The Mets have seen one of their top prospects achieve something quite impressive.
Jonah Tong was just shy of completing a perfect game on Saturday at Double-A Binghamton, finishing with 99 pitches.
Reliever TJ took over to finish the game.
Despite the regulations regarding minor league doubleheaders, this still counts as a perfect game for the record books, the first of its kind in Binghamton’s history.
Perhaps Tong could have reduced his pitch count a bit with a few of his 13 strikeouts, maybe completing this seven-inning feat more efficiently. He didn’t allow any hits or walks over 6 2/3 innings, throwing 61 of his 99 pitches for strikes.
After Tong struck out the last batter for the Leading Phillies during a 6-0 win in the second game of the doubleheader, the Rumble Ponies celebrated on the field with a noticeable sense of calm.
Tong ranks as the Mets’ sixth prospect and third among pitchers, according to MLB.com.
His 13 strikeouts set a new career high, beginning with three in the first inning.
It was quite a scene when Rumble Ponies manager Reid Brignac, a former major leaguer, called to the bullpen from the mound, and the home crowd reacted with boos while Tong appeared stunned.
Tong recorded 40 strikeouts over his last 19 innings, bringing his season ERA down to 2.57.
This 21-year-old right-hander was selected by the Mets as their seventh draft pick from high school in 2022. Last season, he made just two appearances in Double-A, but this year, he has significantly upped his game with multiple starts at this level.
Notably, fellow top prospects Jet Williams and Ryan Clifford provided solid support for Tong, each contributing two runs.
