The Mets outrageously robbed one of their own top prospects of perfection.
Jonah Tong was pulled one out from achieving a perfect game Saturday after reaching 99 pitches for Double-A Binghamton.
Reliever TJ Shook finished off the job.
Even though it was a seven-inning game, in line with the minor-league doubleheader rules, it still stands as a perfect game in the records — marking the first such achievement in Binghamton’s history.
Tong might have exchanged one or two of his 13 strikeouts to reduce his pitch count, hoping for a chance to complete his seven-inning gem.
He allowed no hits and no walks over 6 2/3 innings, while throwing 61 of 99 pitches for strikes.
After Shook fanned the last batter for the Reading Phillies in a 6-0 win during the second game of the doubleheader, the Rumble Ponies’ on-field celebration was quite modest — resembling a typical victory.
Tong is the Mets’ No. 6-ranked prospect — third among pitchers — according to MLB.com.
The 13 strikeouts, which began with three in the first inning, set a career high.
As you’d expect, when Rumble Ponies manager Reid Brignac — a former major leaguer — made the call to the bullpen from the mound, the home crowd booed and Tong rolled his head back in what appeared like disbelief.
Tong has 40 strikeouts over his last 19 innings pitched and lowered his season ERA to 2.57.
The 21-year-old right-hander was originally a seventh-round draft pick out of high school in 2022.
He made two appearances at Double-A last season but has pitched well over six starts at the level to start this season.
Top prospects Jett Williams and Ryan Clifford supported Tong; both players had a two-run hit.
