New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge delivered a historic defensive performance Monday night, recording two outfield assists of at least 99 miles per hour in the Mets' 2-1 win against the San Diego Padres.
In the first inning, with runners on second and first, Ty France hit a shallow fly ball to right-center field. Benge fielded the ball and threw home, successfully nabbing Jake Cronenworth. Later in the same inning, Jackson Merrill hit a sharp grounder to Benge, who again fired a throw to home plate, this time to get Manny Machado. Benge's throws were clocked at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph, respectively.
These two assists mark the first time an outfielder has recorded multiple assists of 99 mph or higher in the Statcast era, which began in 2015, according to statisticians Sarah Langs and Jason Bernard.
"I just looked up and threw the ball. I’m not worried that they are running or not," Benge said after the game, as reported by MLB.com. "I try to throw as hard as I can to be able to make them stop or get them out. … I feel like anytime anyone makes a good throw to end an inning or have a quicker out, it shifts the momentum in our favor."
The Mets' defense also received a contribution from rookie left fielder A.J. Ewing, who threw out Xander Bogaerts at home in the second inning after Bogaerts attempted to score on a hit through the infield. These defensive efforts limited the Padres to a single run.
Mets starter Nolan McLean pitched six innings, striking out three batters. The Associated Press contributed to this report.