Carson Benge Turns Season Around with New Look
Carson Benge found a simple but effective way to break free from his recent hitting slump: he shaved off his mustache before Wednesday’s game.
“I just wasn’t getting many hits, so I decided to cut it, and it worked,” Benji shared.
After struggling through a rainy April at the start of his major league career, the rookie outfielder found his stride in May. He played a crucial role in the Mets’ 4-2 win against the Reds at Citi Field, driving in two important RBIs.
Benge brought in runs during the fifth and seventh innings, helping the Mets snap a five-game losing streak thanks to a solid bullpen performance.
Having previously been stuck in a stretch where they scored two or fewer runs for six straight games (the first such struggle in a decade), the Mets finally showed some offensive life, avoiding a second consecutive series sweep.
Benge, who had just one hit in 20 at-bats prior to this game, ignited the scoring with an RBI single in the fifth, which pushed the Mets ahead 3-1. A couple of innings later, he secured another single that sealed the victory.
Juan Soto praised Benge’s determination, saying, “[Benge] is always aggressive with a really good swing. He knows he connects with the ball most of the time, and that’s great to watch.”
Before hitting this slump, the 23-year-old had an impressive .919 OPS over his first 17 games, contributing to the Mets’ 11-6 record at one point.
“I admire that you can’t tell if he’s been struggling or if he’s finding his groove again with game-winners,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “He just comes in the next day and gives his best. That’s remarkable for someone his age.”
In the ninth inning, Devin Williams made things a bit tense by walking players and loading the bases, but he managed to secure a save with two impressive strikeouts. The Reds wasted opportunities, leaving 17 runners stranded.
Jonah Tong, doubling as a bulk reliever, made headlines despite allowing three hits and four walks over three innings, yet he only conceded one earned run.
It was Tong’s second effective outing since being recalled, having previously pitched three hitless innings at Miami.
Soto provided fireworks with a home run in the first inning off Andrew Abbott, marking his eighth in just 12 games and his second in consecutive days.
“I aim to do damage with each swing, but results aren’t always consistent,” Soto noted. “I’m feeling good, seeing the ball well, and trying to make the most of my swings.”
Eric Wagaman, starting as the designated hitter, also contributed with a two-out home run in the second, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. Last season, he hit nine home runs throughout the entire year with the Marlins.
However, during the third inning, Tong’s error on a grounder from Elie Delacruz allowed the Reds to score an unearned run. Earlier, Eugenio Suarez had walked, and Nathaniel Rowe’s RBI single trimmed the Mets’ lead to 2-1.
In a pivotal moment later, after an error by Delacruz, the Mets added an unearned run to extend their lead. Singles from Luis Torrence and Benge followed, with Benge’s hit pushing the score to 3-1.
As the sixth inning unfolded, Sal Stewart’s infield hit brought the Reds slightly closer.
Dane Myers nearly tied things after a line drive was caught by AJ Ewing in center field, and a walk to Stevenson managed to keep the suspense alive, ending the top of the seventh.
In the seventh, Benge delivered another RBI, enhancing the Mets’ position to 4-2. A pinch-hit single from Jared Young kick-started this rally, which saw him advance to second on a wild pitch.
“I just focus on keeping my swing compact,” Benge explained regarding his approach to higher fastballs. “I try not to overdo it and just put the ball in play, and things seem to be going well.”
