ATLANTA — Life’s a hitch for Ike Davis.
As the former Mets first baseman attempts to find his stroke at Triple-A Las Vegas, the focus has become removing the significant hitch in his swing, manager Terry Collins said yesterday.
“It’s going to be hard,” Collins said before the Mets beat the Braves 4-3 at Turner Field. “That’s a major part of his swing that’s got to change.”
If the numbers are any indication, Davis is starting to get back on track. He blasted two solo home runs and went 3-for-5 in Las Vegas’ 7-5 win over Tuscon last night. He is hitting .306 with six RBIs in 36 at-bats for the 51s.
Collins said Davis didn’t attempt to eliminate the hitch while still playing for the Mets because he first wanted to see if less severe measures, such as changing his stance and hands placement, would work.
Collins also said he was pleased to hear Davis drew three walks on Wednesday.
“They were very happy with the way he saw the ball,” Collins said, referring to Las Vegas manager Wally Backman and hitting coach George Greer. “He laid off some balls in the dirt, so they say he’s made real good strides.
“They are trying to calm the hitch down, not have it so big. They thought he’s made big strides because he’s really seeing the ball better.He’s really cut down his strike zone, he’s trying to shrink it a little bit to get better pitches to hit.”
* Though Lucas Duda (0-for-3) has appeared awkward at first base since taking over the position on Monday, Collins said it’s no reason for alarm.
“I like a lot about Lucas Duda, I always did at first base,” Collins said. “His hands are plenty good enough to play first.”
At issue on Wednesday was Duda chasing two grounders into the hole that left him too far away from the bag after Daniel Murphy (0-for-4) fielded them. Shaun Marcum covered the base on both occasions.
“I like the fact [Duda] went after them and just didn’t give up on them,” Collins said. “That’s a great trait to have. You’ve just got to know where the second baseman’s placement is so you don’t get yourself out of positiontoo much.”
“It’s been two years since he’s been over there on a regular basis so you’ve just got to get him back in that comfort zone again.”
* David Wright’s two home runs gave him 11 for the season. It marked the 10th straight year to begin his career Wright reached double digits in homers. Wright has 18 career homers at Turner Field — his highest output at any road ballpark.