Wilmington Blue Rocks Seize Series Lead Against Brooklyn Cyclones

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

FRAWLEY STADIUM

Brooklyn vs. Wilmington

I - WIL 9; BKN 3

II - BKN 8; WIL 1

III - BKN 7; WIL 6*

IV - WIL 7; BKN 1

V - WIL 4; BKN 2

Bullpen Suffers Sixth-Inning Implosion

Nursing a two-run lead, the game went awry for Brooklyn in the sixth.  Making his first start for the 'Clones, right-hander Christian Scott exited on the winning side after allowing just three hits and no walks with two strikeouts in 4.0 scoreless innings.  But after hurling a scoreless fifth, reliever Nathan Lavender yielded four hits and a walk and threw a run-scoring wild pitch in what proved a decisive four-run sixth inning for Wilmington.  Left-hander Cam Opp was called in to finish the sixth, but the damage was already done.  Brooklyn dropped their second straight to the Blue Rocks and trails the series, three games against two.  Right fielder Alex Ramirez and Jose Peroza drove in runs for Brooklyn.  Hudson Valley defeated the Aberdeen Ironbirds to regain a half-game division lead over the Cyclones.

Brooklyn Cyclones Even Series With Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

FRAWLEY STADIUM

Brooklyn vs. Wilmington

I - WIL 9; BKN 3

II - BKN 8; WIL 1

Joe Suozzi Causes Rock Slide in Wilmington

Brooklyn bounced back from Tuesday's opening loss to defeat Wilmington and even the series at one.

Second baseman Jose Peroza doubled home a run in the first inning, then reached on a fielder's choice, and scored in the third.  First baseman Joe Suozzi cleared the bases with a grand slam home run to right field as part of a six-run fourth inning, giving the Cyclones an 8-0 lead.  

The Blue Rocks finally manufactured a run in the home fourth to ruin the shutout.  Otherwise, the Blue Rocks were limited to six hits.  

Making his sixth start with Brooklyn, starter Dominic Hamel allowed one run on three hits and no walks with four strikeouts in five innings for the win.  He improved to 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA.  Southpaw Nathan Lavender yielded a hit and fanned a pair in two innings, and fellow left-hander Cam Opp closed things out with two scoreless innings.

Leadoff batter Matt Rudick was 2 for 4 with a double, two walks, and two runs scored.  With seven home runs, Joe Suozzi tied Jaylen Palmer for the team lead.  In his second game with Brooklyn, third baseman William Lugo donned the golden sombrero, going 0 for 5 with three strikeouts.

The win snaps a two-game skid and gets the Cyclones (52-52) back to par.  Hudson Valley defeated Aberdeen to maintain their half-game lead over Brooklyn.  BOXSCORE.

Winston-Salem Hurls Two-Hit Shutout Over Brooklyn Cyclones

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Winston-Salem vs. Brooklyn

I - WSD 4; BKN 2

II - WSD 8; BKN 0

Thank Goodness for Jose Peroza

Winston-Salem won their second straight against the Cyclones.  

Four Dash pitchers joined in limiting Brooklyn to just two hits, both by third baseman Jose Peroza - a single in the second and a double in the ninth.  

All other Cyclone batters remained hitless.  They drew five walks but struck out thirteen times.  Center fielder Alex Ramirez donned the golden sombrero with four strikeouts.  

Making his ninth start for the (trade deadline) pitching-depleted Cyclones, Oscar Rojas allowed two hits in three scoreless innings.  Left-hander Cam Opp didn't fare as well, allowing six runs on six hits, including a pair of two-run home runs, in 1.2 innings for the loss.  Right-hander Justin Courtney also surrendered a two-run home run in the eighth.

As a result of Wednesday's loss, Brooklyn fell out of first place in the second-half standings.  Hudson Valley now leads the Cyclones by one-half game.

It was also the last Camp Kids Day of the season ... and hot.

What an all-around lousy day on Coney Island.

Brooklyn Cyclones Hold Off Hudson Valley Renegades

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Hudson Valley

I - HVR 10; BKN 2

II - BKN 6; HVR 2

III - HVR 5; BKN 2

IV - BKN 5; HVR 1

V - BKN 7; HVR 5

Brooklyn Stages Hit Parade In Wappingers Falls; 'Clones Take Series Lead

Brooklyn held on for a second straight victory at Hudson Valley and now own a 3-2 advantage in the series.  Second baseman Rowdey Jordan and Nic Gaddis scored in the first inning.  Jordan then tripled home a pair of runs in the fourth, and Joe Suozzi tripled home a run and scored in the top of the fifth for a 6-0 lead.  Hudson Valley finally caught up with starter Nick Zwack in the bottom half of the frame and cut Brooklyn's lead by half.  After a scoreless sixth and seventh, center fielder Stanley Consuegra 

homered in the eighth, giving the Cyclones a 7-3 lead.  After having pitched a scoreless seventh and eighth, Nolan Clenney climbed the mound again in the ninth but this time yielded a two-run home run by left fielder Grant Richardson to pull the Renegades within two.  But Brooklyn would hold them there, as Justin Courtney secured the final out to earn his sixth save.  Southpaw Cam Opp earned the win with 1.2 scoreless innings in relief of Nick Zwack.  Rowdey Jordan finished 3 for 5 with a triple and two runs batted in.  Third baseman Jose Peroza also went 3 for 5 with a double and one run batted in.  Three other Cyclones wielded multiple hits as part of Brooklyn's 14-hit attack.

Brooklyn Cyclones Even Series With Bowling Green

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Bowling Green vs. Brooklyn; 2-2

I - BK 5; BG 4

II - BG 4; BK 1

III - BG 7; BK 6

IV - BK 3; BG 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cyclones Catch Long Ball Fever; Brooklyn Evens Series With Rival Renegades

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 1-1

I - HVR 3; BRK 2

II - BRK 11; HVR 7

Coney Island Nine Erupt for Seven Runs in Eighth Inning

Certain things run through one's mind when their team falls behind by five runs after just two innings.  I surely had a few things whirling around mine, particularly after Austin Wells' three-run home run against Brooklyn starter Cam Opp.  

But catcher Francisco Alvarez puts the Cyclones on the board in the fourth with his 16th home run (with BK) this season.  Brooklyn then pulls within one with a three-run sixth, when, with two runners on base, third baseman Jose Peroza connects for a three-run home run, his first this season.

However, Hudson Valley induces another mood swing when they pull away with single runs in the home sixth and seventh innings for a 7-4 lead.

Then, in the top of the eighth, the Cyclones alter everyone's frame of mind by unleashing a seven-hit barrage including six consecutively, a triple by Jaylen Palmer, and a home run by Jeremy Vasquez, his seventh, all resulting in seven runs and an 11-7 final margin of victory.

Cam Opp allows five runs on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts but escapes with a no-decision.  Next in, Josh Hejka allows a run on two hits and two walks over 2.1 innings.  Winning pitcher Hunter Parsons allows a solo home run and strikes out three over 2.0 innings pitched, and only Brian Metoyer comes out of this contest unscathed with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth.

Brooklyn evens the series against the Renegades at one.  BOXSCORE

Stingy Renegades This Time Limit Brooklyn Cyclones To Three Hits For Second Straight Win at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 2-0

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

On the heels of getting one-hit on Tuesday, Brooklyn gets three-hit on Hump Day.

With two outs in the third, catcher Nic Gaddis is the first Cyclone to reach base courtesy of a base on balls issued by Renegades starter Mitch Spence.  Center fielder Jaylen Palmer immediately follows with Brooklyn's first hit.  

But the Cyclones remain scoreless over the first seven innings with nary another hit until Ronny Mauricio in the sixth and one final hit by Antoine Duplantis during a two-run eighth.  However, by then, it's too late.  The Renegades had already posted single runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings to retain a slim margin over the Coneys Islanders.

Brooklyn starter Cam Opp pitches a representative game, albeit in a losing effort, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts through 5.1 innings.  The bullpen allows a run on one hit with no walks and four strikeouts over the final 3.2 innings. 

Hudson Valley's Mitch Spence earns the win, yielding no runs on just two hits and two walks with five strikeouts through six innings pitched.

Brooklyn has now wielded a mere four hits over their last two games.

Brooklyn Cyclones Cook Donuts Through Eight; Jersey Shore Evens Series

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

CONEY ISLAND vs. JERSEY SHORE; 1-1

I - BK 14; JS 5

II - JS 3; BK 1

Tide Rolls Out On Coney Island Nine; Jersey Shore Takes Game Two

WINNING STREAK ENDS AT SEVEN

After Tuesday's 14-run onslaught, the Brooklyn Cyclones found themselves beachcombing for runs ... any runs ... one run.  

Brooklyn quite literally stumbled across a run in the very last inning.  With one out, Antoine Duplantis doubles, advances to third, then scored on a balk.  The run brings the Cyclones within two runs of a tie, but there would be no such thing.  Instead, the Jersey Shore experiences a nice breeze as three Cyclone batters whiff to end the game.

A trio of Blue Claw pitchers joins in limiting the Cyclones to one run on eight hits and three walks with 14 strikeouts.  Brooklyn bats just 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position.  The only Cyclone with multiple hits left fielder Joe Suozzi goes 2 for 4 with a triple.

Brooklyn starter Cam Opp can only scratch his head after yielding two unearned runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through 4.2 innings in a losing effort.  Right-hander Josh Hejka surrendered a home run in the seventh to third baseman McCarthy Tatum.

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.

Errors and Rain Leave Brooklyn Cyclones Stuck In The Aberdeen Mud

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen Ironbirds lead Brooklyn Cyclones; 3-1

I - ABD 7; BKN 3

II - ABD 2; BKN 1

III - BKN 7; ABD 6

IV - ABD 2; BKN 0*

*came called bottom 6th

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, July 1, 2021
  

Starters Cam Opp for Brooklyn and Drew Rom for Aberdeen engage in a scoreless duel through the third.  Aberdeen then opens the scoring in the fourth.  Two hits, a passed ball, and a Cyclone error by third baseman Luis Gonzalez result in a 2-0 Ironbird lead.

Rom pitches through the sixth, allowing no runs on just four hits with six strikeouts.  Meanwhile, Cam Opp is removed after the fifth but not before yielding two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts.  He faces 20 batters and throws 81 pitches, with 55 (67.9%) going for strikes.  

Michel Otanez enters the game in the sixth, and with two outs, down came the rain.

The game is then declared official.

Antoine Duplantis accounts for two of Brooklyn's four hits.  Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez are responsible for the others.

Pitching and the Long Ball Lift Brooklyn Cyclones Over Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Jersey Shore @ Coney Island tied; 2-2

I - JS 7; BK 5

II - BK 3; JS 2

III - JS 3; BK 0

IV - BK 7; JS 2

BOXSCORE

Francisco Alvarez Homers in Return to Lineup; Cyclones Even Series

Now that's more like it..!

Jersey Shore promptly takes a 2-0 lead in the first inning on catcher Logan O'Hoppe's two-run home run.

Afterwhich, Brooklyn hurlers surrender just four scattered hits the rest of the way.  After the first inning, Cyclones southpaw  Cam Opp regroups, allowing just one more hit and one walk with three strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched for the win.  He faces game-high 22 batters, throwing 74 pitchers with 42 (56.7%) going for strikes.  Relievers Josh Hejka and Allan Winans join together for 3.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

Starting the game at first and finishing in left field, Jeremy Vasquez goes 2 for 3 with a home run in the second and a team-high three runs batted in.  Making his return to the lineup, catcher Francisco Alvarez is 1 for 3 with a home run in the eighth, his fifth this season, and two runs batted in, and LT Struble goes 2 for 4 also with two runs batted in.  Cody Bohanek, starting at third place in place of Brett Baty, gives Long Island three players with multiple hits.

With Friday's victory, the Cyclones knot the series at two.

But you know I can't let them off the hook so easily.  Despite ten hits, the Surf Avenue Sluggers whiffed ten times and drew just three walks.

A Coney Island Pitcher's Duel Favors Hudson Valley Over Cyclones

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Renegades lead Cyclones; 3-0

I - HVR 3; BKN 2

II - HVR 5; BKN 3

III - HVR 1; BKN 0

In the top of the second, Hudson Valley third baseman James Nelson drives home the game's first run.  Renegades starter Mitch Spence, Barrett Loseke, and Zach Green make it stand.  Brooklyn is limited to just two hits wielded by Cody Bohanek and JT Strubel.  Despite the loss, Brooklyn starter Cam Opp puts forth a fine performance, allowing the one run on just three hits and two walks with four strikeouts.  Relievers Allan Winans and Michel Otanez join together for three no-hit, no-run innings.  James Nelson accounts for two of Hudson Valley's three hits.  Brooklyn fanned eleven times, drew just one walk, and went 0 for 2 with runners in scoring position.

• BOX: Thursday, June 10, 2021
• Brooklyn Cyclones: 10-20 (.333)

Brooklyn Cyclones: Coney Island's Field of Mirrors

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Renegades lead Cyclones; 3-2

I - HVR 4; BKN 3

II - BKN 14; HVR 0

III - HVR 6; BKN 1

IV - BKN 4; HVR 1

V - HVR 5; BKN 3

Bronx Affiliate Takes 3-2 Series Lead

Damn Yankees ...

Look what the Hudson Valley Renegades did to the Cyclones, again!

On Thursday, the Cyclones were limited to just three hits and struck out 15 times in a 6-1 loss.  On Saturday, they played a near mirror image game through the seventh - one run, three hits, 16 strikeouts!  In the eighth, Anthony Walters doubles home Blake Tiberi, and Antoine Duplantis scores from third on Ronny Mauricio's ground ball to second making it a 5-3 game in favor of the visitors.  Brooklyn finishes with five hits and 18 strikeouts.

Anthony Walters finishes 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in.  Antoine Duplantis is the only other Cyclone with multiple hits.  Ronny Mauricio drives in his 13th run this season.

Making his first appearance for Brooklyn, the southpaw Cam Opp yields all five Renegades runs on five hits and two walks with four strikeouts through 3.2 innings pitched.   Four members of the bullpen join together on 5.1 scoreless innings.