VIDEO: Duda continues torrid home-run pace with 2 bombs vs. Nationals
Lucas Duda has officially found his home-run stroke from a year ago.
The New York Mets first baseman launched a pair of solo homers Saturday versus the Washington Nationals, capping an awesome power display over the last week from the former 30-homer man.
Lucas Duda's last eight hits have all been home runs, and have all come in his last seven games. #Mets
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 2, 2015
"I always thought he was going to have a good second half ... but he's taken it to heart," manager Terry Collins said postgame. "He's a tremendous worker and wants to be good. He's showing everybody what he can be."
Duda is the first player to have eight straight hits go for a homer since Marcus Thames accomplished the feat in 2008 as a member of the Detroit Tigers.
Here's a look at Duda's second homer in the seventh inning Saturday, which knotted the contest at 2-2.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Duda's streak quickly came to an end in the eighth inning with a go-ahead RBI double to put the Mets up 3-2, which stood as the final score. The win moved New York within a single game of Washington in the National League East.
Duda, who now has 20 homers on the campaign, erupted for three dingers Wednesday versus the San Diego Padres after belting a solo shot the previous night against the Friars. He also enjoyed a multi-homer effort last Saturday in a 15-2 rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers.