Carson Benge gets off day after creating unique MLB history against Padres

Carson Benge gets off day after creating unique MLB history against Padres originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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After establishing a career offensive effort, New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge took a day.

With the Mets off Monday, Benge was afforded extra time to reflect on his record-setting performance during Sunday’s 7-3 win over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The rookie became the 11th player in the live-ball era to go 5-for-5 with a home run and triple before the age of 24. 

Benge became the first to accomplish the unique feat since Mark Reynolds in 2007.

Benge, who went 9-for-25 with three homers during the Mets’ six-game West Coast road trip, is proving he belongs in the Mets’ everyday lineup, batting at the top or in the middle of the order. 

In 62 games, Benge is slashing .265/.325/.408 with seven homers and 10 stolen bases.

Two months ago, the 23-year-old had a lot to prove.

Mets’ Carson Benge growing into MLB role

After suffering through a 0-for-16 stretch in early April, some MLB insiders wondered if Benge was ready to handle everyday major-league pitching. In his first 30 games, he batted .179 with four extra-base hits and six RBI.

Carlos Mendoza didn’t waver. When Francisco Lindor landed on injured reserve, the Mets manager placed him at the top of the batting order. The rookie responded and continues to “set the tone,” Mendoza said, as reported by SNY.

In his last 32 appearances, Benge batted .328 with 13 extra-base hits and 20 RBI, leading the last-place Mets (29-36) to seven wins in their past 10 games.  On Tuesday, following an off day, they begin a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field. 

Mendoza described Benge’s effort Sunday as “pretty incredible. It’s cool to see, rockets pretty much everywhere.”

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