Four Baggers and Stellar Pitching Propel Brooklyn Cyclones to Series Win Against Wilmington Blue Rocks

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

V - WIL 4; BRK 0

VI - BRK 6; WIL 1

Francisco Alvarez and Ronny Mauricio Remain Neck and Neck in the Great Steeplechase Grounds Home Run Derby ... or are they?  

Batting in the first, Jaylen Palmer singles through the left side, and with two outs, Francisco Alvarez

homers over the left field wall, giving Brooklyn a prompt 2-0 lead.  

Starter Jose Chacin and the bullpen make it stand.  

Not yet done, Ronny Mauricio slams a three-run home run in the seventh, and Luis Gonzalez doubles home Luke Ritter in the eighth for a 6-1 final score.

Making his second start for Brooklyn, Jose Chacin allows five hits and two walks with four strikeouts through six scoreless innings for the win.  Through 11.2 innings with the Cyclones, he has allowed one run on seven hits and three walks with nine strikeouts. 

Right-hander Willy Taveras follows Chacin with two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts.  However, Ronny Mauricio's throwing error in the ninth leads to a Wilmington run, spoiling the shutout.  Otherwise, Bryce Montes de Oca closes the game and secures Brooklyn's series win over the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

Francisco Alvarez and Ronny Mauricio remain tied for the team lead with 18 home runs in the great Steeplechase grounds home run chase.  Alvarez has 245 at-bats in 74 games this season as a member of the Cyclones.  He also hit two home runs before his promotion from St. Lucie.  Ronny Mauricio now has 381 at-bats through 97 games (23 more games than Alvarez).  The numbers speak for themselves.

Three Wilmington Pitchers Join Together For One-Hit Shutout Over Brooklyn Cyclones

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

II - Rained Out

III - WIL 6; BRK 0

No, this was not a deja vu; it really happened.  In one of several instances this season, the Brooklyn Cyclones were yet again one-hit by the opposition, this time via the arms of three Wilmington pitchers.

Starting for the Blue Rocks, southpaw Evan Lee pitches the first six innings.  He retires Brooklyn in order during the first and second innings.  Left fielder Zack Ashford singles leading off the third but is quickly erased when Nic Gaddis grounds into a 5-4-3 double-play.  Evan Lee again retires Brooklyn in order during the fourth and fifth innings.  The Cyclones draw their first base on balls in the sixth but nothing more.  

Brooklyn starter J.T. Ginn throws five scoreless innings, then yields a leadoff double and a two-out run-scoring single in the sixth.  Thus, Evan Leee exits on the winning side of a one-run affair.  His counterpart J.T. Ginn allows the one run on seven hits and one walk with one strikeout over 5.2 innings.

 Josh Hejka secures the final out in the sixth, then tosses a scoreless seventh.

Facing Todd Peterson, the Cyclones go down in order in the seventh, and in the eighth, Luis Gonzalez

reaches safely on a strikeout that gets away but is stranded in place.  In the ninth inning, reliever Zach Brzykcy issues only the Blue Rocks' second walk.  Otherwise, the Cyclones go down quietly into the night.

The So-Called Surf Avenue Sluggers: one hit, two walks, four baserunners, twelve strikeouts.

Hitting aside, Coney Island's bullpen could not pick up where J.T. Ginn and Josh Hejka left off.  Making his first appearance with the Cyclones, Luis Montas allows two runs on three hits in the eighth, and in the ninth, Bryce Montes de Oca surrenders three more runs on three hits giving the Wilmington Blue Rocks a 6-0 victory over Brooklyn.

Jose Chacin Shines in Brooklyn Cyclones Debut; Coney Island Takes 4-2 Series Lead Over Aberdeen

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

V - BRK 6; ABD 4

VI - BRK 4; ABD 1

Cyclone Bullpen and the Surf Ave Sluggers Provide Jose Chacin All The Support Needed For His First Victory at Coney Island 

Making his first start for the Brooklyn Cyclones, Port St. Lucie Mets graduate Jose Chacin makes a fine first impression before the Coney Island crowd.  After hurling five scoreless innings, he yields a run in the sixth.  All told, Chacin allowed an earned run on just two hits and one walk with five strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  

Enter Josh Hejka who closes out the sixth and throws a scoreless seventh.  Afterwhich, the bullpen hits a bump in the road when Evy Ruibal faces four batters, allows a hit, and walks two before smartly being removed in favor of big Bryce Montes de Oca who closes out the eighth, then hurls a scoreless ninth inning to preserve the victory and earn his sixth save.  Jose Chacin earns the win.

The Cyclones score four runs on seven hits and seven walks with only five strikeouts.  Aberdeen right-hander Connor Loeprich takes the loss.  Second baseman Luis Gonzalez is the big man on campus going 4 for 4 with a home run, his fifth.  Third baseman Jose Peroza and Ronny Mauricio also drive in runs for Brooklyn, and back in the second Luis Gonzalez doubled and scored on a wild pitch.

The Surf Avenue Sluggers now own a 4-2 advantage in the series with the finale slated for Sunday.

Brooklyn Cyclones Split Tightly Contested Twin Bill With Aberdeen 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

Classic Pitching Duels Unfold in Both Games of Wednesday Night's Doubleheader at Coney Island.  Aberdeen Takes Opener in Extra Innings; Boardwalk Bums Shut Out Iron Birds in Game Two

GAME ONE 

The front end of Wednesday's twin bill was nothing short of a classic pitcher's duel.  It's just unfortunate in games like this, one team must lose due in no part to lack of effort and performance.

Right-hander Zack Peek starts for the visitors and is opposed by J.T. Ginn for Brooklyn.  Making his sixth start with the Cyclones, Ginn allows just one earned run on seven hits and one walk with four strikeouts through 23 batters, and five innings pitched.  Peek surrenders one run, a home run, two other hits, and no walks with seven strikeouts against 18 batters in five pitched innings.  Both exit to a no-decision.

Reliever Clayton McGuinness enters in the sixth, as does Colby Morris for Brooklyn.  Both trade zeroes through the seventh, and into extra innings, they go at Coney Island.  

With Brian Metoyer called upon to pitch the ninth, Aberdeen bunts over the phantom runner from second to third, who scored on a sacrifice fly to center field.  Ironbird right-hander Shelton Perkins then sits down the Cyclones to close out the eighth and final frame.  McGuinness earns the win, and Perkins the save.  Brian Metoyer takes the hard-luck loss.  

Center fielder Jaylen Palmer drives home Brooklyn's only run.  BOXSCORE

⚾

  

GAME TWO (Make-Up: 5/28/2021) 

Right-hander Connor Gillispe toes the slab for Aberdeen, and David Griffin climbs the bump for his third start with the Cyclones.  

First baseman Jeremy Vasquez's hit gives the Cyclones a 1-0 lead in the fourth, scoring Jaylen Palmer from second base.  Connor Gillispe exits on the losing side after four, while David Griffin continues pitching through the fifth.  With two outs and runners on the corners in the sixth, David Griffin freezes the final batter looking at strike three.  

Clinging to a one-run lead, Bryce Montes de Oca is tasked with closing out the seventh.  The first batter grounds to second, the next strikes out swinging, batter three keeps the inning alive with a single, a wild pitched advances the tying run into scoring position.  Still, Montes de Oca gets the following batter to fly weakly to right field.

Despite only two hits, the Cyclones hold on for a tight, error-free 1-0 victory to salvage a split of the twin bill.  David Griffin earns his first win for Brooklyn, and Montes de Oca earns his fifth save.  Designated hitter Luke Ritter accounts for Brooklyn's only other hit.  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

Bullpen and Clutch Hitting Lift Brooklyn Cyclones To Series Split at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley @ BROOKLYN; 3-3

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

VI - BRK 5; HVR 4

Coney Island Nine Takes Third Straight From Hudson Valley Foes To Salvage Series Split

Playing in misty conditions at cloud-covered Coney Island, the Surf Avenue Sluggers stage a marvelous comeback supported by another exceptional performance by the Cyclones' bullpen.

BOXSCORE

Facing Brooklyn starter Luc Rennie in the third, the Renegades jump out to a 2-0 lead on designated hitter Everson Pereira's two-run home run.  In the bottom of the frame, Zach Ashford singles and would soon score on a wild pitch.

After surrendering back-to-back doubles to open the sixth, Luc Rennie is relieved by Bryce Montes de Oca, who ends Hudson Valley's threat.  However, an error by Brooklyn third baseman Jose Peroza in the seventh leads to an unearned run and a 4-2 Renegade lead.

After the seventh-inning stretch, center fielder Tanner Murphy strokes a leadoff double and scored on Jose Mena's base hit to right field, making it a 2-4 deficit.

First baseman Jeremy Vasquez pulls the Cyclones within one in the eighth with his sixth home run this season.  

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis leads off the home ninth with a single, advances to second, steals third, and scores on Ronny Mauricio's triple to center field tying the game at four.  Then with one out and Mauricio poised at third, designated hitter Francisco Alvarez's sacrifice fly to center field wins the game, as they say, in walk-off fashion.   

Hudson Valley reliever Derek Craft takes the loss.

The lone run against Bryce Montes de Oca was unearned; otherwise, the trio of Bryce, Brian Metoyer, and Colby Morris allow no earned runs on just one hit and one walk with six strikeouts over the final four innings pitched ... just brilliant, allowing the Dem Boardwalk Bums to hit their way back into the game.  Colby Morris earns a well-deserved win on behalf of the bullpen. 

After losing the first three games to Hudson Valley, Brooklyn regroups to seize the last three and salvage a series split.  Although, Hudson Valley still owns a commanding 16-8 advantage in the season series over Brooklyn.

SEASON SERIES:

1. BRK 3; HVR 3
2. HVR 5; BRK 1
3. HVR 5; BRK 1
4. BRK 3; HVR 3

Brooklyn Cyclones Split Twin Bill at Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

CONEY ISLAND vs. JERSEY SHORE; 2-2

I - BK 14; JS 5

II - JS 3; BK 1

III - BK 4; JS 0

IV - JS 3; BK 0

Back on the field after Thursday's rainout, the Cyclones and Blue Claws on Friday evening played two at Jersey Shore.

GAME ONE - Making his tenth start for Brooklyn, right-hander Justin Lasko yields five hits (all singles) and three walks with seven strikeouts over 5.2 scoreless innings pitched for the win.  He faces 23 batters while throwing 95 pitches, with 54 (56.8%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Bryce Montes de Oca continues with 1.1 scoreless innings to complete the shutout.  He allows just one hit and strikes out three to earn his fourth save.  Catcher Francisco Alvarez doubles in the fourth and scores on Zach Ashford's base hit.  In the fifth, LT Struble draws a leadoff walk and eventually scores on a ground ball double-play.  Afterwhich,  Ronny Mauricio connects for his 14th home run this season.  LT Struble again leads off the seventh with a walk, steals second, and scores giving the Cyclones a 4-0 final margin of victory, their eighth in their last nine games. 

GAME TWO - Making only his second start for Brooklyn, 22-year old J.T. Ginn toes the slab and is opposed by Ethan Lindow for the Blue Claws.  Right fielder Jhailyn Ortiz opens the scoring when he tags up from third on a sacrifice fly in the second.  Shortstop Jonathan Guzman leads off the third with a double and scores, and catcher Vito Friscia drives home another giving the Blue Claws a 3-1 lead after the third.  Ethan Lindow sets down Brooklyn in order in the fifth while limiting them to just two hits.  J.T. Ginn also negotiates a scoreless fifth, inducing an inning-ending 5-4-3 double-play.  With only six outs left in the contest, the Cyclones manage just two hits in the ninth, which go for naught when Luis Gonzalez bounces into a rally-killing 5-4-3 double-play.  J.T. Ginn takes the loss upon yielding three runs (two earned) on four hits and no walks with five strikeouts.  Ethan Lindow goes the distance, allowing just four hits and no walks with seven strikeouts for the win.

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.

Little Bit of Everything in Brooklyn Cyclones Second Straight Win Over Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 2-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

II - BRK 5; WIL 3

Francisco Alvarez Hits Second Three-Run Home Run In As Many Days; Teammates Have Willie Tavares' Back In Win Over Wilmington Blue Rocks

Team Overcomes Several Costly Fielding Errors

After three scoreless innings, the Cyclones breakout with three runs in the fourth.  With Cody Bohanek stationed at second, and Ronny Mauricio trailing at first, Francisco Alvarez launches his second three-run home run in as many days giving Brooklyn a 3-0 lead.

Cody Bohanek and Ronny Mauricio shortly team up again but for the wrong reason.  With two outs in the top of the fifth, errors by Mauricio then Bohanek lead to Wilmington's first run.  After issuing his third walk, manager Blankmeyer removes starter Cam Opp favoring Mitch Ragan, who closes out the Blue Rock's fifth.  Otherwise, making his eighth start, the Cyclone southpaw allows no earned runs on just two hits and three walks with three strikeouts over 4.2 innings while exiting on the winning side of a 3-1 affair.

Mitch Ragan completes a scoreless top half of the sixth.  Ronny Mauricio singles leading off the bottom half, and with Francisco Alvarez at the plate, Wilmington executes a strike-em-out, throw-em-out, double-play.  In turn, Blue Rock starter Alfonso Hernandez completes his sixth inning of work, yielding three runs on five hits and one walk with eight strikeouts.

Right-hander Willie Tavares enters the game in the seventh for Brooklyn and retires Wilmington in order.  But that's where his luck runs out.  With one out and one on base in the top of the eighth, right fielder Jacob Rhinesmith connects off Tavares for a two-run home run tying the game at three.  However, Wilmington's glee is fleeting, as Brooklyn answers with two runs in the Cyclone eighth; Antoine Duplantis and Cody Bohanek each drive home runs for a 5-3 lead.

Big 6'7", 265 lbs., right-hander Bryce Montes de Oca is tasked by manager Blankmeyer with pitching the ninth inning.  But things do not start well.  An error by Jeremy Vasquez at third and a walk put the tying runs on base.  Out one comes on a pop-up in which the infield fly rule is invoked; the runners stay put.  The next batter strikes out swinging on four pitches.  Afterwhich, Montes de Oca catches the final batter looking at strike three to end the game, preserve the win, and earn his third save this season.  Willie Tavares escapes with the win, Cam Opp a no-decision. 

• BOXSCORE

From the desk: John From Albany 👍

• Right-hander Connor Grey's near no-hitter this past Saturday against Jersey Shore earned him a promotion to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies where he rejoins former Cyclone teammates Brett Baty and Jose Butto.  In another move, Josh Hejka says goodbye to Coney Island and hello to Syracuse. 

STUFF:

• I wish all the recent Coney Island graduates well, as I do all my Brooklyn backyard alumni.  Obviously, as a Mets fan, I like seeing the kids climb the organizational ladder.  However, as a Cyclones fan, I love getting first dibs on these players, and sometimes it's hard seeing them leave.
• Antoine Duplantis is way more competent, and clutch than his .254 average might lead some to believe.
• For 19-year old catcher/DH Francisco Alvarez, home run number nine (w/ BK) with 26 RBI.

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.

Faulty Bullpen Short Circuits Brooklyn Cyclones Power Surge at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

GAME ONE

CYCLONES     7

RENEGADES    9

FINAL/BOXSCORE

Home Runs From Brett Baty, Luke Ritter, and Francisco Alverez Negated By Bullpen Meltdown 

Eight total pitchers climb the bump at Hudson Valley Tuesday night.  Only one walks off unscathed, Renegades reliever Derek Craft, who earns his second save this season.

In a rock'em, sock'em affair, the Cyclones trail 5-3 after four but erupted for three runs in the sixth.  However, Hudson Valley gets one back in the bottom of the frame to knot the game at five.

Cyclone starter Jaison Vilera allows five earned runs on eight hits, including three home runs, in only four innings pitched.  He faces 20 batters while throwing 60 pitches, with 36 (60%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Evy Ruibal, in relief of Vilera allows a run on one hit in two innings pitched.  

Renegades starter Josh Maciejewski allows three runs, including a home run off the bat of Francisco Alvarez (7) in the fourth.  Reliever Matt Minnick likewise yields three runs, including home runs by Brett Baty (7) and Luke Ritter (11), both in the sixth.

Brooklyn's Bryce Montes de Oca fails to pitch out of the seventh.  He is relieved by Mitch Ragan but not before surrendering two runs on a hit and three walks in just 0.2 of an inning pitched.  Like his stablemates before him, Ragan fails to keep Hudson Valley from tacking on, surrendering a run on two hits in 1.1 innings pitched.

Joe Genord delivers Francisco Alvarez in the eighth, but the Cyclones would score no more.  Five of Brooklyn's eight hits go for extra bases.  They strike out 13 times, draw four walks, and bat a mere 1 for 10 with runners in scoring positions.

But the bullpen simply does not hold.  On more baseball diamonds than not, three earned runs on three hits and three walks over the final two innings is a losing proposition.

Brooklyn Cyclones' Bullpen Cleans Up Own Mess To Secure Victory at Aberdeen

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen Ironbirds lead Brooklyn Cyclones; 3-2

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

*game called bottom 6th

BULLPEN BENDS BUT DOES NOT BREAK

Leading off, Antoine Duplantis opens the game with a single, and with one out Brett Baty likewise singles.  With two outs, the Cyclones execute a rare double steal.  Second baseman Luke Ritter then drives home both Duplantis and Baty.  Afterwhich, Zach Ashford drives home Ritter for a prompt 3-0 lead.

Duplantis doubles home first baseman Jeremy Vasquez (double) for a 4-0 Brooklyn lead 

the second.  But Aberdeen strikes back against starter Connor Grey for three runs in the bottom half of the frame; Connor Grey's throwing error didn't help matters.  With Aberdeen now trailing by one, the score remains unchanged through the fourth.  Connor exits a 4-3 contest on the winning side, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts.  

Brooklyn plates insurance in the fifth on Luke Ritter's double into center field scoring Francisco Alvarez, and Brett Baty singles and scores on a wild pitch in the seventh for a 6-3 advantage.

Right-hander Colby Morris pitches two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in relief of Grey.  

Hunter Parsons enters in the seventh in relief of Morris and immediately pitches into trouble.  He walks the leadoff batter, who, two wild pitches later, arrives at third base.  Parsons then hits the next batter putting runners on the corners, and another walk loads the bases.  Parsons then unleashes his third wild pitch permitting a run.  Afterwhich, right fielder Zach Watson's sacrifice fly to center makes it a one-run game.  Head Cyclone in Charge Ed Blankmeyer finally removes Parsons in favor of Andrew Edwards, who strikes out the third baseman Gunnar Henderson to end the Ironbirds' threat.  

Edwards returns to hurl a scoreless eighth, followed by Bryce Montes de Oca, who closes out the ninth for his second save.  Connor Grey escapes with a no-decision, and Colby Morris earns a well-deserved win.

Antoine Duplantis finishes 3 for 5 with a double and a run batted in, and Luke Ritter is 2 for 5 with a double and three runs batted in, giving him 31 for this season. 

• BOXSCORE

Home of the Ironbirds

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 Split Twin Bill With Hudson Valley Renegades at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley Renegades

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM
Old Steeplechase Grounds

The rivalry with the Baby Bombers is back on.  These teams have now met eight times with each winning four.

BOX: GAME ONE - After trading early runs, Hudson Valley scores twice in the sixth, but the Cyclones can only muster one.  Renegades starter Jhony Brito allows Brooklyn one run in the second and otherwise yields three hits and no walks with five strikeouts through four innings pitched, but earns a no-decision.  Tanner Myatt earns the win in relief of Brito.  Brooklyn starter Justin Lasko surrenders all three Renegades' runs on four hits (two home runs) and a walk with eight strikeouts through 5.2 innings in a losing effort.  Designated hitter Cody Bohanek homered for Brooklyn in the sixth.  Second baseman Luke Ritter was the only Cyclones with multiple hits.  As such, they were 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  However, Brooklyn kept their strikeouts under double-digits for one of only a handful of times this season.

BOX: GAME TWO - Coney Island regroups after their game one loss and rebounds from a 3-1 deficit in game two en route to a 5-3 victory and split of Wednesday's doubleheader.  The Renegades jump out to a 3-0 lead in the second, highlighted by a Kyle MacDonald home run.  Coney Island recoups one in the bottom of the frame when Zach Ashford singles home Brett Baty.  The Cyclones then strike for three runs in the fourth.  Catcher Juan Uriarte drives home Ashford, and center fielder Gerson Molina connects for a two-run home run.  Brett Baty supplies some insurance in the seventh with his fifth home run this season.  Starter Hunter Parsons allows three runs on two hits (including a home run) and one walk through only three innings pitched.  Relievers Eric Orze and Bryce Montes de Oca respectively allow no hits and no runs in two innings of work.

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 Lose Series Opener Against Aberdeen Ironbirds

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

TUESDAY
Ironbirds 8

CYCLONES  1

FINAL

Feel the Breeeeze!

• BOXSCORE: GAME #18

Don't ask me how the Cyclones are not leading the High-A Division in strikeouts.  It sure as hell seems that way.  But they're close, just nine away from the Ashville Tourists.  The good news at least they're fourth in team OPS and just happened to be tied with the Aberdeen Ironbirds for fourth-most runs after Tuesday's action.

So much for that ...

Opening their fourth series of the young season, the Cyclones welcome old foe, the Aberdeen Ironbirds, who inflict all their damage against starter Oscar Rojas and Bryce Montes de Oca.  Rojas allows six runs on eight hits, including a home run by right fielder Zach Watson in just three innings pitched.  Oca surrendered two runs on three hits and two walks in two innings.  

Brooklyn, this game struck out another twelve times.  They're averaging 11.7 strikeouts through 18 games.  Right fielder Zach Ashford fanned the breeze with a team-leading three whiffs.  

Antoine Duplantis drives in the lone Cyclones run in the fifth scored by second baseman Anthony Walters.

Brooklyn Cyclones Win First Home Game in a Rout Over Renegades

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGER

Renegades and Cyclones tied; 1-1

I - HVR 4; BKN 3

II - BKN 14; HVR 0

Four Cyclones Pitchers Join Together to Hurl a Gem

Coney Island makes up for their Opening Day loss with a dominating performance in game two.  

• BOXSCORE 5/19/21: Game #13

Starting with Oscar Rojas, four Cyclones pitchers join together in limiting the Hudson Valley Renegades to just five hits over nine scoreless innings.  Rojas yields three hits in four innings; Allan Winans earns the win with two scoreless innings, followed by another two scoreless frames pitched by Bryan Metoyer, and Bryce Montes de Oca allows a hit and strikes out one in a scoreless ninth to preserve the shutout.  

Hudson Valley goes 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position, whereas the Cyclones are 8 for 19 while leaving an equal seven runners on base.  Brooklyn hitters erupt for 14 runs on 14 hits, with seven going for extra bases.  Three runs in the third, five in the sixth, and six more runs in the seventh, and that's all she wrote.

Brett Baty leads the charge going 4 for 5 with a double, stolen base, and four runs batted in.  Center fielder Jake Mangum and second baseman Anthony Walters each drive in two runs apiece.  Joe Genord is 3 for 5 with a double, triple, and three runs scored.  

• Brooklyn Cyclones
• Hudson Valley Renegades