Carson Benge made a diving ninth-inning catch and added production at the plate as the Mets beat the Angels 5-1 for a needed series win.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Carson Benge gave the New York Mets the kind of late-game highlight they have not had often enough this season, laying out for a ninth-inning catch that helped close a 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday night.
The rookie right fielder made the play with one out in the bottom of the ninth, a runner on first and the Angels trying to create pressure. Vaughn Grissom sent a line drive down the first-base side, and Benge left his feet to take away a potential extra-base hit and help keep Los Angeles from building a comeback threat.
“I dove still not knowing,” Benge told reporters after the game, according to Fox News Digital, “but I know I was going to try to make a play for my guys.”
The catch capped a strong all-around night for Benge, who went 1-for-2, scored twice, drove in a run and drew two walks. Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen described the play on the telecast as “pulchritudinous,” a flourish that underscored how much the catch stood out in a difficult stretch for New York.
The Mets’ victory was their 12th of the season and gave them two wins in three games against the Angels. It was also New York’s first series win since taking two games from the Minnesota Twins on April 23.
Starter Clay Holmes gave the Mets the pitching base they needed, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six. His ERA improved to 1.69.
For a club still trying to turn a series win into steadier momentum, Benge’s catch offered a clean finishing image: a rookie selling out for an out in the ninth, and New York leaving Anaheim with one of its better results of the season.
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