Benge's Two-Run Homer Caps Mets' 4-2 Win Over Padres

Carson Benge hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning Wednesday night, helping the New York Mets beat the San Diego Padres 4-2 and cap an impressive series.

The home run was Benge's 15th of the season, making him the first Mets rookie with at least 15 homers and 15 stolen bases since fellow right fielder Darryl Strawberry in 1983.

Benge has also been strong defensively, throwing out two runners at the plate in the first inning of Monday's 2-1 win. He now has nine assists this season, including five since Aug. 4 — a stretch in which the Mets have gone 11-4 despite a major sell-off at the trade deadline.

Jared Young capped a two-run eighth inning with an RBI single for New York.

Nate Lavender (1-0) earned the win after retiring all three batters he faced in the sixth. Lavender, Jefry Yan and Jonathan Pintaro all picked up their first career victories during the Mets' six-game homestand.

Kodai Senga allowed a pinch-hit RBI single to Gavin Sheets in the ninth before locking down his fourth save in four opportunities, filling in for injured closer Devin Williams.

Mets starter Robert Stock allowed one run and struck out six over 4 1/3 innings, not giving up a hit until Xander Bogaerts led off the fifth with a double.

Fernando Tatis Jr. had an RBI double for San Diego, which entered Wednesday holding a two-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final National League playoff spot. Padres starter Michael King (8-9) allowed two runs and struck out four over 6 2/3 innings.

San Diego returns home Friday to face the Minnesota Twins, with a starter yet to be announced against left-hander Connor Prielipp. The Mets are off Thursday before left-hander Sean Manaea faces right-hander Sean Burke and the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox.