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Mets’ Carson Benge reveals non-baseball change that cured his slump
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- Mets’ Carson Benge reveals non-baseball change that cured his slump
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The New York Mets finally received a timely offensive breakthrough Wednesday night, and rookie outfielder Carson Benge credited an off-field adjustment for helping end his recent struggles. After entering the game in a 1-for-20 slump, Benge shaved off his mustache before the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds and responded with two clutch RBI singles in a 4-2 win at Citi Field.
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"I really haven't been getting a ton of hits, so I just shaved it off and it worked," Benge said after the game.
The 23-year-old produced both hits with two outs and two strikes, helping New York end a five-game losing streak and avoid a three-game sweep. In the fifth inning, Benge battled back from an 0-2 count against Cincinnati left-hander Andrew Abbott before lining a run-scoring single to center field that pushed the Mets' lead to 3-1. He struck again in the seventh inning, fighting off another difficult pitch for an RBI single that extended the advantage to 4-2.
Those hits were game-changing for New York, who had scored only six runs during their losing streak and had been held to two runs or fewer in six consecutive games. Amid the skid, Benge has continued to swing it well in May, hitting .302 with six extra-base hits, 14 RBIs, and a .753 OPS.
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Juan Soto continued his hot streak by launching a first-inning homer off Abbott. The blast was Soto's 12th home run of the season, his second in as many nights, and his sixth in seven games. Eric Wagaman also contributed, homering in his first start with the Mets and recording his first hit with the club.
New York pieced together the win with six pitchers. Jonah Tong earned the victory after allowing only one unearned run across 3 2/3 innings despite issuing four walks. Brooks Raley and Luke Weaver combined for 2 2/3 scoreless innings before Devin Williams escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning for his eighth save.
Cincinnati stranded 17 runners on base in the loss. The Reds entered the night having won five of their previous six games.
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