On Thursday afternoon, the New York Mets played their first game of the 2026 season when they hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Mets won by a score of 11-7.
They got off to an excellent start to the game, scoring five runs in the first inning.
Mets Star Carson Benge Made History
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 26: Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets walks off the field after the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. The New York Mets won 11-7. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
All eyes were on Carson Benge, who made his MLB debut during Thursday’s game.
The 23-year-old finished with one home run, two walks and one stolen base.
He also made history with his performance.
@SlangsOnSports wrote: “Carson Benge is the 14th player with a homer and SB in his MLB debut since the modern SB rule was adopted (1898)
2nd Met: 5/3/85 Lenny Dykstra
1st MLB player to do so since 8/9/23 Weston Wilson”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 26: Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets gets doused with Gatorade after the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. The New York Mets won 11-7. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Benge’s Background
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 26: Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets reacts to hitting his first home run in his MLB Debut during the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Benge was the 19th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State.
He is coming off a minor league season where he batted .281 with 15 home runs, 73 RBI’s, 87 runs and 22 stolen bases in 116 games.
@TJStats wrote (on March 23): “The Mets top hitting prospect posted a .929 OPS this Spring while showcasing a balanced approach and strong bat-to-ball skills. The power did not manifest itself, but he has some juice in the bat!”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 26: Carson Benge #3 of the New York Mets gets doused with water after the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at Citi Field on March 26, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. The New York Mets won 11-7. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Benge has a lot of people excited for what he could do to help the Mets return to the MLB playoffs in 2026.
He joins an outfield that also features Juan Soto and Luis Robert Jr.
Looking Ahead For New York
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 23: Carlos Mendoza #64 of the New York Mets looks on from the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park on August 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by John David Mercer/Getty Images)
The Mets will have two more games against the Pirates.
They will then take a road trip to visit the St. Louis Cardinals on March 30.
New York Mets Star Carson Benge Made MLB History Against Pirates