fellow rookie A.J. Ewing added a third outfield assist by throwing out Xander Bogaerts at the plate in the second inning, producing three outfield assists at the plate in the first two innings.
- Those three throws made the Mets the only major-league team since at least 1920 to record three outfield assists at the plate in the first two innings of a game, and Benge now has nine assists on the season, second among National League outfielders.
- Padres third-base coach Bob Henley’s decision to send Manny Machado on Jackson Merrill’s single directly set up one of Benge’s outs and highlights how coaching choices can be decisive when an outfielder’s arm can reach the plate that quickly.