Brooklyn Cyclones Take Series Opener From Hudson Valley Renegades

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 5; HVR 3

That's More Like It!

Based on how this series has been playing itself out these last two seasons, I couldn't be happier.  Any victory against the Hudson Valley Renegades with more than three hits and under ten strikeouts makes for a glorious day!  Oh, the joy!

Brooklyn jumped out to an early lead.  Left fielder Rowdey Jordan singled and scored on Shervyen Newton's double to right field in the third inning.  Hudson Valley tied the game in the top half of the fifth.  But Brooklyn rallied for three runs in the home half of the frame.  Center fielder Jaylen Palmer 

homered leading off, and Jose Mena and Matt O'Neill followed with run-scoring doubles for a 4-1 Cyclones lead they would not relinquish.  The Renegades scored twice more in the seventh, but the Brooks secured an insurance run in the bottom half of the frame for a 5-3 lead and the final margin of victory.

Of the Cyclones' seven hits, five went for extra bases.  They drew five walks and fanned "just" seven times.

Making his first start in nine appearances, Nolan Klenney held the Renegades scoreless on three hits and one base on balls with a pair of strikeouts over four innings pitched but walked off to a no-decision.  Right-hander Colby Morris surrendered a home run but earned the win with two innings in relief of Klenney, and Hunter Parsons picked up the save with a scoreless eighth and ninth inning.

Boxscore

Brooklyn Cyclones Suffer Bullpen Implosion Against Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Wilmington leads Brooklyn; 1-0

I - WIL 12; BKN 5

Jesus Vargas Masterpiece Defaced By Bullpen

Tuesday's series opener against Wilmington featured an outstanding performance by Cyclones starter Jesus Vargas who pitched five perfect innings before yielding a leadoff hit in the sixth.  Afterwhich, Vargas retired the next three Blue Rocks batters consecutively.  He faced 19 batters, throwing 72 pitches with 44 (61.1%) going for strikes, and issued no walks while striking out eight through six innings pitched.  Jesus Vargas exited on the winning side of a 3-0 affair.

Right-hander Nolan Clenney took over pitching duties in the seventh and promptly surrendered a run in a portent of things to come.  The Cyclones scored twice in the bottom of the frame for a 5-1 lead.  But Nolan Clenney, in the eighth, walked the first two batters he faced and was relieved by Colby Morris, 

who loaded the bases with a walk and then yielded a bases-clearing double by designated hitter Drew Mendoza.  Brooklyn's third reliever Brendan Hardy fared no better, allowing three runs on four hits.  Wilmington would post ten runs on just four hits and six walks in a disastrous eighth inning implosion.  

Not yet done, the Blue Rocks scored again in the ninth for a 12-5 lead and their final margin of victory.

First baseman JT Schwartz finished 3 for 5 with a run batted in, and Rowdey Jordan went 2 for 5 with two doubles and a pair of runs batted in.  Together they accounted for half of Brooklyn's ten hits.  Meanwhile, the lineup struck out another dozen times.

Colby Morris was charged with both a blown save and a loss.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Old Rival Takes Series Opener at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 1-0

I - HVR 5; BKN 3

One, Two, Three Strikes; You're Out!

The visiting Cyclones promptly take a 1-0 lead to open the game.  But the Renegades rally for two runs while facing Brooklyn right-hander Daison Acosta in the home half of the first.  

Coney Island answered right back in the second.  With one out, catcher Matt O'Neill reaches on an E5 and advances to third on Joe Suozzi's double down the left field line.  O'Neill scored when left fielder 

Rowdy Jordan bounced into a fielder's choice.  Afterwhich, shortstop Wilmer Reyes singled home Suozzi for a 3-2 Cyclones lead.

But that's when the fun ends for Coney Island.  

Hudson Valley knots the game at three against Daison Acosta in the third.  In fact, both starting pitchers exit with no decisions.  

The Renegades score the go-ahead against losing right-hander Nolan Clenney in the sixth and secure an insurance run in the eighth inning against Colby Morris, who pitched the final two innings for Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, three Hudson Valley relievers join together in limiting Brooklyn to no runs on just three hits and one walk with twelve strikeouts over the final six frames.  Overall, the Cyclones fanned 17 times in 33 at-bats, a rate of 51.5 %, during Tuesday's series opener at Dutchess Stadium.

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Pitchers Twirl Three-Hitter; Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Jersey Shore

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

VI - BK 9; JS 2

David Griffin Hurls a Coney Island Thriller; Bullpen Joins for a Combined Three-Hitter

Brooklyn's penultimate game of the season is a dandy.  Making his seventh start for the Cyclones, right-hander David Griffin hurls an absolute gem against the Blue Claws, limiting them to just two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over six innings for the win.  

Griffin faces twenty batters, throwing 89 pitches with 53 (59.5%) going for strikes.  He retires his first eight batters before issuing his first base on balls with two outs in the third.  Griffin then sits down the next five batters.  With two outs in the fifth, Jersey Shore finally wields their first base hit.  Griffin issues his second walk in the sixth but induces the next batter into an inning-ending double-play.  The 24-year old improves to 3-1 as a Cyclone with a declining 4.18 ERA.

In relief of Griffin, Evy Ruibal allows no hits over two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.  However, misfortune befalls Colby Morris, who surrenders an inconsequential two-run home run in the ninth.

Meanwhile, the Cyclones plate nine runs on eleven hits in 34 at-bats (.323) and go 3 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  They draw four walks and whiff nine times.  After two scoreless frames, Coney Island scores in every inning to follow.

FIVE HOME RUNS

The Cyclone's home run barrage begins with Jaylen Palmer's solo shot in the third.  In his eighth game with Brooklyn, Oscar Campos connects for a fourth-inning three-run home run.  In the fifth, second baseman Luke Ritter launches his 14th home run with two runners on.  

Far from done, Francisco Alvarez, in the seventh inning, swats his team-leading 22nd home run this season for Brooklyn and his 24th overall.

Lastly, Mr. Excitment himself, Wilmer Reyes, hits a solo shot in the eighth en route to a 9-2 victory over the Jersey Shore Blue Claws.  Reyes, through eight games, is batting .406 (13/32) with a 1.039 OPS.

Brooklyn takes a 3-2 series lead.  The final game of a very intriguing 2021 regular season draws to a close Sunday at Coney Island.

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

Francisco Alvarez Hits Twentieth Home Run But Cyclones Lose Series Finale at 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

V - HV 4; BK 1

VI - HV 7; BK 0

VII - HV 13; BK 9

Coney Island Gets Walloped at Wappingers Falls; Renegades Take Series

With two outs and two runners on base in the visitor's first, second baseman Luke Ritter launches a home run to left field off Renegade starter Matt Sauer for a prompt 3-0 lead.

However, making his sixth start for Brooklyn, right-hander David Griffin fails to make it out of the second inning.  Hudson Valley scores seven times on six hits, with three going for home runs.  Forced into early relief duty, Colby Morris yields another three runs in the third, highlighted by Hudson Valley's fourth home run of the game.  

Making his second appearance for Brooklyn, Reyson Santos takes over in the fifth and surrenders another three runs on two walks, two hits, and a hit-by-pitch giving the Renegades a 13-4 lead.

Brooklyn shows signs of life with a four-run sixth.  Left fielder Zack Ashford drives home Jaylen Palmer, and Wilmer Reyes connects on a three-run home run.

Cyclone relievers Dylan Hall and Michel Otanez join together for three scoreless innings through the eighth.

Designated hitter Francisco Alvarez hits his twentieth home run this season with one out in the ninth, becoming the first Cyclone to ever achieve this milestone.  He hit two home runs with St. Lucie prior to his arrival in Brooklyn.

Alas, it's not enough.  Hudson Valley wins the rubber game and finishes the season series against the Cyclones with a 24-12 record.

Brooklyn Cyclones Litter Back of Left Field Wall With Baseballs in Thrilling Twin Bill Sweep Over Hudson Valley Renegades

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

CONEY ISLAND BRINGS THRILLS TO WAPPINGERS FALLS

The Brooklyn Cyclones win both ends of a doubleheader at Dutchess Stadium.  Game one features a join-effort four-hitter pitched against Hudson Valley highlighted by Francisco Alvarez's team-leading 19th home run (tied with Ronny Mauricio).  During game two, while the bullpen was putting out fires, the Cyclones hit three more home runs, two by battery mate Nic Gaddis.

⚾

Francisco Alvarez Hits Number 19; Cyclone Pitchers Join Together on Four-Hit Shutout

GAME ONE - Making his eighth start for Brooklyn, J.T. Ginn is opposed by right-hander Mitch Spence for Hudson Valley.  

Leading off the top of the second, Coney Island's phenom catcher Francisco Alvarez smashes a hanging breaking ball over the left-field fence at Wappingers Falls grounds.  

The score remains unchanged through the sixth inning.  

Renegade starter Mitch Spence exits on the losing side of a one-run game, allowing four hits and no walks with nine strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  Facing Feicer Perez in the top of the seventh, Brooklyn strikes for three runs on three hits highlighted by back-to-back doubles from Cody Bohanek and Antoine Duplantis en route to a 4-0 final score.

J.G. Ginn allows just three hits and two walks with five strikeouts through five scoreless innings pitched for the win.  He faces twenty batters and throws 87 pitches, with 49 (56.3%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Colby Morris yields four hits over the final two innings to complete the shutout.  

Francisco Alvarez hit his 19th home run with the Brooklyn Cyclones and his 22nd this season.  He and Ronny Mauricio are again tied for the team lead in home runs; Mauricio has 19 in 98 games while Alvarez has 19 home runs in 76 games.

⚾

Early Slugfest Turns Into Battle of the Bullpens; Cyclones Complete Twin Bill Sweep

GAME TWO - Making his first start this season for Brooklyn and alumni of the 2019 champion team, Garrison Bryant toes the rubber in opposition of southpaw Edgar Barclay for the Renegades.

Designated hitter Anthony Volpe right away gets Hudson Valley on the scoreboard with a first-inning leadoff home run.  

In the top of the second, third baseman Jose Peroza reaches base on an E-5, and Luke Ritter singles to left field.  Then with one out, Nic Gaddis homers to left field, giving Brooklyn a 3-1 lead.

Cody Bohanek draws a walk leading off the visitor's third, and with one out, Ronny Mauricio singles.  Jose Peroza then follows with a three-run home run to left.  With two outs, second baseman Luis Gonzalez singles, sending Renegade starter Edgar Barclays to the showers.  Next up, Nic Gaddis greets incoming reliever Nelvin Correa with another home run - his second - giving the Cyclones a commanding 8-1 advantage. 

But the Renegades say not so fast, answering back in the home half of the third with a three-run home run by right fielder Jake Sanford, a follow-up home run in the very next at-bat from Pat DeMarco.  Then with two outs, Garrison Bryant surrenders his third home run of the inning, a two-run shot off the bat of left fielder Frederick Cuevas making this an 8-6 affair in favor of Brooklyn.

Garrison Bryant exits after three innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and two walks through three innings pitched.  Cyclone right-hander Reyson Santos enters the game in the fourth and promptly surrenders a run on a leadoff double and base hit, pulling the Renegades within one.

Nelvin Correa tosses a scoreless top half of the fifth, and Reyson Santos likewise retires the Renegades in the bottom half.  Hudson Valley right-hander Nelson L Alvarez then enters the game and pitches a scoreless sixth.  Brooklyn's Michel Otanez reciprocates in the bottom of the frame.

Nelson Alvarez climbs the bump again in the ninth and immediately issued a leadoff walk to Jose Peroza, and we all know that's never a good thing.  Luke Ritter strikes out.  But, uh oh, a wild pitch advances Peroza to second base.  Luis Gonzalez then singles, putting runners on the corners.  With Nic Gaddis at the plate, Gonzalez steals second, but a wild pitch to the plate allows Peroza to score from third and Gonzalez to scoot over to third.  Gaddis then walks.  With two outs, left fielder Joe Suozzi draws another four-pitch walk loading the bases.  With two outs, another wild pitch by Nelson Alvarez allows Nic Gaddis to score for a 10-7 Brooklyn lead.

Michel Otanez surrenders a run in the home ninth but otherwise closes out the game for the save.  Reyson Santos earns the win in relief.  Hudson Valley's Edgar Barclay takes the loss.

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

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

II - Rained Out

III - WIL 6; BRK 0

IV - BRK 10; WIL 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Brooklyn Cyclones Bats Go Dormant After Big First Inning; Hudson Valley Takes 4-1 Series Lead

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 1-2

I - HVR 3; BRK 2

II - BRK 11; HVR 7

III - HVR 6; BRK 5

IV - HVR 3; BRK 1

V - HVR 6; BRK 4

Cyclones Serve Up Donuts at Wappingers Falls

Facing Hudson Valley starter Mitch Spence in the top of the first, Jeremy Vasquez doubles home two runs, and second baseman Jose Peroza homers to right field, giving the Cyclones an immediate 4-0 lead.  

But it does not last.  

Hudson Valley greets Cyclone starter Luc Rennie with five runs on just two hits, including one home run and four walks.  Rennie never makes it out of the first.  Right-hander Colby Morris is brought into the game with haste.

After the first inning, Mitch Spence proceeds to pitch four more scoreless innings.  Three Renegades' relievers take care of the rest, joining together in limiting Brooklyn to no runs on just two hits and no walks to preserve the victory.  Spence earns the win, and Derek Craft earns the save with a scoreless ninth.

The Renegades score one last run in the seventh for good measure.  Otherwise, the Cyclones' bullpen puts forth an effective effort.

Five of the Cyclones' nine hits come in the first, meaning they were held to four scattered hits the rest of the way.  The Brooks finish 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position and draw just one walk all game.  

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis leads Brooklyn with three hits.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Lose Battle of Situational Hitting; Renegades Seize Series Opener in Tenth Inning

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 0-1

I - HVR 3; BRK 2*

*10 innings

A Tale of Two At-Bats: 

Sacrifice Fly  >  Double Play 

Making his 16th start, Jaison Vilera is tasked with Tuesday's series opener at Hudson Valley, opposed by Anderson Munoz from the rival Renegades.

Right fielder Jose Martinez draws a base on balls leading off the second, then advances to second base on a wild pitch.  Designated hitter Jeremy Vasquez grounds to first advancing Martinez to third.  Anderson Munoz then unleashes his second wild pitch allowing Martinez to score.  But with two outs in the bottom half of the frame, Renegade designated hitter Mickey Gasper homers, tying the game at one.

The score remains unchanged through the fourth.  In the fifth, Hudson Valley second baseman Roberto Chirinos' run-scoring single gives the Renegades their first lead.  But Jose Martinez drives home the tying run in the Cyclone eighth.

Both starting pitchers exit to no-decisions.  Jaison Vilera faces 22 batters, allowing two earned runs on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts.  In facing 16 batters, Anderson Munoz allows a run but no hits and three walks with nine strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched.

Brooklyn's bullpen trio of Willy Taveras, Michel Otanez, and Colby Morris yields just one hit with four strikeouts through four scoreless innings.  After a quiet ninth, into extra innings, they go at Hudson Valley.

At the top of the tenth, Antoine Duplantis successfully bunts the Phantom Menace over to third.  With one out, Jaylen Palmer draws a walk putting runners on the corners.  Shortstop Ronny Mauricio then steps in and promptly grounds into an inning-ending 4-6-2 double play.

You know what comes next ... BOXSCORE

Colby Morris returns to the bump for the bottom half of the tenth.  The Phantom Menace advances to third on a ground ball, short to first, then scores on a sacrifice fly to center field.  Without yielding so much as a hit or walk, Morris is tagged with the loss despite being in the act of securing two outs.  The only difference being Hudson Valley's outs proved more productive than those of the Cyclones.

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 Complete Series Sweep Over Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

 

BROOKLYN defeats WILMINGTON; 6-0

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

VI - BRK 5; WIL 4

Boardwalk Bums Extend Winning Streak to Season-High Six Games

Brooklyn kicks off Sunday afternoon's series finale with a four-run first inning.  Center fielder Antoine Duplantis, who remains hot as the sun, triples leading off the game and scores on Edgardo Fermin's ground-rule double over the left field wall.  Back behind the plate, Francisco Alvarez doubles home Fermin.  The hit parade continues with Jeremy Vasquez driving home Alvarez.  Vasquez then scores the Cyclone's fourth run on a throwing error by the Blue Rock first baseman.

Wilmington begins immediately chipping away at Brooklyn's lead.  Facing starter Luc Rennie, the Blue Rocks score single runs in the second and fourth innings highlighted by left fielder Jeremy Ydens' home run.  Luc Rennie departs the game after four on the winning side of a 4-2 game.  Wilmington picks up their third run in the fifth against reliever Joe Cavallaro, then ties the game at four against Colby Morris in the seventh.

Cyclone right-hander Willy Tavaras pitches a scoreless eighth and ninth inning.  Edgardo Fermin leading off the bottom of the frame, draws a walk.  With one out, he steals second base, then advances to third on a wild pitch.  With two outs, Jeremy Vasquez is issued an intentional walk putting runners on the corners.  Second baseman Luis Gonzalez then seizes the role of hero with the game-winning base hit through the left side, scoring Fermin from third.  Willy Tavaras earns the win.

Accounting for half of Brooklyn's hits, Luis Gonzalez goes 3 for 5, and Antoine Duplantis likewise goes 3 for 5 with a double and triple.  Francisco Alvarez now has 27 RBI in 45 games with Brooklyn.

The Cyclones complete their first series sweep this season and extend their season-high winning streak to six.

• 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.

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.