Big Sixth Inning Powers Mets Over Rockies as Carson Benge Breaks Up No-Hit Bid

Momentum in baseball can shift faster than a Colorado thunderstorm, and on Monday afternoon in Denver, the New York Mets proved exactly that. What started as a masterclass in pitching from Tomoyuki Sugano quickly unraveled in a explosive sixth inning, propelling the Mets to a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The win was a testament to the Mets’ depth, resilience, and ability to capitalize on a single spark—a spark provided by rookie Carson Benge.

In a game rescheduled to a 3:40 p.m. local start to avoid evening storms, the early action belonged entirely to Sugano. The veteran right-hander carved through the New York lineup with surgical precision, needing just 48 pitches to face the minimum through five innings. But baseball has a cruel sense of timing, and the sixth inning turned the entire narrative on its head. Here’s how the Mets flipped the script and what it means for both teams moving forward.

Benge’s Sixth-Inning Heroics Shatter Sugano’s Perfection

For the first five innings, Tomoyuki Sugano looked like a man pitching in a different dimension. He retired the first six batters he faced, and after walking Carson Benge to lead off the third, promptly erased him with a double play. The Rockies’ dugout was buzzing, and the sparse crowd at Coors Field was beginning to sense something special.

Then came the sixth. Benge, the Mets’ 2024 first-round pick, stepped to the plate with one out and the count full. Sugano left a splitter up in the zone, and Benge didn’t miss. The ball rocketed over the right-field wall, ending the no-hit bid and tying the game at 1-1. It was a moment that seemed to suck the air out of the Rockies’ momentum.

“That’s the kind of swing that changes a game,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza after the win. “Carson has that ability to stay calm in big spots. He didn’t try to do too much—he just put a good swing on a good pitch.”

The homer was Benge’s third of the season, but it was his most impactful. It not only erased Sugano’s bid for history but also opened the floodgates. The Mets followed with three more runs in the frame, capitalizing on a Rockies bullpen that couldn’t contain the damage. A walk, a single, and a crucial error by shortstop Ezequiel Tovar allowed two more runs to cross the plate, giving New York a 4-1 lead.

Mets’ Pitching Committee Delivers Dominant Performance

While the offense stole the headlines, the real story of this game was the collective effort from the New York pitching staff. The Mets used five pitchers, and each one contributed to a stifling performance that held the Rockies to just four hits while striking out 11 batters.

**David Peterson** (1-4) was the standout among the group. The left-hander entered in the third inning and worked four masterful frames, fanning six while allowing just one run on a solo homer. Peterson’s fastball sat at 93 mph, but it was his sweeping slider that kept Colorado hitters off balance all afternoon. He induced seven swings and misses on the pitch alone.

“Peterson gave us exactly what we needed,” Mendoza added. “He came in with the game tight and threw strikes with conviction. That’s the David we know.”

The bullpen followed suit. **Danny Young**, **Adam Ottavino**, and **Drew Smith** combined for two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three. Then, in the ninth, **Devin Williams** entered and slammed the door with his signature “Airbender” changeup. Williams needed just 12 pitches to secure his fourth save of the season, striking out two and inducing a weak groundout to end the game.

The Mets’ five-man pitching committee approach has been a point of discussion all season, but performances like Monday’s show why it works. By rotating arms and keeping hitters off rhythm, New York has managed to stay competitive even without a traditional ace. The 11 strikeouts were a season-high for the staff in a single game.

Rockies’ Offensive Struggles Continue Despite Moniak’s Hot Streak

For the Colorado Rockies, the loss was another chapter in a frustrating homestand. They have now dropped the first four games of their six-game stay at Coors Field, and the offense has been largely to blame. Despite getting production from **Mickey Moniak** and **Jordan Beck**, the Rockies failed to string together enough hits to mount a serious comeback.

Moniak continued his torrid pace, doubling and tripling to extend his hitting streak to 17 games. The outfielder is now batting .329 during the streak, with four home runs and 12 RBIs. His triple in the seventh inning nearly sparked a rally, but the Mets’ bullpen quickly shut the door.

“Mickey is seeing the ball well right now,” said Rockies manager Bud Black. “He’s using the whole field and not chasing. We just need more guys to join him.”

Jordan Beck also tripled for Colorado, showcasing his raw speed and power. However, the Rockies’ lineup struck out 11 times and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The inability to deliver clutch hits has been a recurring theme for a team that now sits 10 games under .500.

The early start time seemed to benefit Sugano early, but it didn’t help the Rockies’ hitters adjust to the Mets’ changing pitchers. Sugano finished with a line of 5.1 innings, four runs (three earned), three hits, and three walks. He struck out four but was ultimately undone by the sixth-inning collapse.

Expert Analysis: What This Win Means for the Mets’ Playoff Hopes

This victory is more than just a blip on the calendar for the Mets. It represents a crucial step in their quest to stay relevant in the National League wild-card race. With a record now hovering around .500, New York needs every win it can get, especially on the road against a team like Colorado that has struggled at home.

The Mets’ ability to win in different ways is their greatest asset. They can slug with the best of them, but they also showed Monday they can grind out a win with pitching depth and timely hitting. Carson Benge’s emergence as a reliable bat in the middle of the order is a development that cannot be overstated. The rookie is hitting .286 with three homers and 11 RBIs in his last 15 games, and his poise in high-leverage situations suggests he’s ready for the big stage.

**Key takeaways from the game:**
– **Carson Benge’s sixth-inning homer** broke up Sugano’s no-hit bid and sparked a four-run rally.
– **David Peterson’s four-inning relief stint** with six strikeouts was the backbone of the pitching effort.
– **Devin Williams** continues to be automatic in the ninth, earning his fourth save.
– **Mickey Moniak’s 17-game hitting streak** is a bright spot for a Rockies team that needs more consistency.
– The Mets’ **five-pitcher approach** is unconventional but effective, keeping hitters guessing.

Looking ahead, the Mets face a pivotal stretch. They have two more games in Colorado before heading to San Francisco and Los Angeles. If the pitching staff can maintain this level of performance, and if Benge continues to produce, New York could make a serious push for a wild-card spot by the All-Star break.

Prediction: Mets’ Momentum Carries Through the Series

Based on what we saw Monday, the Mets have the edge in this series. The Rockies are reeling, having lost four straight on their home field, and their bullpen is showing signs of fatigue. Sugano’s strong start was wasted, and the mental toll of watching a no-hitter slip away could linger.

Expect the Mets to win at least two of the remaining three games in Denver. The pitching depth is too strong, and the lineup is beginning to click at the right time. For Colorado, the focus should be on getting Moniak more support and finding a way to close out games. If they can’t turn things around quickly, this homestand could become a season-defining disaster.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Mets?

Baseball is a game of inches, moments, and sometimes, a single swing. Carson Benge’s sixth-inning homer didn’t just break up a no-hitter—it broke the Rockies’ spirit and gave the Mets a signature win. The combination of timely hitting, dominant relief pitching, and a never-say-die attitude makes this team dangerous.

For the Rockies, the road ahead looks rocky. For the Mets, the path to October just got a little clearer. If they can bottle up the energy from this win and carry it through the rest of the road trip, don’t be surprised to see New York making noise in the second half of the season.

One thing is certain: in Denver on Monday, the Mets reminded everyone that in baseball, it’s never over until the final out. And sometimes, all it takes is one big inning to change everything.

Source: Based on news from Deadspin.