Mets Rookie Commits Ultimate Blunder: Yeets Senga's Historic Save Ball Into Braves Crowd

ATLANTA -- The stat line says save No. 1 for Kodai Senga. The memory? It's now in some Braves fan's hands.

After Senga slammed the door on Atlanta in an 8-5 Mets win Monday night, the final out landed in Benge's glove in right field. And what did the rookie do? He turned to the stands and gifted the memento to a fan.

Senga, well aware the ball was a keepsake, threw his arms out, jaw on the ground, watching his teammate in disbelief. Catcher Francisco Alvarez and Senga both called for the ball — too late. Benge had already made it a souvenir.

When reality hit, Benge clapped both hands to his head. Senga? He doubled over laughing, because at the end of the day, it's truly a rookie move.

"I think Bengie is trying to tell me I should have just punched him out," Senga joked through an interpreter.

How we got here

Devin Williams landed on the 15-day IL earlier in the day, and interim skipper Andy Green kept his closer plans close to the vest. Leading 8-5 in the ninth, Green handed the ball to Senga — who's had a brutal season (0-8, 8.12 ERA in 8 starts and 8 relief appearances).

But Senga looked like a different man out there. He struck out Matt Olson and Michael Harris II to open the inning, walked Ozzie Albies, then got Mauricio Dubón to fly out to Benge. That's now three straight scoreless relief appearances for the former star.

Remember, this is the guy who signed a five-year, $75M deal before 2023, went 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA as a rookie, made the All-Star team, finished second in ROY voting and seventh in Cy Young voting. Injuries and struggles have derailed him since, despite a solid stretch in 2025.

The Mets, meanwhile, are somehow rolling despite selling off at the deadline — 6-1 on a nine-game trip, living life in last place but spoiling games like it's their job.

As for Senga's ball? That's gone. Probably already being auctioned online by some Braves fan who saw the rookie's arm wind up and thought, "Thank you, Carson Benge."

Rookie move? Absolutely. But at least Senga found the humor in it.