Lucas Duda’s 2 HR’s Power Mets Past Braves

Lucas Duda hit two solo home runs, and David Wright added one of his own as the New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 4-2 on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.

R.A. Dickey (1-0) allowed two earned runs on five hits and four walks in his six innings of work and New York has taken the first two games of the season opening series.

Wright was 3 for 5 including a first inning bomb over the 'old' Citi Field wall in right center putting the Mets on top 1-0 before Duda's fourth inning drive over the 'new' wall in center made it 2-0.

Martin Prado tied it for Atlanta in the fifth with a two-run blast.

Josh Thole's two out RBI single gave the Mets the lead in the seventh, and Duda provided an insurance run with his second long ball of the day, a line drive pulled over the right field wall.

Frank Francisco allowed two hits in the ninth but struck out Matt Diaz to end the threat and earn his second save.

The Mets had 13 hits but just one with RISP, stranding 12 on base.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis made his major league debut, starting in center for the injured Andres Torres (15-day DL, calf) and picked up his first two big league hits.

Prior to the game, the Mets and Jonathon Niese finalized a 5-year $25.5 million dollar contract extension. He'll get the start against Atlanta's Mike Minor in the series finale on Sunday at 1:10.