Duda's Blast Sinks Braves 3-1

Tim Hudson started strong but allowed a three-run, two-out, full-count home run to Lucas Duda in the top of the 7th as the Braves lost 3-1 to the Mets. On Chipper Jones night, the Braves just couldn't seem to find any sort of offensive rhythm, as Jon Niese limited the Braves to 1 run on 4 hits in 7 innings.

After a fantastic pregame ceremony that saw Hank Aaron, Bobby Cox, and many other baseball dignitaries honor Atlanta's third baseman, the Braves offense fell flat. Atlanta's offense was victimized by Mets lefty Jon Niese, who pitched a masterful game, allowing only 1 run across 7 innings. Niese only allowed 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 3. Atlanta's lone run came in the 4th inning, when Freddie Freeman drilled a home run to right to give the Braves a 1-0 lead. Atlanta would have a few other chances to add on, but couldn't break through

Tim Hudson started for the Braves and was masterful through the early game, allowing only 4 baserunners through the first 6 innings. Hudson began to labor in the 7th, allowing a leadoff double to Daniel Murphy. After a lineout moved Murphy to third, Hudson intentionally walked Ike Davis. It looked like the move would pay off, as Hudson then struck out Jerry Hairston for the second out. But Lucas Duda battled Hudson, running the count full and fouling off 4 pitches before drilling a two-out, three-run homer to right.

The home run would be all that the Mets would need, as the Mets bullpen threw 2 perfect innings to save Niese's win. Atlanta will play the Mets again tomorrow at 7:05.

Add to del.icio.us

Digg this

Post to Furl

Add to reddit

Add to myYahoo!