There's an old saying in baseball: it's not how you start, it's how you finish. For Mets rookie Carson Benge, that sentiment is becoming his personal mantra.

After a rocky introduction to major league life, the 23-year-old is finding his stride at exactly the right time. His solo home run against the Colorado Rockies ignited a crucial offensive rally, propelling New York to a 4-2 victory and giving fans a glimpse of the player the organization has been excited about.

Benge's early numbers weren't pretty. But baseball is a game of adjustments, and the rookie has been making them. Over his last 11 games, he's gone 10-for-33, slowly climbing to a .192 batting average. While that's still below where he wants to be, it's a testament to his resilience that he never let the slow start shake his belief.

"There were definitely a little growing pains in there," Benge admitted after the game. "And I'm sure there's still a few many to come. But just being able to step in there with my same level of confidence I've always had is definitely a big thing."

That steady approach has impressed manager Carlos Mendoza from day one. In a sport where young players often press when things go wrong, Benge has shown a veteran's composure.

"I've been impressed with how he's handled the whole situation, how steady he's been, how professional, how mature he's been," Mendoza said. "And those are some really good signs from a young player, especially getting a taste at the big league level for the first time."

Making the Opening Day roster after a spectacular spring training, Benge was handed the starting right field job from the jump. On a team loaded with veterans, he had the luxury of learning at his own pace. But when injuries hit New York's lineup hard, the Mets suddenly needed more from their rookie. And he's delivering.

For a young player wearing the orange and blue, it's not just about the stats—it's about the swagger. And right now, Benge is playing with plenty of both.