CHICAGO -- Lucas Duda is back.
Duda slugged a three-run homer in the first inning and a two-run double an inning later as the New York Mets took a commanding early lead en route to an 8-3 series-clinching win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Duda had been 3-for-24 with 13 strikeouts this postseason before Wednesday's outburst.
"It's been a long time since I contributed anything offensively," Duda said."So it's definitely nice."
Manager Terry Collins had resolutely stuck with Duda throughout his postseason struggles, with the exception of starting Michael Cuddyer at first base in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series over Duda.
"Once in a while you gotta show players you've got confidence in them," Collins said. "And I thought I did that with Lucas, knowing that if he breaks out, he can carry us. And tonight he broke out."
The Mets had faced of gantlet of aces at least early in the postseason, seeing Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke twice apiece in the division series, then Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta in the opening two games of the NLCS. That might explain some of Duda's struggles. Collins said Duda also was seemingly trying to hit homers.
"It's the postseason and you expect to get great pitching," Duda said. "It didn't seem to affect Daniel Murphy too much. It's nice to contribute."
