FLUSHING, NY — Carson Benge hit a go-ahead two-run homer and New York’s reshaped bullpen delivered another strong performance as the Mets defeated the San Diego Padres, 4–2, Wednesday afternoon at Citi Field.
Winning the rubber game in front of 26,195 fans, the Mets—finishing their homestand 5–1 while improving to 11–4 over their last 15 games—have won seven of their last 10 despite continuing to play without three-time LatinoMVP Juan Soto.
Mets superstar and three-time LatinoMVP Award winner Juan Soto suffered a calf injury on July 24th that has kept him on the injured list since – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Benge broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning, driving a Michael King 3-2 slider down the left-field line for an opposite-field home run—the rookie outfielder’s 15th homer giving him 51 RBI on the season.
“He just plays baseball. He doesn’t complicate life,” interim manager Andy Green said. “You give him a fastball away, he’ll shoot it the other way.”
Benge, 23, finished 2-for-4 and continued an impressive second half in which he is batting approximately .296 with a 127 wRC+. A.J. Ewing reached base twice, scored and stole his 17th base, while Jared Young went 2-for-4 and drove in an insurance run.
Although the Mets’ 2026 season (58-70) will be remembered as a disappointment, the development of Benge, Ewing and several young relievers has provided reason for optimism when looking into 2027 and beyond.
“It feels gritty to me,” Green said. “It feels like the kind of club that’s just trying to scratch and crawl and figure out a way to win a baseball game.”
A.J. Ewing, Carson Benge, and the Mets’ bullpen Wednesday afternoon provided the Citi Field crowd with hope for the future – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Robert Stock, a right-handed journeyman held San Diego to one run and two hits over 4 1/3 innings, struck out six and generated 10 swings and misses, but the three walks Stock surrendered elevated his pitch count leading to a short day.
Nate Lavender entered with a runner at second and nobody out in the sixth, then recorded two strikeouts and a weak groundout to get out of the inning. He earned his first MLB victory and has opened his career with seven consecutive scoreless appearances.
Austin Warren struck out two in a perfect inning in his return from the injured list. Daniel Duarte added two strikeouts in a scoreless eighth before Kodai Senga, who is adjusting to his new role as the team’s closer, worked through trouble in the ninth for his fourth save.
Green said Lavender and Duarte are “squarely in the mix” for meaningful roles moving forward, praising their ability to remain composed in difficult situations.
New York received difficult injury news before Wednesday’s win when Green announced that Jorge Polanco will undergo season-ending surgery for left ankle bursitis. Polanco finished his first Mets season with 20 hits, two homers and six RBI in just 37 games.
NYPD defeats NYPD in fifth annual Battle of the Badges
Following the Mets’ victory, Citi Field hosted the fifth annual Battle of the Badges, presented by Ford with former Mets captain and host David Wright signing autographs and taking photos with whomever asked throughout the game which ended with the NYPD defeating the FDNY, 1–0.
“When you see a first responder, when you see a firefighter, police officer in the community, stop and say thank you,” the 43-year-old said.
David Wright jolt started Battle of the Badges back in 2022, making for an annual event, with both teams consisting of former high school, college, and minor league baseball players, who are now members of the NYPD and FDNY – Image Credit: Hector Beauchamp/Latino Sports
FDNY representative Chris Ritchie called stepping onto a major league field “amazing,” while the NYPD’s Mike Abagnale described the opportunity as “incredible.”
First Deputy FDNY Commissioner Dan Flynn said the event provided positivity and was “great for morale for both sides.” Ford representative John Billard called the game “a wonderful tribute” to New York’s first responders.
The Mets donated $5 from each single-game and group-sale ticket to local NYPD and FDNY charities.
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