After battling through a slump for the entire postseason, Lucas Duda broke out in epic fashion last night. He blasted a three run shot off Jason Hammel in the first inning, and he later crushed a two run double in the third that gave the Mets a 5-0 lead.
His five RBI performance ties a franchise record with Curtis Granderson who also did so in Game 3 this season against the Dodgers.
“I was just so happy to hit the ball with the barrel of the bat,” Duda said. “I haven’t a hit a ball that hard in quite some time. But it’s about winning at this point and going to the World Series. This is a very special moment. for us. I’m still trying to soak everything in it’s so unbelievable.”
Duda entered the game with only three hits in 24 at bats, but he certainly rewarded his manager for having faith in him. Collins stuck with Duda despite his struggles, and thought that his bat was too dangerous to take out.
“As far as Lucas Duda, I told you last week when you asked me what was going on, I said once in a while you guys show players you’ve got confidence in them, and I thought I did that with Lucas, knowing that if he breaks out, he can carry us. And tonight he broke out.”
Duda has been incredibly streaky all year, so it was just a matter of time before he got locked in again. Despite his inconsistencies, he’s averaged 28 home runs over the past two years and had an OPS above .830 both seasons. He’s been one of the most underrated players on the team, and could make a tremendous impact in the World Series if he can stay hot.
