Just a day after Mike Tauchman blasted a three-run home run in his first at-bat — who is among the top options to start in right field on Opening Day — Mets’ top position prospect Carson Benge responded in a very positive way.
After going 0-for-5 to begin his spring, Benge racked up three hits on Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 6-0 loss. Each at-bat, Benge fell behind in the count 1-2. It didn’t matter.
“The ability to stay in the fight, especially when he gets behind in counts,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Fouling off pitches, using the whole field [and] putting the ball in play. He just finds a way.”
Benge did just that, with an infield hit, an opposite-field single, which clocked in at 101.2 mph, and a grounder through the right-side of the infield. His third at-bat of the game was a good example of what Benge is all about at the plate. The left-handed hitter worked a 10-pitch at-bat. After falling behind 1-2, then taking a ball to even the count, Benge fouled off the next four pitches to stay alive. He took another ball before hitting a sinker for his third knock of the day.
“I hate striking out,” Benge said. “That’s one thing about me. So being able to fight for every pitch, scrap for it, is really big.”
Benge Taking Advantage of Golden Opportunity
Since being notified that he would be invited to MLB spring training, Benge has taken advantage of the opportunity.
“Just soaking up every bit of information I can from veteran guys around here,’’ Benge said of his experience in major league camp. “I feel like I’m getting adjusted day by day, seeing what it takes [and] seeing how good they are.”
For Benge, the edge doesn’t come from trying to hit the ball 450 feet — it comes from refusing to give an at-bat away.
“I feel that sprouted from me not liking to strike out,’’ Benge said. “I’d do anything not to strike out. Just put the ball in play.”
“I try to go out there and fight every at-bat and not give anything away with a dumb swing,’’ Benge said.
Main Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
