Carson Benge Sets New Mets Rookie Hit Record

Carson Benge etched his name in the New York Mets' record books on Saturday, setting a new franchise record for hits by a rookie during the team's 10-3 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Benge collected three hits in the game, including his 19th home run of the season, to surpass Pete Alonso's previous rookie record of 155 hits set in 2019.

The young outfielder reached the milestone in his 149th game of the season, with another week remaining to add to his total. Benge acknowledged the significance of the achievement, stating, "To see all the guys who have come through here, all the greats… being able to hold that [record] is pretty special."

Benge's record-setting hit came in the eighth inning against Phillies right-hander Orion Kerkering. The play, officially recorded as a swinging bunt that hugged the third base line, elicited a grin from Benge as he reached first base.

Earlier in the game, Benge had tied the game with a home run off Andrew Painter in the second inning, his 19th of the year, which also tied him for fourth-most home runs by a Mets rookie. In the seventh inning, he singled off lefty José Alvarado to tie Alonso's previous hit mark.

Benge has emerged as a bright spot for the Mets during a challenging season. Despite an early slump, hitting .189 with a .525 OPS at the end of April, he has since rebounded to bat .276 with a .759 OPS. Interim manager Andy Green praised Benge's performance, noting, "There’s just no clean way to get him out." Teammate Christian Scott added that Benge "kind of learns from it" when facing a pitcher.

Benge expressed resilience in overcoming his early-season struggles, saying, "It just proves I’m tough. I won’t let things get me down too much." He also shared a lighthearted moment regarding his record-breaking hit, joking that his teammates haven't teased him about it because "they don’t have the record."