N.Y. Mets Pitchers Toss Combined No-Hitter in Shutout Victory Over Rival Phillies

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

COMBINED NO-HITTER

Edwin Diaz Finishes What Tylor Megill Started; Mets Pitching, Fielding, and Timely Hitting Rule the Day

Remember Tylor Megill's last-minute season-opening start at Washington?  That was a dandy.  He has been nothing short of stellar ever since.  Friday's game marks the third time in five starts he has yielded three hits or less in at least five innings pitched.  Tylor has now limited the opposition to 18 hits and six walks over his first 28 innings pitched for a 0.857 WHiP, with 27 strikeouts and a fine 1.93 ERA.

The game remained scoreless through the fourth inning.  Afterwhich, the Mets finally provided Megill with some support.  Jeff McNeil drove home two runs in the fifth, and Pete Alonso hit a solo home run in the sixth for a 3-0 Mets lead and the final margin of victory.  

After Drew Smith struck out J.T. Realmuto to start the seventh.  Enter Joely Rodriguez, who promptly walked Kyle Schwarber, who was himself erased when the Mets infield came to Joely's rescue and converted a 6-4-3 double-play.

Otherwise, Drew Smith, Joely Rodriguez, and Seth Lugo kept Philadelphia hitless through the eighth.

Edwin Diaz took his turn in the ninth and struck out the side, all swinging, preserving the shutout and the combined no-hitter - only the second no-hitter in Mets history, both at Citi Field.

That's how you finish!

And what better opponent than the Mets' closest division rival - the Philadelphia Phillies ...

Before the Bums 4/30/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Win Second Straight Against Beaneaters at Washington Park

From the desk: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

 

In baseball's sixth ever World Series clash of 1889, the National League New York Giants defeated the American Association champion Brooklyn Bridegrooms six games to three, and an inter-city rivalry was born.  While this marked New York's second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Boston Globe, Thursday, May 1, 1890

GAME #7

Wednesday, April 30, 1890

Boston Beaneaters vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Bridegrooms Outlast Beaneaters; Darby O'Brien Wields Game Winning Hit

Brooklyn's Bob Caruthers climbed the hill at Washington Park, opposed by Boston's John Taber, who was making his first-ever big league start.  The Bridegrooms opened the scoring in the second when Germany Smith delivered home Pop Corkhill, and Caruthers scored on a sacrifice.  Boston shortstop Herman Long tied the game with a two-run hit in the third.  Brooklyn reclaimed the lead in their next at-bat.  Third baseman George Pinkney scored when on a close play at home, Beaneaters catcher Charlie Ganzel failed to cleanly receive the throw and then himself threw errantly to second base, allowing Bob Caruthers to also score.  In the sixth, the Beaneaters scored a single run, then rallied for three runs on four hits to seize a 6-4 lead in the seventh.  But it would not last.  The Bridegrooms loaded the bases in the eighth on a bunt single and two walks.  Afterwhich Darby O'Brien's fly ball to left field was ponderously dropped by Marty Sullivan, allowing Pop Corkhill and Caruthers to score on the misplay and tying the game at six.  Second baseman Hub Collins followed with a hit, scoring O'Brien for a 7-6 Bridegroom lead.  But that didn't last either.  The Beaneaters tied the game at seven in the ninth inning, and into extra innings, they went at Washington Park.  Bob Caruthers set the Beaneaters down quietly in the top of the tenth.  Germany Smith led off the Brooklyn half with a hit through the left side.  After Caruthers advanced the runner with a sacrifice, pitcher to first, Darby O'Brien singled to left, scoring Smith from second with the winning run.

• FINAL: BOS 7; BKN 8 (10 innings)
• RECORD: 4-3 (.571); 2nd place, 0.5 GB of Chicago Colts

Brooklyn Cyclones Even Series With Bowling Green

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Bowling Green vs. Brooklyn; 2-2

I - BK 5; BG 4

II - BG 4; BK 1

III - BG 7; BK 6

IV - BK 3; BG 1

Cyclones Even Series With Hot Rods; Cam Opp Picks Up Three Inning Save

Bowling Green designated hitter Osleivis Basabe led off the game with a double to left field and scored on Diego Infante's base hit through the left side with one out.

But Brooklyn was quick to respond.  With one out and the bases loaded in the home half of the first, Jose Mena's double to left field gave Brooklyn a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish.  They picked up an insurance run when Tanner Murphy doubled leading off the fifth, advanced to third, and scored on a wild pitch.

Starter Oscar Rojas and two relievers posted goose eggs over the game's final eight innings.  Rojas earned the win after allowing the lone run on five hits and one walk with six strikeouts over 5.2 innings pitched.  Right-hander Reyson Santos recorded an out to close out the sixth inning, and southpaw Cam Opp picked up the rare three-inning save.  The three together allowed seven hits and four walks with eight strikeouts.

Cyclones hitters drew six walks this game and batted 8 for 31 (.258) with six extra-base hits but were 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position and continued striking out (eleven) in double-digits.

Coney Island gets back over the .500 mark with a 10-9 record and evens the series with Bowling Green.

Before the Bums 4/29/1890: Mickey Hughes Pitches Brooklyn Bridegrooms to Victory Over Beaneaters

From the desk: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

 

In baseball's sixth ever World Series clash of 1889, the National League New York Giants defeated the American Association champion Brooklyn Bridegrooms six games to three, and an inter-city rivalry was born.  While this marked New York's second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

 

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Wednesday, April 30, 1890

The San Francisco Call, Wednesday, April 30, 1890

GAME #6

Tuesday, April 29, 1890

Boston Beaneaters vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Bridegrooms Welcome Boston National Leaguers to Washington Park; Hughes Evens Score Against Kid Nichols

On a warm and cloudy day, the Bridegrooms welcomed Boston to Washington Park, where young Beaneaters pitcher Kid Nichols would oppose Bridegroom starter Mickey Hughes in a rematch of last week's contest at South End Grounds.  Only this time, it is Hughes who emerges the victor.  The visitors opened the scoring in the first inning.  In the Brooklyn half of the second, base hits off the bats of first baseman Dave Foutz, third sacker George Pinkney, and catcher Tom Daly results in a pair of runs.  A misplay in center field lands Darby O'Brien on third base in the Bridegroom third.  Then with one out and runners on second and third, Kid Nichols unleashed a wild pitch allowing two more runs for Brooklyn.  Shortstop Germany Smith singled and scored in the fourth, giving the Bridegrooms a 5-1 lead.  Boston recovered a run in the sixth but would score no more.  In a reversal of outcome supported by the superb defense of center fielder Pop Corkhill who registered seven putouts, Mickey Hughes limits Boston to a pair of runs on seven scattered hits and just two walks for the victory.

• FINAL: BOS 2; BKN 5
• RECORD: 3-3 (.500); 5th place, 1 GB of Philadelphia Phillies

On Washington Park: "The grounds are beautifully situated and the accommodations for visiting players are very good.  The press headquarters are located under the grandstand.   Chairs of ample proportion are furnished the scribes, and everything for the comfort of the newspaper men is done by Manager Byrne.  Henry Chadwick is the greatest rooter the Brooklyns possess." The Boston Globe, Wednesday, April 30, 1890

Brooklyn Cyclones Fall to Par After Consecutive Losses Against Bowling Green

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Bowling Green leads Brooklyn; 2-1

I - BK 5; BG 4

II - BG 4; BK 1

III - BG 7; BK 6

Bullpen Provides Little Relief; Late Inning Comeback Falls Short

The Cyclones had scored just one run over their last 16 innings against the Hot Rods before the seventh inning of Thursday night's game when they finally rallied for a pair.  They were already trailing by seven by that point.  But then Wilmer Reyes hit a bases-clearing double in the ninth inning, bringing the Cyclones within a run of Bowling Green.  Unfortunately, the late-inning thrill ended there; game over.  Brooklyn now trails the Hot Rods in the series two games to one.  Wilmer Reyes finished 3 for 5 with two doubles and five runs batted in.  Center fielder Matt Rudick was 2 for 3 with a walk, double, two runs scored, and a run batted in.  With seven strikeouts, the Cyclones four, five, and six hitters batted 0 for 16.  Right-hander Jose Chacin yielded two earned runs on five hits and no walks with six strikeouts over five innings pitched in a losing effort.  But in truth, it's the bullpen that failed to keep the Hot Rods in place.  Three relievers joined together in issuing six walks and allowing five earned runs over the final four innings.

Before the Bums 4/28/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Defeat Philadelphia in Washington Park Opener

From the desk: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

 

In baseball's sixth ever World Series clash of 1889, the National League New York Giants defeated the American Association champion Brooklyn Bridegrooms six games to three, and an inter-city rivalry was born.  While this marked New York's second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Tuesday, April 29, 1890

GAME #5

Monday, April 28, 1890

Philadelphia Phillies vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Bridegrooms Rout Phillies in Washington Park Opener

After three consecutive postponements, the Bridegrooms were finally able to host Harry Wright's  Philadelphia Phillies and play for the first time this season before their home crowd at finely decorated Washington Park.  With renowned veteran Lip Pike filling in as base umpire, the Bridegrooms offered the visiting pitcher Tom Vickery no quarter, compiling ten runs on eleven hits.  First baseman Dave Foutz's base hit to right field delivered home Brooklyn's first two runs in the first inning.  Right fielder 

Oyster Burns doubled home two more runs in the second.  Burns and Foutz again drove in runs during the fourth inning.  Bridegroom starter Bob Caruthers then aided his own cause with a hit in the fifth, delivering home Germany Smith, and Hub Collins knocked in another, giving Brooklyn an 8-0 lead.  Not yet done, third baseman George Pinkney tripled home two more runs in the ninth, giving the Bridegrooms a 10-0 margin of victory.  Bob Caruthers hurled a gem, allowing no runs on just four scattered hits and two walks with three strikeouts for the win.

• FINAL: PHI 0; BKN 10
• RECORD: 2-3 (.400); 6th place, 2 GB Boston Beaneaters

The Metsian Podcast: First in the N.L. East and Hit by Pitches

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

@THE_SamMaxwell   @MetFanRich   @BTB_MikeII

You can't win them all, but the Mets are surely winning a lot, and they keep getting hit by pitches!  Despite losing Wednesday's finale at St. Louis, they've won their first six series to start the season and return home with a 14-6 record, good enough for first place in the National League East.  In that order, pitching, fielding, and timely hitting have led the way, with Buck Showalter spearheading the charge towards the most wins in the majors to date.  Please join Sam, Rich, and me as we deliberate over one of the finest starts to a season in franchise history.

sixty-nine minutes

#LGM

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Series Opener From Bowling Green Hot Rods

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Bowling Green; 1-0

I - BK 5; BG 4

Cyclones Stage a Thriller at Coney Island 

Down by a run entering the ninth, Brooklyn rallies for the tying and winning runs to seize their series-opening game against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

The Hots Rods took a prompt 1-0 lead in the first, and the score remained unchanged until the fourth inning.  First baseman JT Schwartz led off the frame with a double and scored on right fielder Brandon McIlwain's triple to left.

However, Bowling Green retook the lead on second baseman Ronny Simon's two-run home run in their next at-bat.

The teams then traded single runs in the sixth.  With two outs and the bases jammed, shortstop Wilmer Reyes singled home JT Schwartz, but Brandon McIlwain was thrown out at home to end the threat.

Brooklyn closed to within one when Rowdey Jordan singled and scored in the seventh on a fielder's choice. 

Then, into the home ninth, they go ...

Leading off, Rowdey Jordan is hit by a pitch; catcher Matt O'Neill reaches on an E6; and JT Schwartz draws a walk to load the bases.  Brandon McIlwain bounces into a fielder's choice; Bowling Green throws out the lead runner at home.  With one out and the bases still loaded, designated hitter Jose Mena singled to left field, scoring O'Neill and Schwartz for the win.

Starter David Griffin escapes with a no-decision, allowing three runs on five hits and no walks with six strikeouts in five innings pitched.  Right-hander Josh Hejka pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention they struck out 15 times.

Let's Go Cyclones!

Brooklyn Cyclones Wind Farm Powers Hudson Valley to Series Victory

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley defeats Brooklyn; 4-2

I - HVR 5; BKN 3

II - BKN 4; HVR 3

III - HVR 5; BKN 1

IV - BKN 6; HVR 4

V - HVR 2; BKN 0

VI - HVR 3; BKN 0

Look What the Renegades Did to the Cyclones, Again!

A strong breeze comes in off the beach at Coney Island in April, but the wind from all the Cyclones' swings and misses up at Wappingers Falls is blowing me away.

For the third time in the last four games, the Cyclones were limited to under three hits and struck another twelve times on Sunday.  All six Renegade pitchers in the series finale struck out at least one batter.

vs. Hudson Valley pitching:

1. 3 runs, 6 hits (33 at-bats), 4 walks, 17 strikeouts
2. 4 runs, 5 hits (32 at-bats), 6 walks, 18 strikeouts
3. 1 run, 2 hits (26 at-bats), 3 walks, 14 strikeouts
4. 6 runs, 9 hits (34 at-bats), 8 walks, 7 strikeouts
5. 0 runs, 1 hit (27 at-bats), 3 walks, 15 strikeouts
6. 0 runs, 2 hits (29 at-bats), 2 walks, 12 strikeouts

You do the math ...

Brooklyn Nets Face Elimination and Uncertainty

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

GAME FOUR
Boston Celtics

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Flatbush Avenue

Nets Continue Battling Themselves

We've seen this before ... this is nothing new; there's no need for an overly technical breakdown of the situation.  

All can be boiled down to ball possession: it's been a season-long issue that stems back to last year.

In game three, the Nets and Celtics achieved the same points from behind the arc and free throw line.  Both even shot 50% from the field.  Rebounds and assists were also reasonably balanced.  But Boston had seven more possessions than Brooklyn and squeezed out a six-point margin of victory.  

In most games, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving outscore this discrepancy.  Sure, the Nets had six players score in double-digits.  But when KD and Kyrie are not on their game, this happens.  Durant was limited to just 11 FG attempts, and Kyrie was 0/7 from behind the arc; both scored just 16 points.  Instead, Bruce Brown led the Nets with 26 points and eight rebounds, while Patty Mills' and Nic Claxton's efforts off the bench went for naught.

Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum led the floor with 29 FG attempts and 39 points, and Jaylen Brown followed with 23 points.

Flatbush is now down three games to none for so many reasons and more than several people to blame. 

Game four is Monday night at the Flatbush Avenue gym.

Go down fighting, will ya ...

Before the Bums 4/24/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Home Opener Postponed by Rain

From the desk: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

In baseball's sixth ever World Series clash of 1889, the National League New York Giants defeated the American Association champion Brooklyn Bridegrooms six games to three, and an intra-city rivalry was born.  While this marked New York's second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Times (Streator, Illinois), April 25, 1890

GAME CALLED: RAIN

Thursday, April 24, 1890

Friday, April 25, 1890

Philadelphia Phillies vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Washington Park, Brooklyn

ICYMI:

SEASON OPENING SERIES

Boston Beaneaters @ South End Grounds

• Game One: Tuesday, April 19, 1890,  Brooklyn's first game in National League.
• Game Two: Thursday, April 21, 1890, Brooklyn's first win in National League.
• Game Three: Friday, April 22, 1890,  Brooklyn was defeated by (HOF) John Clarkson.
• Game Four: Saturday, April 23, 1890,  Brooklyn was defeated by (HOF) Kid Nichols with Henry Chadwick in attendance.

Brooklyn Cyclones Get One-Hit in Shutout Loss at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-2

I - HVR 5; BKN 3

II - BKN 4; HVR 3

III - HVR 5; BKN 1

IV - BKN 6; HVR 4

V - HVR 2; BKN 0

This is Like Being Perplexed by a Bugs Bunny Slow Ball, and It's Not Funny ...

One, two, three strikes, you're out!

There's no doubt Hudson Valley knows how to bring out the worst in Brooklyn hitters.  They've done it time and again.  This is just a continuation of last season.  Thus I remain unchanged in my opinion: the Cyclones' indefatigable ability to swing and miss so frequently is learned, instructional, wholly organizational, and for me personally, mind-numbingly confounding.

In Tuesday's series opener, the Cyclones struck out 17 times.  They somehow managed to win Wednesday's game despite striking out 18 times.  Then on Thursday, the Renegades limited Coney Island to one run on just two hits(!) and three walks with another 14 strikeouts.  Brooklyn participated in a more normal contest on Friday, then came Saturday night's ponderous outcome at Wappingers Falls.

Thank you, Rowdey Jordan, for leading off the game with a clean base hit to right field.  Because that would turn out to be Brooklyn's only hit of the game.  Three other batters managed a base on balls, and one reached on a catcher's error.  Otherwise, nary a hit from anyone not named Rowdey, as three Hudson Valley Renegade pitchers join together for nine innings of ONE-HIT shutout ball with 15 strikeouts.

• BOX

N.J. Generals Hold Off Michigan Panthers for First USFL Victory

From the desk: FIVE STAR PIGSKIN

"New Jersey Generals"

Earn First Victory Since 1985 Season

WEEK TWO

Michigan Panthers       6

New Jersey Generals 10

FINAL

Generals Defense Secures the Win

Panther quarterback Shea Patterson and the Michigan offense did everything within their power to lose, and it worked.  Had the Panthers converted an extra point and a field goal, perhaps this game goes into overtime ... or not.  

The Generals missed a field goal attempt as well and should have come away with several interceptions ... but they didn't.  

Said another way, this was not an impressive game by any measure by either team.

But the Generals defensive front created just enough pressure at just the right times and flushed Patterson out of the pocket one last time to end the game and preserve a 10-6 victory, New Jersey's first of the season.  Defensive linemen Kolin Hill had one sack, and Tyshun Render and Deyon Sizer joined together for another.   

Offensively, Luis Perez was 13/19 for just 97 yards with an interception.  The Generals' first play from scrimmage was the same play they attempted to open week one and again failed miserably.  However, I give credit for the aggressiveness.  Regardless, Luis Perez continually threw into heavy traffic and overthrew an easy would-be touchdown to his tight end, after which the Generals settled for three.

Darius Victor put forth an effective effort featuring intense north/south action, rushing eleven times for 40 yards and the game's only touchdown.  The Generals rushed for 113 yards overall.

In week two, Coach Riley's dual quarterback attack was less of an item.  De'Andre Johnson was 5/6 for 48 yards from the pocket and rushed ten times for 27 yards.

Otherwise, Jersey was somewhat lucky to commit two turnovers and still win.

• Week One: vs. Stallions
• USFL

Brooklyn Cyclones Get "Rowdey" at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Hudson Valley; 2-2

I - HVR 5; BKN 3

II - BKN 4; HVR 3

III - HVR 5; BKN 1

IV - BKN 6; HVR 4

Coney Island Evens Series With Fishkill Nine

After back-to-back games of ridiculously high double-digit strikeouts, then getting two-hit on Thursday, the Cyclones account for themselves quite well to even the series at two on Friday at Dutchess Stadium.

Designated hitter Rowdey Jordan was the big man on campus, going 3 for 4, with two doubles, two runs scored, and three runs batted in.  Catcher Matt O'Neill reached base on a triple and two walks and scored three times.  First baseman JT Schwartz and third sacker Nic Gaddis drove in one run.

Starter Jose Chacin escaped with a no-decision after allowing two unearned runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 3.2 innings pitched.  Right-hander Oscar Rojas was the bullpen hero, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk with eight strikeouts over the game's final five innings for the win.

  

Before the Bums 4/23/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Drop Series to Beaneaters at South End Grounds

From the desk: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

In baseball's sixth ever World Series clash of 1889, the National League New York Giants defeated the American Association champion Brooklyn Bridegrooms six games to three, and an intra-city rivalry was born.  While this marked New York's second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Boston Globe, Thursday, April 24, 1890

GAME #4

Wednesday, April 23, 1890

Brooklyn Bridegrooms vs. BOSTON BEANEATERS

South End Grounds

Brooklyn jumped in front with a quick start.  Left-fielder Darby O'Brien drew a base on balls leading off the game, and second baseman Hub Collins followed with a double to right field.  With Oyster Burns at the plate, O'Brien scored on a wild pitch.  Burns would then single through the left side, scoring Collins and giving the Bridegrooms a 2-0 lead.  Boston cut the Bridegrooms' lead to one in the third inning.  Afterwhich, the score would remain unchanged through the fifth.  The Beaneaters caught up to Brooklyn starter Mickey Hughes posting four runs in the sixth, highlighted by shortstop Herman Long's triple to left.  After the first inning, Boston starter Kid Nichols pitched eight scoreless innings to close out the game, and give the Beaneaters a season-opening series victory, three games to one.  Mr. Henry Chadwick, the father of base ball, made the trip from Brooklyn and called the Boston National League nine one of the cleverest hitting, fielding, and base running teams he had ever seen play ball.

• FINAL: BKN 2; BOS 5
• RECORD: 1-3 (.250); 1 GB of Philadelphia Phillies

Brooklyn Nets: Nothing Short of a Team Effort Will Do

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

GAME THREE

Boston Celtics

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

FLATBUSH AVENUE

Extract the Positives from Games One and Two and Mold Them Together Into a Victory in Game Three

The Nets could not answer when Boston's defense stepped it up in the fourth quarter.

Or, they failed to finish; meltdown; pick your poison.  

This much is true: Boston fought back and won in each game.

Flatbush took a ten-point lead into the half and, entering the fourth quarter, was still ahead by five.  But they scored just four points in the opening five minutes of the final session.  Kyrie Irving scored just two points in the fourth quarter, and Kevin Durant scored six points, all from the line.  

Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown poured in ten fourth-quarter points in three minutes, starting at the nine-minute mark.  Brooklyn got outscored by 17 points in the second half.  In the fourth quarter, they were outscored by twelve.  

Boston made Durant earn his 27 points the hard way.  Kevin was just 4/17 from the field and 18/20 from the line.  

The Nets got the requisite contributions from Seth Curry and Bruce Brown, and Goran Dragic posted a second consecutive solid effort, but it all went for naught as Kyrie Irving was 4/13 from the field and 2/2 from the line for a mere ten points.

The Celtics scored 115 points in game one and 114 points in game two, whereas the Nets' scoring outside of Dragic has been erratic.

They return to Flatbush Avenue on Saturday down two games in the series.  More importantly, it's time they finally come together as one at Barclays Center.  The Nets need the Nic Claxton of game one and the Bruce Brown and Seth Curry of game two working with Goran Dragic, who has performed with required consistency.

Defend this house!

Does Steve Nash try and negotiate that, or does he let them figure it out on their own?

What a terrible question to be asking this time of year.

Staten Island Ferry Hawks Make Atlantic League Debut at Charleston, West Virginia

From the desk: RICHMOND COUNTY NINE

STATEN ISLAND FERRY HAWKS 

MAKE ATLANTIC LEAGUE DEBUT

Staten Island Ferry Hawks  vs.  Charleston Dirty Birds  

The first-ever professional baseball game played by the Staten Island Ferry Hawks (...to borrow a phrase) is in the books.  

The Richmond County nine opened the season at Charleston, West Virginia, against the Dirty Birds and will make their home debut on Tuesday, May 3, against the Lexington Legends.

Recently acquired Julio Teheran opened the season for Staten Island but walked off to a no-decision.  He faced 17 batters, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts through four innings pitched.

After falling behind 2-0 in the fourth inning, the Ferry Hawks mounted their first-ever rally.  First baseman Kacy Clemens led off the top of the fifth with a home run to right field, and with two outs and a runner on first, New York City native and former Mets prospect, Ricardo Cespedes homered to give Staten Island a 3-2 lead.

But it would not last.  Charleston scored single runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings that went unanswered by the Ferry Hawks.

Before the Bums 4/22/1890: Beaneaters Thrash Brooklyn Bridegrooms at South End Grounds

From the desk: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

In baseball's sixth ever World Series clash of 1889, the National League New York Giants defeated the American Association champion Brooklyn Bridegrooms six games to three, and an intra-city rivalry was born.  While this marked New York's second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Boston Globe, Wednesday, April 23, 1890

GAME #3

Tuesday, April 22, 1890

Brooklyn Bridegrooms vs. BOSTON BEANEATERS

South End Grounds

Docile Bridegrooms Go Down Quietly Against Boston Great John Clarkson

Lighter in the pocket after Monday's lack of decorum, the Bridegrooms were muted and humbled this afternoon at South End Grounds.  Facing Brooklyn veteran Adonis Terry, the Beaneaters scored early, often, and late on their way to an 11-1 thrashing of the visitors.  Meanwhile, Boston right-hander John Clarkson remained masterful in picking up his second win against Brooklyn in as many starts.  Shortstop Germany Smith accounted for two of Brooklyn's five scattered hits; however, he also committed four errors in the field.  Catcher Bob Clark was the lone Bridegroom to cross home plate, due only to an errant throw to third base by second baseman Pop Smith allowing him to score and spoil the shutout.  Boston right-fielder Steve Brodie, in the ninth inning, tried extending his triple to left field into a home run but was thrown out by Darby O'Brien to Bob Clark - indeed Brooklyn's highlight of the day.

• FINAL: BKN 1; BOS 11
• RECORD: 1-2 (.333); 1 GB of Chicago Colts

Brooklyn Cyclones Even Series at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Hudson Valley; 1-1

I - HVR 5; BKN 3

II - BKN 4; HVR 3

Feel the Breeze..!

Here we go again ...

Baseball's indifference to striking out is ponderous to me.

In Tuesday's series opener, the Cyclones struck out 17 times in 33 at-bats.  On Wednesday, they struck out 18 times in 32 at-bats.  That's 35 strikeouts in their last 65 at-bats.  

Through their first eleven games, the Cyclones as a team are striking out at a rate of 35% (108/308), which I find crazy.

Clinging to a 3-2 lead entering the ninth inning, Brooklyn pushed across what would prove to be the game's decisive run.  Left fielder Matt Rudick drew a leadoff walk and scored on JT Schwartz's single to center.  Hudson Valley rallied for a run in the home ninth, but Cyclones right-hander Reyson Santos held on through his second inning of work for the save.

JT Schwartz finished 2 for 3 with two walks and two runs batted in.  Starter David Griffin walked off to a no-decision, allowing one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts through 4.0 innings pitched.  Right-hander Justin Courtney earned the victory in relief.

Before the Bums 4/21/1890: Uproarious Brooklyn Bridegrooms Win First-Ever National League Contest

From the desk: FINGERPRINTS OF DEM BUMS

In baseball's sixth ever World Series clash of 1889, the National League New York Giants defeated the American Association champion Brooklyn Bridegrooms six games to three, and an intra-city rivalry was born.  While this marked New York's second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Boston Globe, Tuesday, April 22, 1890

GAME #2

Monday, April 21, 1890

Brooklyn Bridegrooms vs. BOSTON BEANEATERS

South End Grounds

Unruly Bridegrooms Win First-Ever National League Contest; Four Brooklyn Players Fined

Perhaps still seething over their season-opening loss, an ill-tempered Bridegrooms team took exception to Umpire Weeden's strike zone in a rather vulgar and aggressive manner.  With team president Charles Byrne in attendance, an array of insults commenced shortly after the call to play ball, and by the third inning, it appeared as if half the Bridegroom team had Weeden surrounded in protest.

Go back to the American Association screamed the local crowd.

Brooklyn staked starter Mickey Hughes to a 6-1 lead through the fourth.  Hughes remained pinpoint through the seventh, walking just one batter.  However, he too grew incensed with Umpire Weeden's calls by the eighth and ninth innings and launched his own verbal assault.  In the ninth inning, left fielder and team captain Darby O'Brien elevated matters to another level by physically grabbing Umpire Weeden by the arm.  All of which would prove very costly to several Bridegrooms.  O'Brien would later be fined $25, Hughs and second baseman Hub Collins $10, and catcher Bob Clark $5 for his unyielding antagonism from behind the plate.

Although nursing a five-run lead, the Bridegrooms pushed across the game's decisive run in the visitor's ninth.  Darby O'Brien drew a base on balls and scored on right fielder Oyster Burns' double.  In the home ninth, the Beaneaters rallied for five runs against a frustrated Mickey Hughes but would score no more.  Thus the Brooklyn Bridegrooms win their first-ever National League contest in front of 1,442 disgruntled fans at South End Grounds.

• FINAL: BKN 7; BOS 6
• RECORD: 1-1 (.500); 1 GB of Pittsburgh

Brooklyn Cyclones: Old Rival Takes Series Opener at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 1-0

I - HVR 5; BKN 3

One, Two, Three Strikes; You're Out!

The visiting Cyclones promptly take a 1-0 lead to open the game.  But the Renegades rally for two runs while facing Brooklyn right-hander Daison Acosta in the home half of the first.  

Coney Island answered right back in the second.  With one out, catcher Matt O'Neill reaches on an E5 and advances to third on Joe Suozzi's double down the left field line.  O'Neill scored when left fielder 

Rowdy Jordan bounced into a fielder's choice.  Afterwhich, shortstop Wilmer Reyes singled home Suozzi for a 3-2 Cyclones lead.

But that's when the fun ends for Coney Island.  

Hudson Valley knots the game at three against Daison Acosta in the third.  In fact, both starting pitchers exit with no decisions.  

The Renegades score the go-ahead against losing right-hander Nolan Clenney in the sixth and secure an insurance run in the eighth inning against Colby Morris, who pitched the final two innings for Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, three Hudson Valley relievers join together in limiting Brooklyn to no runs on just three hits and one walk with twelve strikeouts over the final six frames.  Overall, the Cyclones fanned 17 times in 33 at-bats, a rate of 51.5 %, during Tuesday's series opener at Dutchess Stadium.

• BOXSCORE