The New York Mets leaned on an unusual defensive performance to protect an early lead Monday night, with Carson Benge throwing out two runners at home in the first inning as New York defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1 at Citi Field.
The Mets (57-69) scored both of their runs in the opening inning against Padres starter Walker Buehler. A.J. Ewing singled before Francisco Lindor walked, and Bo Bichette followed with a base hit through the right side to bring Ewing home. Luis Robert Jr. then lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to extend the lead to 2-0.
Buehler settled down after the first inning, limiting New York to just one baserunner through the sixth. The Mets had another chance to add insurance in the eighth after Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco opened the inning with consecutive singles, but Francisco Alvarez and Ewing struck out before Lindor grounded out.
Nolan McLean had to navigate traffic throughout his start, but the Mets’ defense repeatedly came to his aid. Benge threw out Jake Cronenworth at the plate on a Ty France single before immediately making another perfect throw to erase Manny Machado on a Jackson Merrill base hit.
Benge’s throw to catch Machado traveled 103.9 miles per hour, making it the third-fastest outfield assist recorded during the Statcast era.
New York’s outfield made history, becoming the first team since at least 1906 to throw out three runners at home within the first two innings.
McLean allowed one run on six hits and four walks while striking out three over six innings. He threw 103 pitches, including 68 strikes, and lowered his season earned run average to 3.34.
Jonathan Pintaro and Nate Lavender combined for two scoreless innings before Daniel Duarte struck out two in a perfect ninth to earn the save.
The Mets continue their series against San Diego Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. Zac Thornton will start for New York against Robbie Ray.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.