BKN Cyclones ~ The Late Season Push Is On

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS



BROOKLYN CYCLONES:  A Pitcher's Duel in Ohio Gets Them Closer to Wild Card Spot.


The Good News; - The Brooklyn Cyclones are now tied with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers after winning Saturday night by a 2-1 final.

The Bad News; - Brooklyn didn't get any help from the Aberdeen Iron Birds, who couldn't keep Williamsport out of the win column.  With the Crosscutter's win Saturday night, they now sit in first place for the Wild Card by slim half-game margin over both the Cyclones and Mahoning Valley. 


The Staten Island Yankees won their game against Auburn and remain 4.5 games ahead of Brooklyn in the McNamara Division.



In Saturday's game, Daniel Muno and Richard Lucas got Brooklyn another step closer to the top of the standings; supplying the Cyclones with just enough offense to get by in a tight pitcher's duel out in Ohio.  On the hill, Cyclones' pitching made sweet music against the Scrappers.  Randy Fontanez made the start but pitched four innings only.  But in those four innings, surrendered the only two hits Mahoning Valley would get all night.  He gave up the lone Scrapper run in the fourth inning.  Otherwise, he walked three and struck out one.


Then the game was put in the hands of Brooklyn's bullpen.  Steve Winnick was first in relief.  He pitched two innings and earned Saturday's win; his second win of the season.  He struck out two batters to highlight his no-hit outing and allowed no bases on balls. 


Todd Weldon was terrific as the third Cyclone pitcher of the night.  He carried Brooklyn for the last three innings and got the save; his fourth of the season.  Mahoning Valley managed no runs; no hits; no walks; and struck out five times against Weldon.


So, in today's games of Wild Card significance, the Cyclones and Scrappers will finish their three game series which will unlock their tie in the standings.  Williamsport will finish up with Aberdeen, and hopefully the Cyclones can get some help this time. 


Of McNamara Division significance, the Staten Island Yankees play Auburn.  The Yankees remained 4.5 games ahead of the second place Cyclones, as they shut-out Auburn Saturday night on a combined four hitter.



Mike.BTB