Lucas Duda broke out of a 3-for-24 postseason slump by going 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and five RBIs on Wednesday to lead the Mets to an 8-3 win and a spot in the World Series.
“It’s been a long time since I contributed anything offensively,” Duda said after the game. “So, it’s definitely nice.”
Duda hit a three-run home run off Jason Hammel in the first inning to straightaway center field with two outs to give the Mets an early 3-0 lead.
“For Lucas, that’s a big monkey off his back,” hitting coach Kevin Long said. “The Dude wanted to contribute. The Dude wanted to be part of the fun, and he certainly was today. Five RBIs, I’m just so happy for him.’’
In the second inning, Duda lined a pitch off Travis Wood up the middle into the gap in right-centerfield to drive in David Wright and Yoenis Cespedes for a two-out, two-run double that made it 6-0.
“Once in a while, you gotta show players you’ve got confidence in them,” said manager Terry Collins, who started Duda each game despite his slump. “And, I thought I did that with Lucas, knowing that if he breaks out he can carry us. And tonight, he broke out.”
Matthew Cerrone
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Reporters and broadcasters were all talking about the amazing performance he put on before the game in batting practice, hitting monster home runs out of Wrigley Field. Ordinarily this is not significant, but it’s an indication that Duda found his timing and confidence and that what happened during the game is not luck. The home run was impressive, but I was most impressed with the ball he hit through the shift for his final RBI. He had that ball right on the screws, it was a rocket that three infielders within 20 feet made zero effort to get, because it was hit so hard. This, more than the home run, indicates he’s ready to sustain a hot streak. Unfortunately, after all of that work, he will now sit idle for six days as the Mets wait to begin the World Series. Hopefully, he doesn’t again lose his rhythm while waiting…
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