Carson Benge homers in big league debut to help Mets pound Pirates in opener - ESPN

NEW YORK — In his fourth major league plate appearance, Carson Benge connected.

And when he saw the ball sail over the right-field fence, the 23-year-old New York Mets rookie couldn't help but shout and jump for joy as he rounded first base.

«I kind of blacked out running around the bases. I don't really remember too much,» Benge said. «I know I got it good off the bat.»

Benge homered in his major league debut for his first career hit and was one of several Mets newcomers who played pivotal roles as New York pounded the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7 on Opening Day.

After winning the right-field job at the end of spring training, Benge also walked twice and stole a base Thursday. He said he had 22 family members and friends in the sellout crowd of 41,449 at Citi Field, including his parents and girlfriend.

«Definitely anxious to get out there, ready to start playing,» Benge said, describing his emotions before the game. «Definitely everything I thought it was going to be.»

Benge is rated the organization's second-best prospect and No. 16 in baseball by MLB Pipeline. He was selected 19th overall by New York in the 2024 amateur draft from Oklahoma State, where he and Mets pitcher Nolan McLean were both two-way players.

«Who he is is super consistent,» manager Carlos Mendoza said of Benge. «I'm not surprised by it because of the personality there. Opening Day, first big league game for him, packed house and he just goes out there and plays his game.»

His first time up, Benge struck out swinging on three pitches from reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes — all fastballs clocked 96-98 mph.

«Just calm down,» Benge said he told himself. «Just like, deep breath, calm down. Great atmosphere, great fans, just trying to bring