The New York Mets have showcased impressive pitching talent as one of their top prospects, Jonah Tong, delivered a remarkable performance in Double-A Binghamton. In a stunning outing, Tong retired all 20 batters he faced during the Rumble Ponies’ 6-0 victory over the Reading Fightin Phils, falling just one out short of a seven-inning perfect game. This achievement marked a significant milestone as it was the first perfect game in franchise history.
Tong, a seventh-round draft pick in 2022, has quickly risen through the ranks and was ranked eighth among Mets prospects by The Athletic. Last season, he made waves with a 3.03 ERA and an impressive 34.2 percent strikeout rate over 113 innings across three levels. This year, he has continued to trend upwards, posting a 2.57 ERA and an exceptional 44.7 percent strikeout rate through six starts.
What stood out most during Saturday’s performance was Tong’s command on the mound. Entering the game with a walk rate of nearly 15 percent, the young pitcher successfully avoided issuing any walks, a key factor in his development into a reliable starter. Notably, his evening included a career-high of 99 pitches and tied his longest outing of 6 2/3 innings. Opponents are managing to hit just .162 against him, highlighting his effectiveness.
Adding to the excitement, reliever TJ Shook completed the perfect game with a strikeout, underscoring the collaborative effort of the Rumble Ponies’ pitching staff.
This remarkable performance positions Tong as a promising figure in the Mets’ future, as he continues to refine his skills, including increasing his velocity and improving his slider. Fans and analysts alike are left optimistic about his potential impact in the majors as he progresses in his career.