Carson Benge's night was a tale of two halves—an early defensive miscue that cost the Mets two runs, followed by a clutch walk-off hit in the 10th inning to seal a 3-2 victory over the Tigers. It was the Mets' eighth extra-inning game this season, and this one offered a glimpse into the team's resilient future.
The Tigers struck first in the top of the first. Kevin McGonigle walked, and Dillon Dingler sent a fly ball to deep right that Benge tracked down—only to have it clank off his glove and roll away. The error, not officially scored as such, put runners at second and third with no outs. Christian Scott bounced back to strike out Colt Keith, but Riley Greene laced a single to plate two runs. Two fly balls ended the inning, and Scott held Detroit to just those two runs, though the damage could have been worse.
The Mets answered in the bottom of the second. Mark Vientos singled, Brett Baty followed with another single, and Tyrone Taylor hit a sharp grounder that McGonigle made a diving stop on. Baty was thrown out at second, but Zach McKinstry's wild throw to first allowed Taylor to reach safely and a run to score. A.J. Ewing struck out looking to end the inning, leaving the Mets down 2-1.
Christian Scott navigated traffic on the bases all night, inflating his pitch count, but he limited damage with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings and timely double plays. The Mets had a golden chance to tie it in the third when Luis Torrens and Benge led off with back-to-back singles, putting runners at first and third with nobody out. But the rally fizzled, and the score stayed 2-1.
The Mets finally broke through in the seventh. With the crowd on its feet, they scratched out a run to tie the game, setting the stage for extra innings. In the 10th, Benge stepped to the plate with Ewing on second. The rookie delivered, driving in Ewing with a walk-off hit that sent the Queens faithful home happy.
For the Mets, it's the kind of win that builds character—and for fans, it's a reminder that every game is a chance to see the future unfold.