Mets Winning Streak Snapped; Lucas Duda Hot

The NL East champion Mets four-game winning streak was snapped Tuesday night in Philadelphia. But more importantly, Lucas Duda remains red hot.

Bartolo Colon allowed a three-run home run to Darin Ruf in the first inning, and that was pretty much the game. His record fell to 14-13 with an ERA of 4.18.

Duda provided all of the Mets offense. He hit a solo home run in the fourth. And then with two outs in the ninth, he launched a two-run shot to the opposite field to pull the Mets to within a run. But Travis d’Arnaud struck out to end the game.

Duda has now hit five home runs in his past three games for 27 on the season. Duda appears to be getting on one of his streaks at the right time. The Mets are really going to need his bat in the post-season; they can’t count on Yoenis Cespedes every time.

Another key point in the game — Jonathon Niese pitched in relief, preparing for his October role. He did fairly well considering it was his first attempt, although he did allow a run and three hits in 1.2 innings.

Mets lose 4-3. Their lead over the Dodgers for home field advantage in the first round stands at one and a half, pending the outcome of their game in San Francisco late Tuesday.