Brooklyn Cyclones Even Series with Jersey Shore Blue Claws

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

Hunter Parson Closes What Jose Chacin Starts; Cyclones Play With Lead Throughout

Staked to a 3-0 lead, right-hander Jose Chacin limits the Blue Claws to one run through the first five innings.  Jersey Shore finally catches up to Chacin with consecutive extra-base hits in the sixth resulting in two runs.  But it's too little too late for the Blue Claws, as Brooklyn rallies for another three runs back in the home fifth en route to a 7-5 victory.

Making his fourth start for Brooklyn, Jose Chacin faces 24 batters, throwing 91 pitches with 62 (68.1%) going for strikes.  Chacin allows three runs on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in earning his third win.  In relief of Chacin, Nolan Clenney yields a run on three hits over two innings, but Hunter Parsons tosses a scoreless ninth to close out the win and earn his second save.

Designated hitter Zack Ashford is the big man on campus, going 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in, and third baseman Jose Peroza also goes 2 for 4 with a double and one run batted in.  Catcher

Nic Gaddis, Raul Beracierta, and Luke Ritter also drive in runs for Brooklyn.

Brooklyn wielded double-digit hits, drew six walks, and fanned only six times, and regulars Francisco Alvarez and Cody Bohanek were given the night off.

Jersey Shore Claws Back at Cyclones to Even Final Series at Coney Island

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

Three Home Runs Not Enough to Save Jaison Vilera From Jersey Shore Blue Claws

Game two features Jersey Shore right-hander Victor Vargas hurling against Jaison Vilera for Brooklyn.

Blue Claws third baseman Nicolas Torres leads off the second with a double, advances to third, and scores on a passed ball.  The Cyclones knot the game in the third on Cody Bohanek's eighth home run this season.  

Jersey right fielder Carlos De La Cruz then homers in the visitor's fourth.  But Brooklyn again ties the game on Francisco Alvarez's 21st home run this season, leading off the bottom of the frame.

After a scoreless fifth, Jersey Shore with two outs in the sixth rally to take a 3-2 lead and knock Jaison Vilera out of the box.  Incoming reliever Colby Morris yields a run-scoring hit charged to Vilera.  Making his twentieth start for Brooklyn, Jaison Vilera exits on the losing side of a two-run game, allowing all four runs on five hits (one home run) and one walk with five strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.

Colby Morris and right-hander Tom Sutera duel through a scoreless seventh.

In relief of Morris, Evy Ruibal twirls a scoreless eight.  Cody Bohanek pulls the Cyclones within one in the bottom of the frame upon launching his second home run of the game.  

Evy Ruibal returns to the bump in the ninth, and with two outs, Jersey Shore loads the bases.  But Ruibal regroups to strike out shortstop Luis Garcia ending the threat.  

Blue Claws right-hander Mark Potter is tasked with pitching the home ninth.  Right fielder Zack Ashford draws a leadoff walk.  But Jaylen Palmer goes down swinging, and right fielder Raul Beracierta looks at strike three.  With two outs, catcher Nic Gaddis draws a four-pitch walk putting the winning run on first.  But Branden Fryman then grounds to short for a force-out at second, ending the game.

Mr. hard-luck Vaison Vilera sees his record fall to 3-8 with an unsightly 7.24 ERA, while Morris and Ruibal join together for three scoreless innings.

Cody Bohanek leads Coney Island, going 3 for 4 with two home runs, while Franciso Alvarez extends his team lead and the Brooklyn Cyclones' single-season record with twenty-one. 

Jersey Shore ties the series at one.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Shut Out at Dutchess Stadium; Hudson Valley Renegades Even Series at Three

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN @ HUDSON VALLEY

I - HV 7; BK 6

II - BK 4; HV 0

III - BK 10; HV 8

IV - BK 6; HV 4

V - HV 4; BK 1

VI - HV 7; BK 0

It's Groundhog Day at Wappingers Falls

The Brooklyn Cyclones have now lost 66 games this season.  I've covered every single one.  So, I know, and dread going back and checking to see just how many times this season the Cyclones have been limited to four hits or less.  I've made it a point of contention throughout.

On Saturday, they escaped my rage by wielding their fifth hit in the ninth inning.

Thank you, Cody Bohanek.

Hudson Valley's Josh Maciejewski hurls a gem, allowing four hits and no walks with eleven strikeouts over seven innings pitched for the win.  Right-hander Freicer Perez yields one hit over two scoreless innings to complete the shutout.

Brooklyn manages to put only one runner into scoring position.  They draw no walks and strike out 13 times.  Catcher Francisco Alvarez, Wilmer Reyes, Luis Gonzalez, and Zack Ashford account for Brooklyn's four other hits, none for extra bases.

After two impressive starts, right-hander Jose Chacin suffers his first loss as a Cyclone.  He allows five runs on three hits, including two home runs in the third and three walks with eight strikeouts through five innings.  In relief of Chacin, Luis Montas yields a run over two innings pitched, and Evy Ruibal 

surrenders a home run in the eighth.

Wilmer Reyes Makes Grand Return With Decisive Triple; Brooklyn Cyclones Take Third Straight From Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN @ HUDSON VALLEY

I - HV 7; BK 6

II - BK 4; HV 0

III - BK 10; HV 8

IV - BK 6; HV 4

Coney Island Continues Getting In Last Licks Against Renegades Before Season's End; Take 3-1 Series Lead

Shortstop seems to agree with Cody Bohanek, who takes over the position from Ronny Mauricio upon his promotion earlier today to Binghamton.  

Leading off the game for Brooklyn, Bohanek homers off Hudson Valley starter Beck Way for a prompt 1-0 lead.  However, it does not last.  Making his 19th start for Brooklyn, Jaison Vilera surrenders two runs in the home first on three hits, including a triple by right fielder Jake Sanders.  But the Cyclones quickly tie the game in the second on Zack Ashford's run-scoring single.

Beck Way earns himself a trip to the showers in the third after walking the bases loaded.  With two outs, returning member of the 2019 champion Cyclones, first baseman Wilmer Reyes greets incoming reliever Trevor Holloway with a bases-clearing double to left field; all runs charged to Beck Way.

Facing Holloway in the fifth, catcher Francisco Alvarez draws a leadoff walk and comes around to score on a fielder's choice for a 6-2 lead.

After five, Jaison Vilera exits on the winning side, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks with two strikeouts.  In relief of Vilera, Hunter Parsons yields a home run in the home eighth.  Afterwhich, Dylan Hall enters in relief of Parsons and yields a second run before the frame is through.

They go at Dutchess Stadium into the ninth inning, with Brooklyn holding on to a 6-4 lead.

Hudson Valley right-hander Derek Craft surrenders a leadoff hit to Francisco Alvarez but retires the next three batters consecutively.  Brooklyn right-hander Evi Ruibal is called upon to pitch the ninth and completes the job to earn his second save.  Mr. Hard-Luck himself, Jaison Vilera, earns his third victory.

All told, four Brooklyn pitchers limit Hudson Valley to four runs on seven hits and just two walks with eight collective strikeouts.  

• BOXSCORE

But in a ponderously more familiar aspect of Brooklyn's season, the Cyclones muster eight hits and draw eight walks, yes, but strikeouts an absurd 18 times.  Said another way, Brooklyn sends 41 batters to the plate, and 43.9% of them struck out ... and the organizational powers that be find this acceptable.

2019 NYPL Champion ... thank you so much! Be well and good luck at Binghamton. https://t.co/NPxbH09alq

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) September 9, 2021

 

Good Luck! On behalf of Brooklyn fans, thank you! https://t.co/uzp6qpVCxR

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) September 9, 2021

 

Aberdeen Ironbirds Salvage Finale; Brooklyn Cyclones Still Take Series , 4-3

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

VII - ABD 5; BRK 1

Cyclones Bats Go Silent in Finale Against Ironbirds

Making his 18th start for Brooklyn, Jaison Vilera gets himself into trouble right away, issuing a pair of leadoff walks which Aberdeen converts into a run.  The Ironbirds post two more in the second; after surrendering a leadoff double, catcher Willy Yahn connects off Vilera for a home run.  

Jaison Vilera exits on the losing side of a 3-0 affair after yielding five hits and four walks in just 3.1 innings pitched.

Aberdeen scores single runs against Colby Morris in the fifth and Michel Otanez in the eighth innings. Still, they're unnecessary as the Cyclones are limited to just one run in the third on Cody Bohanek's sixth home run this season.

In a somewhat familiar script this season, the Cyclones are limited to just four hits and work out only three walks while striking out a dozen times.

How many times have I said that before ...

Shortstop Ronny Mauricio (2) and Oscar Campos account for Brooklyn's three other hits.

Three Aberdeen pitchers join together for twelve strikeouts and six scoreless innings after the third.  Southpaw Jake Prizina earns the win, Adam Stauffer the save.

Brooklyn nonetheless wins the series against Aberdeen, four games to three.

The Cyclones next host the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Tuesday at Coney Island.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Overcome Early Deficits, Rally Late; Bullpen Handles the Rest in Victory Over 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

IV - ABD 12; BRK 5

V - BRK 6; ABD 4

Brooklyn Bullpen Puts Aberdeen On Hold; Luis Gonzalez Drives Home Decisive Runs in Eighth

Aberdeen holds the early advantage.  Making his sixth start for the Cyclones, right-hander Luc Rennie surrenders two hits and issued two walks in the first inning as the Ironbirds jump out to a prompt 2-0 led.  

Second baseman Luke Ritter drives home one run in the bottom half of the first, third baseman Luis Gonzalez singles and scores the tying run in the second, and in the fourth, Cody Bohanek doubles and scored on Antoine Duplantis' line single to right field, giving Brooklyn a 3-2 lead.

With Luc Rennie pitching in the fifth, Aberdeen retakes the lead with another pair of runs.  The score then remains unchanged through the seventh.  Right-hander Brian Metoyer twirls two fine innings in relief of Rennie, allowing just a hit and striking out two.  The Cyclones then breakthrough for three runs in the bottom of the eighth; Luis Gonzalez drives home two runs and soon scores on a throwing error by Aberdeen pitcher Ignacio Feliz for a 6-4 Cyclone lead and the final margin of victory.

Brian Metoyer's fine effort earns him the victory.  Right-hander Willy Taveras strikes out three batters to close out the ninth for his third save this season.  Luc Rennie escapes with a no-decision, and Ignacio Feliz takes the loss.

The Cyclones bat 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position; they strike out 12 times and draw just three walks.  Of their nine hits, only one goes for extra bases.  The good news is with the victory the Cyclones take a 3-2 series lead over Aberdeen.  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 Lose Third Straight At Home Against Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-0

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 5; BRK 3

Everything Was Fine Until It Wasn't

They had a nice pitcher's duel going at Coney Island.  Right-hander Anderson Munoz for Hudson Valley and Justin Lasko for Brooklyn open the game with four scoreless frames.  Then with two on and two outs in the fifth, right fielder Joe Suozzi triples home a pair of runs for Brooklyn.

Great!

But it does not last.  Lasko yields three runs, and Josh Hejka surrenders one during a four-run third inning for the Renegades from which the Cyclones do not recover.  First baseman Jeremy Vasquez 

doubles home Ronny Mauricio in the bottom half to the frame, but Hudson Valley puts the game out of reach with an insurance run in the eighth, 

... and that's that.

Brooklyn strikes out 15 times while drawing just three walks.  If Cody Bohanek wears the golden sombrero with three strikeouts, then center fielder Jaylen Palmer wears the platinum with four.

The Renegades win their third straight at Coney Island.

Hudson Valley Continues Flexing Dominance Over Brooklyn Cyclones With Series Opening One-Hitter

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 1-0

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

Brooklyn Cyclones One-Hit By Hudson Valley Renegades; Now, Where Have I Heard That Before ...

There would be no slugging along Surf Avenue this evening.  Of course, strikeouts were in abundance, and bases on balls were actually favorably high, not that the Cyclones could take advantage.

Instead, this is turning into a familiar refrain: Look what the Hudson Valley Renegades did to the Brooklyn Cyclones, again!

Renegade starter Randy Vasquez allows just one hit and two walks with ten strikeouts while facing 21 batters over six innings pitched for the win.  The bullpen of Nelson L Alvarez and Nick Ernst account for the final three innings allowing no runs and no hits to close out Hudson Valley's one-hit shutout victory in game one at Coney Island.

Second baseman Edgardo Fermin singles with two outs in the second, and that was that.  Five times Brooklyn sent to the plate a bare minimum of three batters.

The game doesn't start well to begin with.  Making a rare start at first base, Cody Bohanek's first inning misplay clears the way for an unearned run.  Afterwhich, there's no begrudging starter Jaison Vilera who allows just one earned run in the sixth, on six total hits and one walk with six strikeouts in a losing effort.

Three members from Brooklyn's bullpen join together in surrendering another three runs on five hits and four walks over the final 3.1 innings.

With Tuesday's victory, the Renegades improve to 14-5 this season against the Cyclones.  Boxscore

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Third Straight From Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 3-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

II - BRK 5; WIL 3

III - BRK 10; WIL 2

Antoine Duplantis Remains Red Hot; Justin Lasko Hurls Gem Through First Seven Innings

Brooklyn scores early, often, and late en route to a third straight victory over the Wilmington Blue Rocks.  The Cyclones erupt for 17 hits, with six going for extra-bases, including three of the four-base variety.  Starter Justin Lasko and Colby Morris take care of the rest.

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis spearheads Brooklyn's attack going 4 for 5 with a home run and three runs batted in.  Second baseman Luis Gonzalez goes 4 for 4 with a double and three runs scored.  Third baseman Cody Bohanek and shortstop Ronny Mauricio each hit solo home runs.

Justin Lasko surrenders just two hits in a fine performance and two walks with eight strikeouts over seven innings pitched for the win.  Reliever Colby Morris fails to protect the shutout, yielding two runs in the eighth.  

For shortstop Ronny Mauricio, his eleventh home run this season.

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 Go Down Looking; Jersey Shore Evens Series

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore; 1-1

I - BRK 1; JS 0

II - JS 3; BRK 2

Cyclones Blink First; Bullpen Outlasted by Jersey Shore

With isolated storms rumbling through Brooklyn, right-hander Jose Butto takes his turn on the slab and is opposed by Adam Leverett for Jersey Shore.  

The Blue Claws open the scoring in the second inning when second baseman Jonathan Guzman takes Jose Butto deep over the left-field wall. 

Leverett makes an early exit after having surrendered one hit with four strikeouts over two scoreless innings pitched.  Jersey southpaw Jhordany Mezquita enters the game in the third.

With two outs and a base runner at first in the fourth, lightning strikes at Coney Island necessitated a game delay.  At roughly 8:18 pm, play resumes, and Jose Butto closes out the top half of the frame.  In the bottom half, Mezquita completes his second scoreless inning in relief of Leverett. 

Jersey Shore manufactures a run in the top of the fifth for a 2-0 lead.  Meanwhile, Brooklyn remains mired with just one hit courtesy of Ronny Mauricio back in the first inning.

With two outs in the top of the sixth, reliever Hunter Parsons enters the fray.  Jose Butto exits on the losing side after yielding an otherwise effective two earned runs on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts.  But that's where his mates step in, scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth to get Butto off the hook.  Blue Claws' Carlos Francisco is tasked with pitching the seventh.  With one out and one on in the eighth, Andrew Edwards enters the game to relieve Hunter Parsons.  Jersey Shore calls on Carlo Reyes to twirl the bottom of the eighth.  With two outs and a runner in scoring position, left field substitution Joe Suozzi strikes out, and into the ninth inning tied at two, they go.

• BOXSCORE

Each team musters just three hits apiece through the first eight innings.

In the top of the ninth, Andrew Edwards issues the dreaded leadoff base on balls.  With one out, manager Blankmeyer is prompted to bring in Mitch Ragan in relief of Edwards.  The move backfires.  With two outs, left fielder Keaton Greenwalt doubles home the go-ahead run.

Jersey Shore's Carlo Reyes climbs the hill for his second inning of relief.  Third baseman Cody Bohanek greets him with a leadoff single.  Unfortunately, Zach Ashford grounds into fan-crushing a 3-6-3 double-play.  Afterwhich, Joe Genord looks at strike three to end the game.

Andrew Edwards takes the loss; Carlos Reyes, the win.

Brooklyn Cyclones Outlast Jersey Shore In Tightly Contested Pitching Duel at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Jersey Shore; 1-0

I - BRK 1; JS 0

BOXSCORE

Fans Of Old Time Pitching Duels Have Their Night At The Boardwalk

With the Cyclones back at Coney Island, Jaison Vilera takes his turn on the slab and is opposed by Jonathan Hughes for Jersey Shore.  The two engage in a scoreless duel into the fifth.  However, Hughes is relieved by J.P. Woodward with two outs in the bottom half of the frame, and Jaison Vilera's night ends after the fifth as well. 

Right-hander Colby Morris and Woodward continue dueling through the sixth, after which Blake Brown enters for the Blue Claws and hurls a scoreless seventh.  Colby Morris completes his second scoreless inning then gives way to Michel Otanez, who retires three of four batters faced in the eighth. Blake Brown returns to the hill for the bottom half of the frame and sinfully walks leadoff batter  Edgardo Fermin, who, after a pitching change, eventually comes around to score the go-ahead run on Jeremy Vasquez's sacrifice fly to left field against Jersey's Tyler Burch.

Michel Otanez climbs the bump for the top half of the ninth and retires three of five batters to secure Brooklyn series-opening victory against the Jersey Shore Blue Claws and earn the win, his second against no defeats.  Jersey Shore is limited to just three hits over five scoreless innings tossed by starter Jaison Vilera.  Three members of the Cyclone bullpen join together on four innings of no-hit, no-run ball.

Shortstop Ronny Mauricio accounts for two of just six hits for Brooklyn.  Jeremy Vasquez and Cody Bohanek (playing third base in Brooklyn's reconfigured infield) hit for extra bases.  The Cyclones only strike out five times and draw five walks but bat 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Early Deficit Too Much For Brooklyn Cyclones To Overcome

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-0

I - HVR 9; BRK 7

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 6; BRK 4 

Winless Streak Reaches Five

Brooklyn rallies for two runs in the ninth, but it goes for naught.  

The Cyclones lose this game early.  

Starter Cam Opps promptly yields a two-out home run in the first.  Then, just when the Cyclones thought they had this game tied in the top half of the third, Cam Opp allows two runs on three doubles in the bottom half of the frame, and off to the showers, he goes.  

After Zach Ashford doubles home Brett Baty in the fourth to get the Cyclones back within one, Hudson Valley plates three more runs in the home fourth to put the game out of reach.  

Cam Opp allows three earned runs on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts in a mere 2.1 innings pitched for the loss.  Right-hander Colby Morris fares no better, surrendering three runs on three hits and one walk in 2.2 innings pitched.  However, Hunter Parsons and Michel Otanez close out the game with three scoreless innings.  

Otherwise, Brooklyn's two-run ninth is an afterthought.

Brett Baty goes 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored, designated hitter Jeremy Vasquez also goes 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs batted in, and Cody Bohanek drives in a run.  Again, the Cyclones strikeout in double-digits and draw just two walks while batting 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Coney Island loses their third straight to the Renegades and extends their winless streak to five.

Brooklyn Cyclones Split Twin Bill at Aberdeen

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen Ironbirds lead Brooklyn Cyclones; 2-1

I - ABD 7; BKN 3

II - ABD 2; BKN 1

III - BKN 7; ABD 6

GAME ONE - Brooklyn starter Jose Butto is the hard-luck loser in a tightly contested affair at Aberdeen.  He yields two earned runs on five hits, only one for extra bases, one walk with nine strikeouts through six innings pitched.  After trading runs in the second inning, the Ironbirds score in the fourth for a 2-1 final margin of victory.  Left fielder Cody Bohanek accounts for Brooklyn's lone run in the second inning with this third home this season.  Led by starter Kevin McGee, three Aberdeen pitchers join together in limiting Brooklyn to one run on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts.  Right-hander Clayton McGinness earns the win in relief of McGee.  Designated hitter this game,  Francisco Alvarez accounts for two of Brooklyn's four hits, and LT Struble the other.

• FINAL: BKN 1; ABD 2
• BOXSCORE
  

⚾

GAME TWO (Make-Up 5/30/21) - The second contest is a more wild and wooly affair.  Brooklyn erupts for five runs in the third.  Aberdeen starter Kade Strowd walks the bases loaded.  With one out, Luke Ritter singles home Jose Mena.  After a pitching change, Cody Bohanek doubles home two runs.  Still, with one out and two runners in scoring position, right fielder Zach Ashford delivers home both runners.  The Cyclones add a pair in the third on Ronny Mauricio's two-run home run; his eighth this season.  Afterwhich, it becomes a matter of holding on.  Aberdeen scores two runs on four hits in the sixth and rallies in the seventh for three more runs on four hits and a walk.  With the tying run standing on second base, Mitch Ragan pitching in Conner O'Neil's relief secures the final out.  The Ironbirds fall a run short as Brooklyn gains a twin bill split.  Cyclone starter Jaison Vilera yields three earned runs on five hits and one walk through five innings pitched.  He finally earns his first victory of this season against five losses and an unsightly 9.16 ERA.  Mitch Ragan earns his second save.  Brett Baty and Ritter lead Brooklyn with two hits apiece.

• FINAL: ABD 6; BKN 7 *Cyclones home team
• RECORD: 17-31 (.354)
• BOXSCORE 

Brooklyn Cyclones Lose Finale to Jersey Shore Blue Claws, Settle For Series Split

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Jersey Shore vs. Coney Island; 3-3

I - JS 7; BK 5

II - BK 3; JS 2

III - JS 3; BK 0

IV - BK 7; JS 2

V - BK 8; JS 5

VI - JS 3; BK 0

Cyclones Get Two-Hit For The Sixth Time This Season

This time I went back and checked.  Sunday's game marks the sixth time the Cyclones have been two-hit by the opposition - three times by the Hudson Valley Renegades, now three times by the Jersey Shore Blue Claws, and the second time this series.  

The Cyclones also fail to win three in a row for the first time this season.

Jersey Shore starter Dominic Pipkin faces 17 batters, allowing no runs on just two hits and no walks with five strikeouts through five innings for the win.  Three members of the bullpen complete the shutout with four innings of no-hit ball, allowing three walks and striking out seven.

Playing first base this game, Cody Bohanek wields both hits for Brooklyn.  The Cyclones strike out twelve times and draw just three walks, and bat 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Brooklyn starter Justin Lasko faces 25 batters, allows three earned runs on eight hits and no walks with six strikeouts in a losing effort.  In relief of Lasko, Mitch Ragan allows no hits and strikes out three over two innings pitched, and Eric Orze yields one hit and strikes out two in a scoreless ninth.

• BOXSCORE

More Long Balls Power Brooklyn Cyclones To 3-2 Series Lead Against Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

 Coney Island leads Jersey Shore; 3-2

I - JS 7; BK 5

II - BK 3; JS 2

III - JS 3; BK 0

IV - BK 7; JS 2

V - BK 8; JS 5

VI - SUNDAY

Back-To-Back Home Runs From Brett Baty, And Francisco Alvarez Prove Decisive

One score and twenty-four hours ago, the Brooklyn Cyclones play their first-ever game at Coney Island.  

That's it ... I just wanted to use this definition of score in a sentence.

Otherwise, Jersey Shore gets on the board in the top of the third.  Brooklyn answers with two runs in the bottom of the frame; first baseman Joe Genord doubles home Cody Bohanek, and Jose Mena doubles home Genord.

The Blue Claws score another run in the fourth, and the Cyclones again answer with two in the bottom half of the frame.  With one out and two runners on, Bohanek reaches safely on an E-6; Francisco Alvarez scores on the play.  Genord then singles home Luke Ritter from third.

Jersey Shore starter Jhordany Mezquita allows all four runs on three hits and six walks through four innings.  Brooklyn starter Connor Grey yields two earned runs on three hits and just one walk with six strikeouts through five innings pitched before departing on the winning side of a 4-2 affair.

But Jersey Shore then scores unanswered runs in the sixth and seventh innings, tying the game at four.  In relief of Grey, right-hander Colby Morris yields both runs on four hits and two walks in 1.2 innings pitched.

The Surf Avenue Sluggers finally breakthrough with four runs in the home eighth highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez.  It's Alvarez's second home run in as many days.  With one on and one out, Cody Bohanek singles, but an error in left field permits Ritter to score all the way from first.  Afterwhich, Bohanek scores from third on a wild pitch giving Brooklyn an 8-4 lead.

Pitching in relief of Colby Morris, Michel Otanez gives up a run in the ninth but closes out the victory for Brooklyn.  Otanez earns a well-deserved win allowing just two hits and striking out five in 2.1 innings of quality work.  A fine start by Connor Grey earns him a no-decision.  Brooklyn pitchers join for twelve combined strikeouts.

The Cyclones generate just six hits, but four are for extra bases.  They strike out just seven times, draw eight walks, and bat 3 for 8 with runners in scoring positions.  Joe Genord is the lone Baby Bum with multiple hits and runs batted in.

Brooklyn takes a 3-2 series lead, with the finale slated for Sunday afternoon at Coney Island.

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.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Jersey Shore Triumphant In First Ever Visit To Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BATTLE ON THE BOARDWALK

GAME ONE
Jersey Shore BlueClaws  7

Brooklyn Cyclones           5

FINAL/BOX

BlueClaws Bullpen Stops Brooklyn Comeback Cold In Its Tracks

Jupiter Pluvius does the Brooklyn Cyclones no favors ...

.. and so it is, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws are triumphant in their first-ever venture into Coney Island.

Oh, the shame ...

Insofar as the game, once both starting pitchers are yanked from the mound, the whole complexion of this contest changes - as if to say, all is well, nothing more to see here; go back to your homes.

Unfortunately for Brooklyn, an early and rather large deficit proves too much to overcome.

In the second inning, Jersey Shore third baseman D.J. Stewart says hello to Kings County with a home run against starter Jaison Vilera who in the very next frame yields six more runs, all earned.  Once the dust settles, Vilera is charged with seven earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs, and three walks, in a mere 2.2 innings pitched.

After wielding just two hits through the first three innings, Brooklyn finally gets on the board against Blue Claws starter Dominic Pipkin when Francisco Alvarez laces a double down the left-field line scoring Ronny Mauricio (single) and Brett Baty (double).  Joe Genord singles home Alvarez, and center fielder Adrian Hernandez plates two more, making it a 7-5 game.

Francisco Alvarez leaves the game (leg) and is replaced behind the plate by Juan Uriarte as they head into the fifth.  Perhaps asking your backstop who is built like a Mack truck to catch in 72% humidity (as I listen in from nearby Bensonhurst), leg out a double, then race from second to home was a bit much on the legs.  The announcers were sticking to a precautionary, and proactive explanation, but they did mention he was limping in the dugout.  Put that through the translator.  Otherwise, I hope it was just cramps.  Stay tuned ...

In relief of Vilera, right-hander Colby Morris puts forth his longest outing this season.  His previous high was 2.2 innings pitched.  He faces twelve batters and throws 51 pitches, with 30 (58.8%) going for strikes.  He strikes out the side in the fifth as part of three innings of no-hit, no-run ball.  All told, he strikes out four but clearly tires in the sixth inning, walking two batters before making his exit.  With two out and two runners on base, Michel Otanez enters the game and closes out the frame.

With the game in the hands of Jersey Shore's Manuel Silva and Otanez for Brooklyn, the score remains unchanged through the seventh as Brett Baty bounces into an inning-ending double play to close out the frame.  Otanez exits after 1.1 scoreless innings pitch with one hit allowed; into the game comes Allan Winans, who twirls a scoreless top eight.  Silva, in turn, tosses three scoreless innings for the Blue Claws.  He is relieved by Aneurys Zabala, who likewise closes out the home half of the eighth.

Winans goes out for the ninth and proceeds to retire Jersey Shore in order.  Zabala likewise climbs the bump for the home ninth.  First up, Joe Genord strikes out swinging.  Next, LT Struble works the count full and draws a one-out walk.  Antoine Duplantis then strikes out swinging.  Finally, like Genord and Duplantis before him, Cody Bohanek caps off an 0 for 5 night with a strikeout of the swinging variety.  It was Brooklyn's twelfth strikeout of the game, yet another double-digit demonstration.

File this under the comeback that wasn't.  Brooklyn's five-run outburst in the fifth was all there was, two runs short.  The Jersey Shore bullpen made sure of that.

• Quick Note: spell check keeps wanting to turn Aneurys Zabala's name into Aneurysm!