KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Lucas Duda homered and Jeremy Hefner struck out the last six batters he faced in a five-inning stint to help the New York Mets beat the Atlanta Braves 5-2 on Friday.
Hefner, bidding for a spot in the Mets' rotation, gave up home runs to Juan Francisco and Freddie Freeman before finishing strong. Hefner allowed five hits, struck out seven and walked one.
B.J. Upton had a double and single in three at-bats for the Braves, raising his spring average to .444 (20 for 44). He is 10 for 14 in his past five games.
Braves starter Tim Hudson gave up five hits and two runs over six innings after allowing nine hits and six runs in his previous start.
Zach Lutz had two hits for the Mets, and Aaron Laffey pitched 2 1-3 hitless innings to close the game.
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