Mets outfielders peg 3 runners at plate in first 2 innings, including 2 in a row by Carson Benge

New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge single-handedly ended a San Diego Padres rally in the first two innings of a game on Monday night. Benge executed two consecutive perfect throws to home plate, tagging out two opposing runners in straight succession. This astonishing feat made Benge only the second player in major league history, since records began in 1920, to record three outfield assists at home plate within the opening two innings of a contest.

The feat was so exceptional that Mets interim manager Andy Green hailed it as a "ridiculous" display. Benge's throws were clocked at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph, the third-fastest outfield assists in the majors since Statcast tracking began in 2015, and the fastest in nine years. Fellow rookie A.J. Ewing added to the Mets' defensive prowess with a throw to out Xander Bogaerts in the second inning.

This remarkable performance not only shut down the Padres' scoring, but also underscored the crucial role of strong defense in baseball.