Brooklyn Cyclones Fall to Jersey Shore in Regular Season Finale

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

REGULAR-SEASON FINALE

JERSEY SHORE @ BROOKLYN

I - BK 5; JS 2

II - JS 4; BK 3

III - JS 8; BK 6

IV - BK 7; JS 4

V - BK 9; JS 2

VI - JS 3; BK 1

Wait Till Next Year!

That's all, folks.  Brooklyn's first season in High-A is in the books.  

With Sunday's defeat against the Jersey Shore Blue Claws, the Cyclones lost their 70th game this season.  It perhaps fits they should lose a three-hitter, which has been a significant point of contention all season long.

Making his tenth start for Brooklyn, J.T. Ginn allows three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings for the loss.  He finishes at Coney Island with a 3-4 record and 3.38 ERA over 53.1 innings pitched.

The bullpen trio of Luis Montas, Michel Otanez, and Dylan Hill join together for three scoreless innings.

Brooklyn scores their lone run in the sixth.  Designated hitter Joe Suozzi draws a leadoff walk and scored from third on Wilmer Reyes' sac-fly to center field.  Shortstop Branden Fryman accounts for two of Brooklyn's three hits, Wilmer Reyes the other.

Jersey Shore wins the season series against Brooklyn with a 17-13 record.

Despite a club record seventy losses, trust me when I say this was one of the most thrilling seasons at Coney Island.  

BOXSCORE

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Shortstop Ronny Mauricio leads the Cyclones with 100 games played and a team-high 63 runs batted in.
• Center fielder Antoine Duplantis wields a club record of 100 hits.
• Catcher Francisco Alvarez leads the Cyclones with 22 home runs with 24 home runs overall.  The 19-year old phenom finishes his season with Brooklyn slashing .247/.351/.538/.889, with 58 RBI in 279 at-bats.
• Right-hander Alec Kisena strikes out 102 batters in 79.2 innings pitched; 11.5 K/9 average.
• Right-hander Justin Lasko, eleven starts, 2.81 ERA, and 64 strikeouts in 64.0 innings pitched.

Twenty seasons of Brooklyn Cyclones baseball - how sweet it is!

Brooklyn's Alec Kisena Finally Earns Well Deserved Win; Cyclones Take Series Lead Against Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

II - Rained Out

III - WIL 6; BRK 0

IV - BRK 10; WIL 1

ALEC KISENA WINS FIRST DECISION SINCE MAY 8; FRANCISCO ALVAREZ HITS HOME RUN NUMBER EIGHTEEN

What the Cyclones failed to achieve on Thursday, they more than make up for in Friday's game. 

Starting for Wilmington, southpaw Mitchell Parker is opposed by Alec Kisena for Brooklyn.  

After two scoreless innings, the Cyclones strike for five runs in the third.  In consecutive at-bats, Antoine Duplantis, Jaylen Palmer, Ronny Mauricio, Francisco Alvarez, and Jose Peroza each drive in runs.  Mitchell Parker is naturally dispatched to the showers and replaced with left-hander Alfonso Hernandez who holds Brooklyn scoreless over the next 2.2 innings.  

Meanwhile, Alec Kisena yields his first and only run in the visitor's fourth.  After six innings pitched, he departs on the winning side, having yielded three hits with three strikeouts.  Brooklyn then erupts for another five runs in the bottom half of the sixth.  Francisco Alvarez ignites the rally with a leadoff home run.  Second baseman Luis Gonzalez joins the fray with two runs batted in.  After which, Duplantis and Palmer drive home their second runs of the game, respectively, giving the Surf Avenue sluggers a 10-3 lead.

Right-hander Colby Morris pitches a scoreless seventh and eighth, and Evi Ruibal, in a non-save situation, twirls a scoreless ninth with a strikeout.  The beleaguered Alec Kisena wins only his second decision for the Cyclones against nine losses with a reduced 4.74 ERA.  His first win came back in his first start of the season on May 8 against Asheville.  So, congratulations to him ...  

The Coney Island trio limits the Blue Rocks to one run on four hits and no walks with five strikeouts.

While the Cyclones draw only four walks and strike out twelve times, they achieve double-digit hits and bat 7 for 11 with runners in scoring position.  Antoine Duplantis leads with three hits.

Through 72 games and 238 at-bats as a member of the Cyclones, Francisco Alvarez now has 17 home runs and 52 RBI along with an above .500 slugging average.  Including fifteen games at Port St. Lucie, Alvarez has 18 home runs and 64 RBI through 87 games and 286 total at-bats.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones: Noah Syndergaard Yields One of Four Aberdeen Home Runs in Game Four Loss Against Ironbirds

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

ABERDEEN @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 9; ABD 6

II - ABD 2; BRK 1

III - BRK 1; ABD 0

IV - ABD 12; BRK 5

CYCLONES ARE OUTSLUGGED ON SURF AVENUE

Making a rehab appearance, Noah Syndergaard started the first inning for the Brooklyn Cyclones against the Aberdeen Ironbirds at Coney Island.  After running the count 0-2 on the leadoff batter, Aberdeen's right fielder Lamar Sparks fouls off pitch three, then deposited Noah Syndergaard's fourth offering over the left field wall for a prompt Ironbird lead.

NOAH SYNDERGAARD: one inning, one run, one hit, no walks, one strikeout.  He faced five batters, threw 16 pitches, with 12 (75%) going for strikes.

The Cyclones recover in the home half of the first; Jaylen Palmer scores on designated hitter Ronny Mauricio double, tying the game at one.  

Brooklyn takes a 3-1 lead in the third on Cody Bohanek's two-run home run.  But it's short-lived.  Left fielder Cristopher Cespedes' three-run home run against Alec Kisena gives the Ironbirds a 4-3 advantage.

Aberdeen adds a single run in the fourth, and Brooklyn adds one in the fifth.  After a scoreless sixth inning, Connor O'Neil takes his turn on the bump in relief of Alec Kisena, and that's when things go awry.  Aberdeen strikes for four runs on four hits, including two doubles and the Ironbird's third home run of the game off the bat of third baseman Jean Carmona for a commanding 9-4 lead.

Brooklyn manages just one more run in the home eighth, but Aberdeen strikes for three more runs in the ninth for good measure, highlighted by center fielder Doran Turchin's three-run home run off Hunter Parsons - Aberdeen's fourth four-bagger of the game.  

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Litter Wappingers Falls With Base Runners; Renegades Take 3-1 Series Lead

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 1-3

I - HVR 3; BRK 2

II - BRK 11; HVR 7

III - HVR 6; BRK 5

IV - HVR 3; BRK 1

Ejected and Dejected; Key Hits Elude Cyclones

How does a team collect eleven hits and score only one run?  

Start in the very first inning when the Cyclones strand Antoine Duplantis at third.  

Luke Ritter gets thrown out at home in the second inning trying to score from second base on a ball that never leaves the infield.  

Brooklyn strands a runner at second base in the fifth.  

In the sixth, shortstop Ronny Mauricio gets picked off first and thrown out at second.  Afterwhich, the Cyclones strand another runner at second.

They strand yet another runner at second in the seventh, and Ronny Mauricio gets ejected for arguing with the first base umpire.

The cherry on top is when the Boardwalk Bums leave the bases loaded in the ninth.  With no outs and the bases jammed, not one ball leaves the infield.  

So much for situational hitting ...

All told, the Cyclones bat 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position and stranded eleven runners overall.  They strike out eleven times while drawing only three walks.

Starter Alec Kisena pitches well but is unlucky.  He yields two runs, one earned, on three hits and one walk with eight strikeouts through five innings in a losing effort.  With two outs in the fifth, Kisena surrenders a home run to third baseman Pat DeMarco to plate the game's first run.

Right fielder Jaylen Palmer drives home Brooklyn's only run in the seventh.

Hudson Valley now owns a 19-9 advantage in the season series over Brooklyn.  BOXSCORE

Big Eighth Inning Dooms Brooklyn Cyclones; Trail Wilmington in Series, 3-1

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN trails WILMINGTON; 3-1

I - BRK 16; WIL5

II - WIL 15; BRK 3

III - WIL 5; BRK 4

IV - WIL 7; BRK 4

Good Start, Bad Finish; Blue Rocks Pelt Bryce Montes de Oca

I was somewhat surprised to see Alec Kisena not start Friday's game at Wilmington.  Rather, Colby Morris opened the game to mixed results, allowing a run in the first inning, three total hits, one walk with two strikeouts over the first two innings pitched.  

Instead, right-hander Alec Kisena enters the game in the third.  Brooklyn ties the game in the fourth on 

Francisco Alvarez's run-scoring sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Jaylen Palmer.  But Wilmington retakes the lead in the fifth with a run on two hits against Kisena, who continues pitching into the seventh when he is relieved by Bryce Montes de Oca with two outs.

A triple leading off the eighth by Antoine Duplantis followed by three more consecutive hits and five hits total results in three runs and a 4-2 Cyclone lead.  But Bryce Montes de Oca loses his touch in the home eighth, yielding three hits, two walks, and hitting a batter.  Relieving Montes de Oca, Michel Otanez unleashes another wild pitch allowing a fifth run to score en route to a 7-4 loss in game four of their series at Wilmington.

Jaylen Palmer leads Brooklyn with three hits, and Francisco Alvarez drives in two runs.

Bryce Montes de Oca earns the loss, allowing five earned runs on three hits and two walks in 0.2 innings pitched.

Wilmington now leads the series three games to one.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Second Straight From Renegades; Can Square Series In Sunday's Finale

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-2

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 5; BRK 3

IV - BRK 9; HVR 6

V - BRK 5; HVR 4

A Very Entertaining Game Unfolds At Old Steeplechase Grounds ... 

Southpaw Edgar Barclay starts for Hudson Valley and is opposed by bad luck personified Alec Kisena for Brooklyn.

Coney Island opens the scoring in the second inning, first on Francisco Alvarez's leadoff home run, then on Zach Ashford's base hit, scoring Jeremy Vasquez from third.  But the Renegades get one back in the third and then tie the game in the fifth at two.

Edgar Barclay exits after four innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts.  His mound opponent Alec Kisena lasts five, surrendering two runs on six hits and no walks with eight strikeouts.

Pitching the sixth in relief of Kisena, Josh Hejka allows a run on three hits.  Facing reliever Nick Ernst in the home half of the sixth, Francisco Alvarez lashed a one-out triple and scored on Jeremy Vasquez's hit, tying the game at three.  With Hejka still pitching in the seventh, a hit by pitch, a passed ball (Francisco Alvarez), and a base hit lead to a Renegade run.  But Brooklyn again answers with Zach Ashford's double and a run-scoring single off the bat of Antoine Duplantis, knotting the game at four.

Right-hander Evi Ruibal hurls a scoreless top half of the eighth inning.  After which, Jeremy Vasquez launches the game's decisive blow over the right field wall for a 5-4 lead and the final margin of victory.

Joe Cavallaro tosses a scoreless ninth for the save, while Evi Ruibal wins in relief of Kisena and Hejka.

Brooklyn pitchers issue no walks and join together for twelve strikeouts. BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Comeback Falls Short; Jersey Shore Takes Game Five

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

 JERSEY SHORE leads CONEY ISLAND; 3-2

I - BK 14; JS 5

II - JS 3; BK 1

III - BK 4; JS 0

IV - JS 3; BK 0

V - JS 4; BK 3

Game five between the Cyclones and Blue Claws features the beleaguered Alec Kisena toeing the slab for Brooklyn opposed by Victor Vargas for Jersey Shore.

With one out in the bottom of the first, Blue Claw catcher Logan O'Hoppe homers off Kisena for a prompt 1-0 lead.  The score remains unchanged through the fourth.  Jersey Shore then strikes for three runs in the fifth, knocking Kisena out of the box.  Enter Evy Ruibal, who secures two outs to end the threat.

Victor Vargas keeps Brooklyn off the scoreboard through the first six innings.  But the 'Clones finally breakthrough in the seventh on Francisco Alvarez's leadoff home run, his tenth this season.  The Cyclones score twice more in the eighth on Francisco Alvarez's second home run of the game, this time with a runner on base bringing Brooklyn within a run of the Blue Claws.

But Coney Island would score no more.  Jersey Shore's Manuel Silva retires the first two batters faced in the ninth.  First baseman Joe Genord follows with a double to put himself in scoring position, but pinch-hitter Joe Suozzi leaves the tying run stranded.

Alec Kisena allows four runs on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 4.1 innings pitched in a losing effort.  Making his 13th start for Brooklyn, he entered Saturday's contest with a 5.15 ERA and exits with a 5.40 mark.  His mound counterpart Victor Vargas surrenders just three hits and four walks with six strikeouts through six scoreless innings pitched for the win.

• Francisco Alvarez now has eleven home runs and 32 RBI through 49 games, and 163 at-bats since joining Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Fifth in a Row Over Wilmington on Jacob deGrom Bobblehead Night

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

 

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 5-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

II - BRK 5; WIL 3

III - BRK 10; WIL 2

IV - BRK 5; WIL 4

V - BRK 8; WIL 3

Brooklyn Wins a Season-High Fifth Straight Over Blue Rocks

The Cyclones win their fifth straight against the Wilmington Blue Rocks.  With runners on the corners in the second, Francisco Alvarez scores the game's first run on a groundball to second.  In just his second game with Brooklyn, catcher Nic Gaddis then lines a home run to left field, scoring two.

Brooklyn's defense yields a rather amateurish run in the top of the third.  Then with the bases loaded in the bottom of the frame, first baseman Jeremy Vasquez clears the bases with a double giving the Cyclones a 6-1 lead.  

Francisco Alvarez is hit with a pitch in the eighth and removed for a pinch-runner.  With one out and two runners on base, Zach Ashford plates both runners with a double.  

Reliever Bryce Montes de Oca allows two runs in the top of the ninth, but the Cyclones nevertheless close out their fifth straight victory over the Blue Rocks.

Starter Alec Kisena yields just one unearned run on two hits and two walks with five strikeouts through 4.2 innings pitched but exits to a no-decision.  Right-hander Mitch Ragan earns the victory in relief, yielding no hits over 3.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Brooklyn Cyclones Lose Finale; Jersey Shore Earns Series Split at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore; 3-3

I - BRK 1; JS 0

II - JS 3; BRK 2

III - JS 13; BRK 3

IV - BRK 6; JS 1

V - BRK 6; JS 1

VI - JS 7; BRK 1

Low Tide At Coney Island

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis leads off the Brooklyn first with a double, then scored when Francisco Alvarez grounds into a double play.  However, unbeknownst to them, the Cyclones would not score again.  Jersey Shore twirlers limit Brooklyn to no runs and just six more hits (all singles) the rest of the game.  The Cyclones strike out eleven times in 34 at-bats while drawing four walks.  First baseman  Jeremy Vasquez is the only Cyclone to wield multiple hits.

Making his eleventh start this season, Alec Kisena surrenders four earned runs on four hits, including a home run and two walks with five strikeouts through four innings pitched for the loss, his sixth with an unsightly 5.67 ERA.

Relievers Bryce Montes de Oca, Mitch Ragan, and Colby Morris join together on four scoreless innings allowing no hits and striking out three.  The same cannot be said of Hunter Parsons, who yields three earned runs on three hits in the ninth for Jersey Shore's 7-1 final margin of victory. 

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn and Jersey Shore split the series earning three wins apiece.  With Sunday's gain, the Blue Claws now hold an ever so slim 9-8 advantage in the season series.

Brooklyn Cyclones Salvage Series Finale at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley defeats Brooklyn; 5-1

I - HVR 9; BRK 7

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 6; BRK 4

IV - HVR 7; BRK 1

V - HVR 5; BRK 0*

VI - BRK 10; HVR 3

*7 inning no-hitter

Four Home Runs Power Brooklyn Over Hudson Valley; Antoine Duplantis Hits Two

My sarcasm aside, Brooklyn eliminates any chance of a no-hitter and shutout when, with one out in the top of the first, Antoine Duplantis homers to right field against Renegade starter Shawn Semple.  Hudson Valley likewise ruins Alec Kisena's bid for a no-hitter with a base hit in the bottom half of the frame.

Playing in place of injured Luke Ritter, second baseman Luis Gonzalez homers in the second.  Hudson Valley gets one back in the bottom half of the frame.  But then, with two outs in the third, Antoine Duplantis hits his second home run of the game giving the Cyclones a 3-1 lead.

Manager Blankmeyer, perhaps making a proactive change, brings in Josh Hejka in the fifth.  Alec Kisena allows just one run on one hit and five walks, and five strikeouts through four innings pitched.

In the seventh, Adrian Hernandez drives home, Luis Gonzalez, for a 4-1 Brooklyn lead.

Hejka completes his third scoreless inning with a ten-pitch at-bat against second baseman Oliver Dunn. 

Leading off the eighth, first baseman Jeremy Vasquez gives Brooklyn a 5-1 lead with his third home run this season.  Afterwhich, Brooklyn erupts for five more runs.  Catcher Juan Uriarte singles home a run, Antoine Duplantis walks with the bases loaded, Ronny Mauricio is hit by a pitch forcing home another, and Jeremy Vasquez drives home two giving Brooklyn a 10-1 lead.  That is until the Renegades post two runs in the bottom of the eighth against right-hander Evy Ruibal.

Mitch Ragan closes out the game with a scoreless ninth.  Brooklyn pitchers limit the Renegades to four hits, while Josh Hejka earns a well-deserved win.

• BOXSCORE

Coney Island salvages the series finale and avoids a sweep at Hudson Valley.

Brooklyn Cyclones Fizzle Out on July Fourth at Aberdeen

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen Ironbirds defeat Brooklyn Cyclones; 5-2

I - ABD 7; BKN 3

II - ABD 2; BKN 1

III - BKN 7; ABD 6

IV - ABD 2; BKN 0*

V - BKN 6; ABD 5

VI - ABD 4 ; BKN 3

VII - ABD 7; BKN 2

*game called bottom 6th

Brooklyn plays like they ate too many hot dogs ... 

Second baseman Luke Ritter in the second inning launches his tenth home run this season, and Joe Genord, on a fielder's choice, drives home the Cyclones' second run in the fifth, and that's that.  Brooklyn is limited to just four hits, no walks, and strike out seven times.  Luis Gonzalez, still starting at short in place of Ronny Mauricio, and right fielder Blake Ashford account for the Cyclones only other hits.

Luke Ritter leads Brooklyn in home runs and is now tied with Brett Baty for the team lead with 32 runs batted in.

Starter Alec Kisena entered the game with a troublesome 1.410 WHiP and 4.3 W/9 average.  In a losing effort, allows six earned runs on five hits (including a home run in the third) and three walks with eight strikeouts over 4.2 innings pitched for his fifth defeat against one win with an unsightly 5.86 ERA. 

Conner O'Neil accounts for himself in relief of Kisena with two strikeouts in 1.2 scoreless innings, but Michel Otanez allows a run and walks three in two innings pitched.

The Cyclones lose five of seven to Aberdeen and fall to 18-34 (.346) for the season.

Brooklyn Cyclones Open Road Trip With Loss at Aberdeen

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

GAME ONE

Brooklyn Cyclones      3

Aberdeen Ironbirds    7

FINAL/BOXSCORE

Alec Kisena Knocked Out of the Box After Three; Bats Go Silent After Luke Ritter Blast In Fourth

Aberdeen rolls out the welcome mat for Brooklyn starter Alec Kisena, who in turn surrenders five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks in just three innings of work.

Facing Aberdeen starter Garrett Stallings, second baseman Luke Ritter gets Brooklyn on the board with a three-run home run in the fourth.  Unbeknownst to them, it would be the last time a Cyclone would cross home plate.

Pitching in relief of Kisena, right-hander Josh Hejka keeps the Ironbirds in place through the sixth.  Afterwhich, Evy Ruibal enters the game and promptly surrenders two earned runs in the seventh, increasing the Cyclones deficit to five.  Brooklyn bats have now been held quiet since the fourth inning.  Andrew Edwards, called upon to twirl the eighth in relief of Ruibal, gets through without a hitch.

Facing Ironbird Garrett Farmer in the top of the ninth, the Cyclones muster one lone hit by Brett Baty en route to a series-opening 7-3 defeat at Aberdeen. 

All told, Brooklyn hurlers surrender seven runs (six earned) on ten hits and six walks.  Kisena takes the loss and sees his record fall to 1-4 with a 4.86 ERA.  Three fielding errors didn't help either.

Brett Baty accounts for half of Brooklyn's hits, finishing 3 for 4, all singles, and lifting his average to a .318 mark.  Seven team strikeouts are completely reasonable, but Coney Island only draws one walk.  

For Luke Ritter, his ninth home run this season.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Jose Mena Thrills Coney Island Crowd With Game Winning Hit In Tenth

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

GAME TWO
Jersey Shore  2

Coney Island  3

10 innings

Brooklyn Battery Powers Cyclones To Victory In Game Two  

Stellar pitching and Jose Mena's game-winning hit in the eleventh sends the Coney Island crowd home in a delighted state of mind.  Goes to show good things come to those who wait.

Jersey Shore and Brooklyn duel to a scoreless tie through five.  Toeing the rubber for the Blue Claws,  Ethan Lindow yields just four hits and strikes out five.  For the Cyclones, Alec Kisena similarly allows just four hits with six strikeouts before exiting with one out in the sixth.  While inheriting a runner at second in relief of Kisena, Eric Orze closes out the top half of the frame unscathed.  Meanwhile, Lindow continues the mission with a scoreless bottom half of the sixth.

Eric Orze retires Jersey Shore in the top of the seventh, striking out DH Herbert Iser for out number three.  For the BlueClaws, right-hander Mark Potter takes over pitching duties from Lindow, who exits having allowed just five hits, just one for extra bases.  Suddenly, with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, LT Struble bunts for a base hit, then steals second base.  Next up, Antoine Duplantis lined a triple to center field, scoring Struble with the go-ahead run.  Unfortunately, Duplantis is left stood at third base.

Like an omen, third baseman Brett Baty's errant throw to first base opens the eighth.  With one out, Eric Orze issues a walk and then walks another to load the bases.  Brooklyn makes a change, and with one out into the game comes Mitch Ragan.  The Cyclones come close to executing a 5-4-3 double-play, but a safe call at first and the lead runner scoring from third knots the game at one.  

Jersey Shore right-hander Mike Adams is called upon to pitch the bottom of the eighth.  He pitches himself into, then out of potential trouble, and into the ninth inning, they go.

With one out in the top of the frame, Jose Mena (starting in place of dinged-up Francisco Alvarez) throws out an attempted steal of second.  Mitch Ragan then fans Herbert Iser for the third out.  In turn, Jersey's Andrew Brown throws a scoreless home half of the ninth, sending this contest into extra innings.

Mitch Ragan returns to the bump but does not hold.  The BlueClaws pull the old pinch-runner for the phantom runner who scores on consecutive sacrifice flies routine for a one-run advantage.

Then, facing Andrew Brown, Brooklyn loads the bases with the phantom runner, Ronny Mauricio, Brett Baty HBP, and a walk to Luke Ritter.  After a mound visit, Andrew Brown walks Joe Genord tying the game at two.  Still, with no outs, Jose Mena wields a line-drive single to right field, Brett Baty scores the winning run.

Mitch Ragan earns the win.  Brooklyn evens the battle of the beaches at one.

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Drop Second Straight to Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS 

Frawley Stadium, Wilmington

Wilmington leads Brooklyn; 2-1

I - BKN 3; WIL 1

II - WIL 5; BKN 2

III - WIL 8; BKN 4

Cyclones Can't Dig Out Of Early Hole

Brooklyn starter Alec Kisena is treated rather rudely by host Wilmington who rough him up for six earned runs on nine hits, including a home run by Brady Lindsly, with a walk and four strikeouts through only 3.1 innings pitched.  The Cyclones finally get on the board, Cody Bohanek drives home two runs in the fifth.  Left fielder Blake Tiberi's two-run home run in the sixth pulls the Cyclones within two.  In relief of Alec Kisena, Michel Otanez keeps the Blue Rocks in place through the sixth.  However, Bryce Montes de Oca surrenders single runs in the seventh and eighth innings giving the Blue Rocks an 8-4 final margin of victory.

• BOXSCORE 6/17/21

The Surf Avenue Sluggers continue swinging and missing at disturbing rates, with eleven strikeouts through the first five innings alone and 16 strikeouts for the game while drawing just two walks.  

They have struck out at least fifteen times on five occasions and whiffed in double-digits 22 times through their first 36 games played.

Brooklyn Cyclones Foiled Again By Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 4-1

I - HVR 3; BKN 2

II - BKN 5; HVR 3

III - HVR 1; BKN 0

IV - HVR 8; BKN 0

VII - HVR 5; BKN 4

Pitching and Defense Fail Brooklyn In The Ninth

Brooklyn opens the scoring in the second when Anthony Walters doubles home Joe Genord.  

After hurling five scoreless innings, Alec Kisena yields a leadoff single and a walk to start the sixth.  That's when Coach Blankmeyer summons Eric Orze from the bullpen.  An Ezequiel Duran double drives in one, and a two-out single drives home two more for a 3-1 Hudson Valley lead.  

The Cyclones answer back in the eighth.  Blake Tiberi scores on Brett Baty's fielder's choice to first, and Francisco Alvarez's two-run home run gives Coney a 4-3 lead.  

However, both Bryce Montes de Oca and Michel Otanez fail to secure the top of the ninth, allowing two runs on three hits.  Shortstop Cody Bohanek's throwing error is also a primary reason why the game's conclusion went awry.  Hudson Valley comes away with a 5-4 victory.  It's their fourth win of the series against one loss.  

The series finale is slated for Sunday.  Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil is slated to play in a rehab assignment.

• #32) BOXSCORE: Saturday, June 12, 2021

The Cyclones batted 6 for 31 (.193), with four walks, twelve strikeouts, and 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.  Saturday's contest marks the 18th time in 32 games they've achieved double-digit whiffs.  However, since I first hurled that criticism their way after the first 20 games, they've since struck out in double-digits in only three of their last twelve games, as opposed to 15 times in 20 games to start the season.  That suggests improvement.  So, there's that ...

The Renegades improve to 19-14, while the Cyclones fall to 10-22, twelve games under par.

When these teams first met in May, they split the series three games apiece.  Hudson Valley now owns a 7-4 edge in the season series.

Brooklyn Cyclones Fail To Stave Off Late Jersey Shore Surge

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Jersey Shore leads Brooklyn; 3-2

I - BK 11; JS 

II - JS 4; BK 1

III - BK 6; JS 4

IV - JS 5; BK 4

V - JS 5; BK 5

Jersey Shore Overcomes Four Run Deficit; Walk-Off In Ninth

Cyclones Starter Alec Kisena Throws Five No-Hit Innings

Brooklyn shortstop Ronny Mauricio's first-inning three-run home run gives the Cyclones an immediate lead.  First sacker Joe Genord then connects for his sixth home run this season giving the Cyclones a 4-0 advantage through four.  

Brooklyn pitchers keep Jersey Shore off the board through the seventh.  Starter Alec Kisena allows no runs on no hits and one walk with five strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He faces 15 batters while throwing 67 pitches, with 40 (59.7%) going for strikes.  

Reliever Hunter Parsons pitches a scoreless sixth and seventh innings.  

Afterwhich, Brooklyn fortunes change.  Parsons yields two runs in the eighth on a home run by third baseman Nate Fassnacht.  Right-hander Mitch Ragan is summoned to pitch the ninth and proceeds to yield three runs on three hits, two for extra bases.  First baseman Rudy Rott delivers the game-winning hit with one out in the ninth.  Ragan records just one out in the inning.

Brooklyn's penchant for double-digit strikeouts continues with 13 more whiffs this game and just one walk in 34 at-bats.

The Cyclones will attempt to even the series in Sunday's finale.

Sputtering Brooklyn Cyclones Drop Fourth Straight to Aberdeen Ironbirds

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen leads Brooklyn; 4-0

I - ABD 8; BKN 1

II - ABD 6; BKN 2

III - ABD 10; BKN 1

IV - ABD 4; BKN 1

Look What The Ironbirds Did To The Cyclones, Again!

Okay, we're at the point now where the Cyclones are losing two out of every three games.  With Saturday's loss against Aberdeen, Brooklyn falls to 7-14 (.333), which qualifies for the worst record in the league.  The Hickory Crawdads and the nearby Jersey Shore BlueClaws have the same losses, but the Cyclones have two fewer wins.

Aberdeen scored twice in the third inning, which proved sufficient.  Two Ironbird pitchers limit the Cyclones to just one run on six hits and one walk with a less embarrassing seven strikeouts.  Luke Ritter homered with two outs in the fourth to ruin the shutout.  He now has four home runs and eleven runs batted in this season.  Meanwhile, Ronny Mauricio was held hitless and continues down ticking, now with a .263 mark.

Three of Brooklyn's five pitchers surrender runs.  Starter Alec Kisena allows two runs on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts in 2.2 innings pitched.  After Hunter Parsons tosses 2.2 scoreless frames, Michel Otanez yields a home run, and Bryan Metoyer renders a run in the eighth.  Bryce Montes de Oca throws a scoreless ninth.

Aberdeen strikes out 14 times, but unlike the Cyclones, they pull out a three-run victory.  The Ironbirds draw seven walks, whereas the Cyclones manage all of one base on beach balls. 

But why stop there ...

Through four games, the Cyclones have been outscored by a 28-5 margin!

The Cyclones are now winless in four games against the Ironbirds, with one more chance on Sunday to salvage at least one victory and avoid a sweep.

Brooklyn Cyclones: More Swings and Many Misses at Greenville

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn Cyclones @ GREENVILLE DRIVE

I - BKN 6; GVL 1

II - BKN 3; GVL 2

III - GVL 8; BKN 2

IV - GVL 5; BKN 1

Things started out well.  However, it's how you finish that counts.  Brooklyn first baseman Joe Genord in the second clubbed his third home run this season.  But it wasn't long till Drive catcher Kole Cottam homered in the fourth, knotting the game at one.  

Trouble then finds Cyclones starter Alec Kisena again in the fifth.  This time he is knocked out of the box as the Drive rally for three runs.  In the fifth, Greenville third baseman Nick Sogard for good measure, homers off Nick MacDonald pitching in relief of Kisena.  

Southpaw Andrew Edwards is the only Brooklyn pitcher to come away from this game unscathed.  He tosses 2.1 innings in relief of MacDonald with three strikeouts.  Led by Greenville starter Brayan Bello, four Drive pitchers limit the Coneys to just four hits and issue four walks.  But the Surf Avenue Sluggers ponderously strike out another 14 times (falling one short of Thursday's total).  That makes 29 strikeouts through two games and 64 at-bats, or a 45% rate of whiffff.  

They've generated just ten hits in two losses to the Drive.  In this game, they go 0 for 6 w/ risp, and leave eight runners on base.  Greenville ties the series at two, but the Cyclones now fall a game under par with a 4-5 record through nine games and two games left versus the Drive before returning to Coney Island on Tuesday.