Jonathon Niese, Mets Beat Braves

Jonathon Niese made his final start of the 2012 season Friday night, and he made sure it was one he can remember all winter, throwing a gem against the Braves.

The Braves reached Niese in the fourth when Freddie Freeman homered to right to make it a 1-0 game.

Tim Hudson was just as good as Niese, until the seventh inning, that is. Daniel Murphy led off with a double. David Wright hit a sinking liner to right — Andrew Heyward made a great diving catch for the first out. Murphy tagged up and advanced to third. Ike Davis was intentionally walked and Scott Hairston struck out. Lucas Duda then came through with a three-run shot to right to give the Mets a 3-1 lead. Duda has 15 home runs on the season.

Niese went seven innings, allowing one run on four hits. He finishes the season with record of 13-9 and a 3.40 ERA, career bests. Perhaps more importantly, he finished the season healthy and pitching strongly for the first time in his career. He made great strides this season; hopefully he can continue in 2013.

Bobby Parnell came on to nail down the save, his second save in two games.

Mets win 3-1, their sixth win in the past seven games.