Mets' Carson Benge's ability to fight at the plate on display in three-hit game: 'He just finds a way'

If Carson Benge has more performances like he did Wednesday, then the Mets will have an easy decision come the end of spring training.

The 23-year-old, who is fighting for the starting right field job, went 3-for-3 against the St. Louis Cardinals in Grapefruit League action, recording all three hits with two strikes in the count against major league pitchers.

He singled in the first inning against Richard Fitts, had another in the third off Matt Svanson, and then finished his day with a 10-pitch at-bat against Chris Roycroft, resulting in the third baseknock. After the game, the top prospect discussed what he liked from his ABs and said he simply tries "to take it one at-bat at a time."

"I got to two strikes on all of them pretty quick, so being able to battle for my team and just find a way on base. Feel like that's pretty huge," Benge said.

He then showed how much he cares about working a good hitter's count and not giving up at the plate.

"A lot [of pride]. I hate striking out. That's one thing about me," Benge said. "Being able to fight for every pitch, scrap for it, is really good."

Manager Carlos Mendoza was also impressed with Benge's ability to fight through an at-bat and "find a way" to get on base.

"His ability to stay on the fight," Mendoza said. "Especially when he gets behind in counts. We saw it today, his ability to foul off pitches. And then just using the whole field and putting the ball in play. His bat-to-ball skills, we saw it today. He just finds a way. It was just good to see.

"He probably missed some good fastballs to hit. Even though he got behind in counts, he was able to stay on the fight, like I said, and put the ball in play."

Benge knows he still has a lot to learn, but isn't rushing or forcing results and is using his resources to help him get through the spring. 

"Soak up every bit of information I can from all the veteran guys around here," Benge said. "Just take it day-by-day, be myself, nothing else."

He added, "I feel like I'm getting adjusted day-by-day. Kind of seeing how everyone's playing, like what it takes, seeing how good they are. Feel like I'm getting comfortable, really, day-by-day."

The potential Opening Day right fielder made it clear he'll do "anything not to strike out," and that type of mentality may be what helps him make it to Citi Field on March 26.

"I just try to and go in there and fight every AB, not trying to give something away by taking a dumb swing or anything like that," Benge said.