Stellar defense secures a Mets win against Padres

The New York Mets defeated the San Diego Padres on August 17, 2026, at Citi Field in Queens, New York, with outstanding outfield defense playing a key role in the victory. Carson Benge fielded a hit by Jackson Merrill and threw home to catcher Francisco Alvarez, who tagged out Manny Machado to end the first inning. Pitcher Nolan McLean was aided by this stellar defensive play throughout the game.