29
2012
Duda’s Blast Spoils Chipper’s Party In Mets 3-1 Win Over Braves
An article by 
The New York Mets combined a solid start by Jon Niese with a clutch bomb by Lucas Duda to crash Chipper Jones’ farewell party and beat the Atlanta Braves by the score of 3-1 on Friday night.
Jon Niese made his final start of the season and aside from a solo home run to Freddie Freeman, the young southpaw pitched a solid seven innings, allowing just one run on fours hits, three walks and striking out three. Niese finishes his season with a 13-9 record in 30 starts while posting a 3.40 ERA in a career-high 190 1/3 innings.
The bullpen delivered a nice effort with Manny Acosta and Justin Hampson combining for a scoreless eighth, while Bobby Parnell pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save of the season in eleven save opportunities.
The Mets combined for just six hits on the night, but two came from Lucas Duda including a huge three-run homer off of Tim Hudson in the seventh inning. It was the 15th home run of the season for Duda who had a classic nine pitch at-bat before he ripped into a hanger..
Break up the Mets… The Amazins’ have won seven of their last eight games, and with tonight’s win the Mets will avoid finishing in last place in the NL East. It will be fourth place for the fourth straight season.
The Mets will hook up for the second game of their weekend series with the Braves tomorrow night at Turner Field. Look for Chris Young to oppose Mike Minor at a 7:10 PM start.
About the Author: Joe DeCaro
I'm a lifelong Mets fan who loves writing and talking about the Amazins' 24/7. From the Miracle in 1969 to the magic of 1986, and even the near misses in '73 and '00, I've experienced it all - the highs and the lows. I started Mets Merized Online in 2005 to feed my addiction. Follow me on Twitter @metsmerized.
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NL East Standings
| Team | W | L | Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braves | 26 | 18 | .591 | - |
| Nationals | 23 | 22 | .511 | 3.5 |
| Phillies | 21 | 24 | .467 | 5.5 |
| Mets | 17 | 25 | .405 | 8.0 |
| Marlins | 13 | 32 | .289 | 13.5 |
Last updated: 05/21/2013
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It’s usually the Braves that spoil any celebrations, especially Larry Jones raining on the Mets. I can’t stand Jones as an opponent but respect his body of work as a player. I wish him well on his way to being elected into the Hall of Fame, which he deserves. I needed that victory last night and it was my boy Duda putting the kabosh on the Braves. If Mets sweep, I will forgive them for this lousy season ………… well almost.
Some positives for this year.
What’s needed for next year? A centerfielder, better catchers, a few more good relievers.
Wilponzis: Now’s your chance to bring back more fans by spending a bit…..
Freddie Freeman and Lucas Duda (at least 2 years older) both homered. Both lefties. At first base not that big a difference defensively. If Duda played all year their production would be about the same. Bottom line Duda with tough love and a little coddling can be an everyday 1B if Ike brings back a ton of talent. I like Ike but we have to fill needs.
Unsurprisingly, GKR sounded like Duda was the reincarnation of Darryl Strawberry last night. What an over the top celebration of his homerun. No mention that most expected a 30 homer season out of him this season and that he won’t even come close to 20. And calling him one of the young core players? Ya gotta be kiddin me.