Brooklyn Cyclones Gain Share of First Place With Victory Over Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Wilmington vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 2; WIL 1

Bullpen Continues Closing Out Crucial Wins

While rain suspended play up in Hudson Valley, the Cyclones staged another thriller here on Coney Island.  They continued seizing the day with their seventh straight victory.

Facing starter Junior Santos, the visitors from Wilmington tallied an unearned run in the first inning.  Otherwise, Santos was on the mark, allowing no earned runs on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in 5.2 innings.  He exited on the winning side after facing 24 batters and throwing 95 pitches, with 63 (66.3%) going for strikes.  

In the fourth, Stanley Consuegra singled home JT Schwartz, and Jose Mena doubled home Consuegra giving Brooklyn a 2-1 lead.

The bullpen made it stand.  In relief of Santos, right-hander Nolan Clenney followed with 2.1 scoreless innings of no-hit ball with no walks and five strikeouts.  Enter Daison Acosta for the ninth.  After striking out the leadoff batter, Acosta yielded three consecutive singles to load the bases.  But Daison regrouped, caught the next batter looking at strike three, then ran the count to 2-2 before striking out the final Blue Rock batter of the game.  Junior Santos earned the win, and Acosta the save, his eighth.

Tuesday's game at Dutchess County Stadium was suspended in the fifth, with Jersey Shore leading the Renegades by a 7-4 margin.  As such, the Cyclones pull into a first-place tie with Hudson Valley with eleven games remaining on the schedule.  BOXSCORE

BEFORE the BUMS 8/30/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Complete Sweep of Cleveland Spiders

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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season. 

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Sunday, August 31, 1890

GAME #107

Saturday, August 30, 1890

Cleveland Spiders vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Tom Lovett Shuts Out Spiders

First baseman Dave Foutz hit a first-inning home run with George Pinkney on base, and starter Tom Lovett made it stand.  Brooklyn's burgeoning ace pitcher limited the Spiders to four hits, and two walks over nine scoreless innings for the shutout and his 24th win this season.  Recently signed after being released by the Reds, Cleveland starter Lee Viau held the Bridegrooms to six total hits and three walks and finished with seven scoreless innings in a hard-luck loss.  A crowd of 2,287 expressed appreciation for Lovett's effort while reveling in Brooklyn's three-game sweep of the Cleveland Spiders.  The Bridegrooms will next welcome the Pittsburgh Alleghenys to Washington Park.

• FINAL: CLE 0; BKN 2
• RECORD: 71-36 (.664); 1st place 3.0 GA of Boston Beaneaters

THE METSIAN PODCAST: Say Hey! and Bring on the Dodgers

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

@THE_SamMaxwell    @MetFanRich    BTB_MikeII

@THEMetsianPod

24

SAY HEY, AND BRING ON THE DODGERS!

Brooklyn Cyclones Complete Sweep at Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

II - BK 5; JS 4

III - BK 8; JS 5

IV - BK 7; JS 5

V - BK 8; JS 3

VI - BK 18; JS 1

Cyclones Wipe Out Jersey Shore

Brooklyn wrapped up their business at Jersey Shore with a rout of the BlueClaws.  Shortstop Shervyen Newton cleared the bases in the second with a three-run double.  The Cyclones added four in the third on Stanley Consuegra's two-run dinger and runs batted in by Matt O'Neill and Matt Rudick for a seven-run lead.  Third baseman William Lugo followed with a three-run home run in the fourth.  

Afterwhich, the tide went out on the rest of Jersey Shore's pitching.  The Cyclones scored seven times in the fifth inning on three hits, five walks, and a hit-by-pitch, then tacked one more run for good measure in the visitor's ninth.  Lugo was the big man on campus, going 4 for 6 with four runs batted in and four runs scored.  Newton was 3 for 4 with two walks, a double, four runs batted in, and two runs scored, and catcher Matt O'Neill had three runs batted in.

Starter Keyshawn Askew walked the bases loaded in the first inning and, with two outs, was removed from the game.  Into the fray entered Nathan Lavender, who secured out number three.  Lavender continued to hurl three scoreless innings of one-hit baseball with seven strikeouts.  The Blue Claws spoiled the shutout against Jeffrey Colon in the sixth.  Otherwise, Colon allowed three hits and no walks with nine strikeouts over the final five innings.  Lavender earned the win, and Colon the save.  Together, Brooklyn limited the BlueClaws to four hits, and three walks, with 17 strikeouts to complete the series sweep at ShoreTown Ballpark.  BOXSCORE

Up at Dutchess County Stadium, the Hickory Crawdads blew a 6-4 lead through the fifth.  Hudson Valley answered with two runs in the sixth and three in the seventh en route to a 9-7 win.  The 'Gades retain its half-game lead over the Cyclones with only two series and twelve games left in the season.  The Aberdeen Ironbirds lost at Wilmington to fall 2.5 games back of the Renegades.  If the Renegades or Cyclones win the second-half flag, they will meet the first-half champs from Aberdeen.

BEFORE the BUMS 8/29/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Notch Second Victory Against Cleveland Spiders

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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season. 

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Saturday, August 30, 1890

GAME #106

Friday, August 29, 1890

Cleveland Spiders vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Bridegroom Bats Overcome Sloppy Effort in Field

In a fielding effort seemingly bereft of competence, the Bridegrooms committed six errors, contributing to five of six Cleveland runs being unearned.  After taking a 5-2 lead after two, only to trail the Spiders 6-5 after the fourth, Byrne's sluggers righted the ship with a five-run outburst in the fifth.  Several stellar catches by center fielder Darby O'Brien saved the City of Churches from further ruin.  At the plate, the Bridegrooms tallied ten runs on ten hits initially against Cleveland starter Ed Beatin who was knocked out of the box after the first inning, then rookie Cy Young who likewise suffered poor support in the field.  Getting a break from catching duty and making a start at first base, Tom Daly led Brooklyn with two hits and three runs batted in.  Darby O'Brien knocked home two runs, and starting in right field, Dave Foutz drove in one.  Starter Adonis Terry helped with two hits at the plate and held the Spiders scoreless over the final five frames.  He allowed one earned run on six hits and four walks with four strikeouts for his 18th win this season.

• FINAL: CLE 6; BKN 10
• RECORD: 70-36 (.660); 1st place, 2.0 GA of Boston Beaneaters

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Fifth Straight Against Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

II - BK 5; JS 4

III - BK 8; JS 5

IV - BK 7; JS 5

V - BK 8; JS 3

Cyclones Win Fifth Straight at Jersey Shore, But the Renegades Cede No Ground

Coney Island keeps stemming the tide at Jersey Shore, but for a fourth time in five games the Renegades defeated the Crawdads, while the Ironbirds took care of the Blue Rocks, and so all remains as it was, again.  The Cyclones trail Hudson Valley by one half game, and Aberdeen trails Brooklyn by one full game.  Sound familiar..?

The season grows shorter as three teams vy for the second-half North Division flag.  Coney Island on Saturday won their fifth straight against Jersey Shore, but the Renegades continue to do the same against the Hickory Crawdads.  

After tossing goose eggs through the fourth, starter Dominic Hamel walked a batter with the bases loaded, and an ensuing two-run single drew the BlueClaws within a run of tying the game at four.  But Jersey Shore would score no more.  Southpaw Daniel Juarez entered in the sixth and Sammy Tavarez followed.  Together, they hurled 2.2 scoreless innings of one-hit ball.  Afterwhich, Daison Acosta secured the final five outs to nail down his seventh save, with Juarez earning the victory, his first in three appearances for Brooklyn.  

Five Cyclones weilded two hits each as part of a 13-hit attack.  First baseman JT Schwartz went 2 for 4 with two runs batted in and second baseman Jose Peroza knocked in his team-leading 46th run batted in.  BOXSCORE

 

BEFORE the BUMS 8/28/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Open Series With Victory Over Cleveland Spiders

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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season. 

 

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Friday, August 29, 1890

GAME #105

Thursday, August 28, 1890

Cleveland Spiders vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Tom Lovett Earns 23rd Win

Right-hander Tom Lovett put forth yet another fine pitching effort when the Bridegrooms needed it most.  Coming off a series loss against the Reds and having their first-place standing reduced to one, Lovett limited the visiting Cleveland Spiders to just four hits and three walks.  After yielding two runs in the second, Lovett held Cleveland scoreless with two hits over the final seven frames for his 23rd win this season.  The Spiders held a 2-1 lead through the fourth.  But three Cleveland errors in the fifth resulted in four runs for Brooklyn.  The Bridegrooms then closed out the scoring with a run in the eighth.  Center fielder Darby O'Brien delivered home three of Brooklyn's six runs.  Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds shut out the Beaneaters at Boston.

• FINAL: CLE 2; BKN 6
• RECORD: 69-36 (.657); 1st place, 2.0 GA of Boston Beaneaters

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Slugfest at Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

II - BK 5; JS 4

III - BK 8; JS 5

IV - BK 7; JS 5

Cyclones Take Fourth Straight at ShoreTown Ballpark

Coney Island keeps stemming the tide at Jersey Shore, but the Renegades defeated the Crawdads, and the Ironbirds took care of the Blue Rocks, and so all remains as it was.  The Cyclones trail Hudson Valley by one half game, and Aberdeen trails Brooklyn by one full game.

The North Division contending Cyclones scored early and often.  Second baseman Jose Peroza clubbed a two-run home run, and Stanley Consuegra's RBI single gave Brooklyn a prompt first-inning 3-0 lead.  They added a run on a wild pitch in the second, and third baseman Jaylen Palmer followed with what later proved to be a decisive three-run round-tripper in the third for a seven-run advantage.

Sure enough, the game's momentum completely changed on a dime.  Three Jersey Shore bullpen members held the Cyclones scoreless over the final six frames while the BlueClaws lineup started pressing matters at the plate.

Coney Island starter Luis Moreno surrendered a solo home run in the fourth and another in the sixth but completed the frame to exit on the winning side after allowing four total hits and striking out five.  

Making his second relief appearance for the Cyclones, right-hander Trey McGloughlin surrendered a two-out, three-run home run in the seventh but settled down to pitch a scoreless eighth and ninth inning to close the game and earn his first save.

The Cyclones improved to a 30-22 second-half record and a 60-58 mark overall.  They have fourteen games left on their schedule: two against Jersey Shore, a penultimate series at home against Wilmington, and the season finale at Winston-Salem.  BOXSCORE

BEFORE the BUMS 8/27/1890: Cincinnati Reds Take Rubber Game From Brooklyn Bridegrooms

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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Boston Globe, Thursday, August 28, 1890

GAME #104

Wednesday, August 27, 1890

Cincinnati Reds vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Bridegrooms Lead Reduced to One Game

A former perennial 30-game winner in the American Association, Cincinnati's Tony Mullane was at his season's best much to the dismay of the 1,764 fans present at Washington Park.  The Ireland native limited the Bridegrooms to a lone run on three hits and four walks with three strikeouts for the win.  Second baseman Hub Collins had one of Brooklyn's three hits and scored their only run in the sixth.  The Reds tallied eight runs on twelve hits.  They knocked starter Adonis Terry out of the box after the third, and Bob Caruthers fared no better pitching in relief.  Cincinnati takes the series from Brooklyn and puts the National League pennant up for grabs.  The Reds pulled within five games of first place and reduced the Bridegrooms' lead over the Boston Beaneaters to just one game.  Philadelphia trails Brooklyn by three.  With 25 games remaining on their schedule, the Bridegrooms will welcome the Cleveland Spiders tomorrow.

• FINAL: CIN 8; BKN 1
• RECORD: 68-36 (.654); 1st place, 1.0 GA of Boston Beaneaters

BEFORE the BUMS 8/26/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Blank Cincinnati Reds 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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Standard Union (Brooklyn), Wednesday, August 27, 1890

GAME #103

Tuesday, August 26, 1890

Cincinnati Reds vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Lovett Hurls Four-Hit Shutout

The Bridegrooms avenged Monday's loss by shutting out the Reds.  Cincinnati right-hander Billy Rhines and Tom Lovett traded goose eggs through the fifth inning.  Brooklyn finally snapped the scoreless tie on Dave Foutz's two-run single in the sixth.  Lovett helped his cause in the home seventh with a hit and run batted in, giving Brooklyn a 3-0 lead.  That's all they would need.  Tom Lovett was on his mark, limiting the Reds to four scattered hits and two walks with three strikeouts over nine scoreless innings for the shutout victory, his 22nd this season.  Third baseman George Pinkney and catcher Tom Daly wielded two hits apiece.  However, the Bridegrooms failed to extend their standing as the Boston Beaneaters again defeated the Pittsburgh Alleghenys at South End Grounds.

• FINAL: CIN 0; BKN 3
• RECORD: 68-35 (.660); 1st place, 2.5 GA of Boston Beaneaters

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Third Straight at Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

II - BK 5; JS 4

III - BK 8; JS 5

Nolan Clenney Slows Jersey Shore's Roll 

Brooklyn won a much-needed third straight game against Jersey Shore.  They got no help from the Hickory Crawdads.  Thus Hudson Valley remains a one-half game ahead of the Cyclones, who now own second place to themselves, as the Aberdeen Ironbirds bowed to Wilmington.

The Cyclones opened with a four-run second inning.  First baseman JT Schwartz homered, and 

Shervyen Newton, Matt Rudick, and the Mets' Eduardo Escobar each drove in runs.  The 'Clones scored again on an error in the third, and Jose Peroza singled home a run in the top of the fourth to give Coney Island a 6-0 lead.  Jersey Shore countered with three in the home fourth and one in the fifth.  Afterwhich, the teams traded single runs in the sixth, staking Brooklyn to a 7-5 lead.  

Shortstop Shervyen Newton continues to be the big man on campus, hitting his third home run in as many games in the eighth; it was his seventh with Brooklyn and his eleventh overall.  

Making his third start, Christian Scott escaped with a no-decision after allowing three runs on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 3.2 innings.  Right-hander Franklin Sanchez gained the victory despite allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in 2.1 innings pitched.  

The real hero of the game was Nolan Clenney, who yielded three hits and no walks with four strikeouts over the final three innings for the save.  BOXSCORE

• Rehabbing from a strained oblique, New York Mets infielder Eduardo Escobar started at shortstop and finished 2 for 4 at the plate, with one run batted in and one run scored.

BEFORE the BUMS 8/25/1890: Cincinnati Reds Even Series Against Brooklyn Bridegrooms

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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Standard Union (Brooklyn); Tuesday, August 26, 1890

GAME #102

Monday, August 25, 1890

Cincinnati Reds vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Reds Even Series; Bridegrooms Suffer Major Injury

Monday's loss against the Reds proved costly to manager McGunnigle whose team ceded ground in the standings and lost their top slugger and right fielder to an arm injury.  With Cincinnati taking a one-run lead, Oyster Burns hurt his shoulder in the first inning while throwing a ball back to the infield.  He was replaced with Patsy Donovan, who accounted for half of Brooklyn's six hits, that all went for naught as the Bridegrooms left seven runners stranded on base.  The Reds extended their lead with two runs in the third before Brooklyn spoiled the shutout when Donovan crossed home in the fifth.  Afterwhich, right-hander Jesse Duryea held the Bridegrooms scoreless over the final five frames.  Despite striking out seven Reds, Adonis Terry yielded ten hits in a losing effort.  Up in Boston, the Beaneaters defeated the Pittsburgh Alleghenys, and the Phillies beat the Cleveland Spiders.

• FINAL: CIN 4; BKN 1
• RECORD: 67-35 (.657); 1st place, 2.5 GA of Boston Beaneaters

Brooklyn Cyclones Outlast Jersey Shore BlueClaws in Extra Innings

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

II - BK 5; JS 4*

*10 innings

Resilient Cyclones Win in Tenth Inning

The Cyclones and BlueClaws played a barnburner at ShoreTown Ballpark.  

With two outs and two runners on base in the top of the first, right-fielder Stanley Consuegra singled home the game's opening run.  In a presage of things to come, Jersey Shore answered with two runs in the home third.  After a scoreless fourth inning, shortstop Shervyen Newton homered to left field with catcher Matt O'Neill on base.  But Brooklyn's slim lead did not last, as the BlueClaws tallied a run in the home sixth facilitated by a Matt O'Neill throwing error.  

The deadlock then remained unchanged through the eighth.  

Both starting pitchers exited to no decisions.  Brooklyn's Junior Santos allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in 5.2 innings.  Jersey Shore southpaw Rafael Marcano yielded three earned runs on four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in 5.0 innings.

Cyclone right-hander Dylan Hall delivered 2.1 scoreless innings of no-hit baseball with two strikeouts to complete the eighth.  Two BlueClaw relievers joined in tossing 3.0 innings of one-hit ball with six strikeouts.

Then came the ninth.  Stanley Consuegra homered over the left field wall leading off the visitor's half.  Manager Rivera then summoned from the bullpen right-hander Daison Acosta to close.  But the game was again tied with a leadoff hit, a walk, and two sacrifice plays later.

In the top of the tenth, with Matt O'Neill, the ghost runner at second, Shervyen Newton singled, putting runners on the corners.  O'Neill then scored on Matt Rudick's sac-fly to right, giving Brooklyn a 5-4 lead.

Daison Acosta again climbed the bump.  With the ghost runner on base, Acosta fanned the first batter faced, then issued an intentional walk, followed by an unintentional four-pitch walk that loaded the bases.  Acosta regrouped to strike out the next batter, then ended the game on a groundball 3 to1 putout at first base for the win.

The Cyclones held on for another crucial win.  They've re-achieved par with a 58-58 season record and improved to 28-22 in the second half.  Wednesday night's victory keeps Brooklyn on pace with first-place Hudson Valley, who still lead the division by one-half game, and Aberdeen, who again defeated Wilmington to remain tied in second place with Coney Island.

Brooklyn Cyclones Shut Out Jersey Shore in Series Opener

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

Cyclones Gain a Full Game on Hudson Valley

Coney Island secured a crucial victory Tuesday night at Jersey Shore.  Coupled with Hudson Valley's loss against the Hickory Crawdads, the Cyclones pulled to within one half-game of the first-place Renegades.  Meanwhile, Aberdeen had their way with Wilmington to remain tied with Brooklyn.

Making his third start for Brooklyn, southpaw Keyshawn Askew allowed three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in six innings for his first win as a Cyclone.  In his third appearance with Brooklyn, right-hander Jeffrey Colon took care of the rest, tossing three scoreless innings of no-hit ball over the final three innings to preserve the shutout and earn the save.

Shortstop Shervyen Newton struck the decisive blow in the second inning, a two-run home run over the left/center field fence.  The score remained unchanged until JT Schwartz scored on a fielder's choice in the sixth.  For good measure, Alex Ramirez doubled home two runs, and Schwartz doubled home another as part of a four-run ninth inning for a 7-0 margin of victory.  BOXSCORE

BEFORE the BUMS 8/23/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Take Series Finale From Chicago Colts

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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday, August 24, 1890

GAME #101

Saturday, August 23, 1890

Chicago Colts vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Oyster Burns Knocks Home Winning Run in Tenth

With over 4,000 fans in attendance, another hotly contested match unfolded at Washington Park.  In a rematch of game one, Bill Hutchison toed the slab for Chicago with Tom Lovett hurling for Brooklyn.  The Bridegrooms jumped to a 2-0 lead in the second, but the Colts evened the score with single runs in the fourth and sixth innings.  Brooklyn reclaimed the lead in the seventh.  However, a fielding error by 

Hub Collins in the ninth contributed to the Colts tying the game at three.  Collins redeemed himself with a leadoff double in the tenth inning and then scored on an Oyster Burns base hit for the win.  Shortstop 

Germany Smith had two hits, including a triple, and Tom Lovett earned his 21st victory.

• FINAL: CHI 3; BKN 4 (10 innings)
• RECORD: 67-34 (.663); 1st place, 3.5 GA of Boston Beaneaters

Meet the Epps, Meet the Epps

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET 

Step Right Up and Greet the Epps ...

Back in November 2021, a newly hired general manager named Billy Eppler inherited a high-level core of players.  That group featured Jacob deGrom - who only very recently returned to action - Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Edwin Diaz.

Shortly after moving into his new office, Eppler selected two outfielders from the free agent market called Starling Marte and Mark Canha, then, on Dec. 1, signed pitcher Max Scherzer (at Steve Cohen's behest).  Not yet done, Eppler signed free agent infielder Eduardo Escobar, reliever Adam Ottavino, and acquired starting pitcher Chris Bassitt from the Oakland A's.

Mets fans looked around and said this was good.

By May, as expected, the Mets finally parted ways with Robinson Cano - a move that would have mentally and financially crippled the previous regime.  This front office deemed Cano's DFA necessary and did indeed improve the team via the old adage, addition by subtraction.  It's also safe to say the previous owners would not have been copacetic with all of Billy Eppler's off-season acquisitions, much less agreeing to Max Scherzer's present annual value.

I digress ...

Over the last few years, JD Davis and Dom Smith were afforded a fair chance at earning their keep, respectively.  Mission unfulfilled as the former was dealt away at the trade deadline, and the latter remains on the 40-man roster at Syracuse.  In turn, Billy Eppler acquired lefty-hitting Daniel Vogelbach, lefty-hitting outfielder Tyler Naquin, and right-swinging Darin Ruf to reinforce the bench and lineup.

All the acquired players by Billy Eppler mentioned above, be it in the offseason or at the deadline, have a game, a hit, or a standout moment this season that we can point to and deem unequivocally as essential contributions toward the team's success.

I'd be remiss if I didn't extend well-deserved props to Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, Trevor Williams, David Peterson, Luis Guillorme, and others.

Let us not forget minor league call-up, Brett Baty.  He homered during his major league debut against the Atlanta Braves.  Left-hander Nate Fisher, a former banker from the Seattle Mariners system, allowed just one hit in three innings of relief in his major league debut against the Phillies this past Sunday.  The point here is it takes a 40-man roster to win championships.  We must also remember how Eppler did not recklessly empty the farm system of its top prospects at the deadline.

The Mets are 21-9 since the All-Star break.  They own a 43-19 record against their N.L. East division rivals and enter Tuesday's action with a four-game lead over the second-place Braves.  Their overall record (79-44) is second best in all of baseball behind the Dodgers.  Except for Apr. 11, the Mets have spent every day this season in first place. 

Billy Eppler has no doubt impacted this team.  However, we still need to buckle up because the real fun has yet to begin.  The month of September is a mere ten days away.  That's when Eppler's most crucial off-season acquisition comes into play.  There are few if none, more qualified managers in baseball to lead the Mets through a pennant race than Buck Showalter.

Let's Go Epps!

Hudson Valley Renegades Hand Brooklyn Cyclones Crushing Defeat in Extra Innings

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - HVR 7; BKN 4

II - BKN 7; HVR 5

III - HVR 11; BKN 4

IV - BKN 3; HVR 2

V - HVR 5; BKN 0

VI - HVR 9; BKN 3*

*10-innings

No Joy on Coney Island

This was easily Brooklyn's most crushing defeat against Hudson Valley this season, if not the last two seasons.  The Cyclones got off on the right foot when catcher Jose Mena singled home a run in the second.  Then began the tug-of-war.  Hudson Valley scored twice in the third, but the Cyclones tied the game on Jose Mena's home run in the fourth.  The Renegades quickly reclaimed a 3-2 lead in the fifth.  Second baseman Jose Peroza then singled home the tying run in the seventh.  Afterwhich, the score remained unchanged through the ninth.  After securing the last two outs in the previous inning, Dylan Hall climbed the bump again for the tenth.  Only this time, the rope snapped.  The Renegades scored six times, highlighted by left fielder Aaron Palensky's grand slam home run.  Brooklyn was retired in order in the bottom half of the frame.  The Cyclones now fall into a second-place tie with the Aberdeen Ironbirds.  Both trail the Renegades by 1.5 games in the (second-half) standings with 18 games left in the season.  BOXSCORE

BEFORE the BUMS 8/22/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Lose Pitcher's Duel to Chicago Colts

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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

Chicago Tribune, Saturday, August 23, 1890

GAME #100

Friday, August 22, 1890

Chicago Colts vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Chicago Rookie Ed Stein Hurls Two-Hit Shutout

This game was for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of pitching, for there was no slugging to speak of.  With 1,647 persons present at Washington Park, rookie right-hander Ed Stein held Byrne's batsmen to just two hits, one by George Pinkney and Bob Caruthers the other.  Chicago scored the game's lone run in the fifth on second baseman Bob Glenalvin's double and two sacrifice flies.  Brooklyn starter Adonis Terry twirled an excellent game, albeit in a losing effort.  He yielded only four hits and one walk and struck out four.  Colt first baseman Cap Anson was again held hitless and is now 0 for 8 in the series.  The Bridegrooms lost no ground in the standings, as the Beaneaters were felled by the Cleveland Spiders at Boston.

• FINAL: CHI 1; BKN 0
• RECORD: 66-34 (.660); 1st place, 3.0 GA of Boston Beaneaters

Hudson Valley Renegades Shut Out Brooklyn Cyclones

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - HVR 7; BKN 4

II - BKN 7; HVR 5

III - HVR 11; BKN 4

IV - BKN 3; HVR 2

V - HVR 5; BKN 0

Down Goes Brooklyn..!

A crowd of 5,050 suffered not one but two punches to the gut.  Saturday's starting pitchers, Richard Fitts and Brooklyn's Luis Moreno traded goose eggs through the fifth.  In the top of the sixth, Renegade catcher Carlos Navarez clubbed a three-run home run to left, knocking Moreno out of the game.  With one out and one runner on base in the eighth, right fielder Grant Richardson homered off Sammy Tavarez for a 5-0 Renegade lead.  Left fielder Matt Rudick scored on a double-play ball in the home eighth, but it went for naught.  

The pendulum now swings back in Hudson Valley's favor.  They take a half-game lead ahead of the Cyclones in the North Division standings.  These teams meet for the last time this regular season on Sunday.  Afterwhich, the Cyclones will have 18 games left to play.  Meanwhile, the Aberdeen Ironbirds end Saturday's action just 1.5 games out of first place.  BOXSCORE

BEFORE the BUMS 8/21/1890: Brooklyn Bridegrooms Shut Out Chicago Colts 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 the New York Giants second straight championship victory over the Association, it would be Brooklyn's last campaign as an AA member club.  The following season, the Bridegrooms would make their National League debut where they remain to this day.  Welcome to "BEFORE the BUMS" my game-by-game rewind of (the city) Brooklyn's historic 1890 season.

The Brooklyn Citizen, Friday, August 22, 1890

GAME #99

Thursday, August 21, 1890

Chicago Colts vs. BROOKLYN BRIDEGROOMS

WASHINGTON PARK

Tom Lovett Hurls Shutout Against Cap Anson's Colts

The Bridegrooms welcomed the Chicago Colts to Washington Park.  Visiting starter Bill Hutchison 

pitched well, limiting Brooklyn to five hits and one walk.  But with two outs in the third, second baseman Hub Collins drew a base on balls, stole second, and scored on George Pinkney's base hit to left field.  The run proved decisive as Tom Lovett hurled a gem, allowing just three hits and three walks with three strikeouts over nine scoreless innings for his twentieth win this season.  Chicago first baseman and captain Cap Anson was held hitless.  The Bridegrooms added to their lead in the fourth.  First baseman Dave Foutz singled and scored, and Germany Smith delivered home two.  Cap Anson was critical of the Bridegrooms back in June but seems to have altered his opinion.

• FINAL: CHI 0; BKN 4
• RECORD: 66-33 (.667); 1st place, 3.0 GA of Boston Beaneaters