Rookie Pitching and Defense Secure Mets’ Narrow Victory Over Padres
In a Mets' 2-1 victory over the Padres at Citi Field, rookie Nolan McLean pitched a strong six-inning game, supported by fellow rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing who made three crucial putouts at home plate.

New York, NY, August 17, 2026 —
In a tightly contested game at Citi Field, the New York Mets secured a 2-1 win against the San Diego Padres, largely thanks to the standout performance of rookie pitcher Nolan McLean and key defensive plays from fellow rookies.
McLean delivered a strong outing, pitching six effective innings. His performance on the mound was instrumental in limiting the Padres’ offense and keeping the Mets in a position to win.
The Mets’ defense also played a crucial role, with rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing combining for three critical putouts at home plate. These defensive gems prevented the Padres from scoring potential go-ahead or tying runs, preserving the Mets’ slim lead.
The victory marked a significant moment for the young players contributing to the team’s success. The combination of McLean’s pitching and the defensive efforts of Benge and Ewing underscored the promising talent within the Mets’ roster.
Story summarized from the original created by Mike Puma on nypost.com, see more information here.