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

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

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

GAME TWO
Jersey Shore  2

Coney Island  3

10 innings

Brooklyn Battery Powers Cyclones To Victory In Game Two  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Foiled Again By Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 4-1

I - HVR 3; BKN 2

II - BKN 5; HVR 3

III - HVR 1; BKN 0

IV - HVR 8; BKN 0

VII - HVR 5; BKN 4

Pitching and Defense Fail Brooklyn In The Ninth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Cyclones Split Twin Bill With Hudson Valley Renegades at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley Renegades

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM
Old Steeplechase Grounds

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

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

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

Brooklyn Cyclones Pull Even With Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

That's the Josh Walker We Like

• BOXSCORE

Here we go: once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  After four starts, Josh Walker puts forth his third stellar effort of the young season.  That leaves Walker's previous appearance against Greenville as his lone ineffective outing to date.  Friday against Hudson Valley, Walker limits the Renegades to one run on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Relievers Michel Otanez and Eric Orze join in, allowing just one hit and striking out six over the final three innings.  Orze earns the save.

After surrendering a run to Hudson Valley, Brooklyn third baseman Brett Baty drives in a run during a three-run first inning.  Baty drives in his second run of the game in the fifth, giving this game its 4-1 final score.  Luke Ritter and Jose Mena each drive in a run apiece.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Greenville Drives Coney Island Fans Crazy

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

OPENING DAY
Tuesday, May 18, 2021

HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

vs.

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

FROM

Old Steeplechase Grounds

Our Brooklyn Cyclones are finally coming home.  The 2019 New York Penn League champions have yet to play a game at Coney Island since I snapped this picture on that glorious September night twenty long months ago.  They've been promoted up in levels, and now play in the newly formed High-A East Division.  Because of MiLB realignment, many of the 2019 champions will be returning for a second season in Brooklyn.  Among them are position players Brett Baty, Antione Duplantis, Joe Genord,  Luke Ritter, Jose Mena, and Jake Mangum.  From the pitching ranks, returning hurlers include Dan Goggin,  Andrew Edwards, Mitch Ragan, Brian Metoyer, Josh Hejka, Alec Kisena, Jaison Vilera, and Josh Walker.  Hurry back, we miss you!

⚾

Greenville defeats Brooklyn; 4-2

I - BKN 6; GVL 1

II - BKN 3; GVL 2

III - GVL 8; BKN 2

IV - GVL 5; BKN 1

V - GVL 8; BKN 4

VI - GVL 10; BKN 9

Like deja vu all over again ... 

• BOXSCORE: Sunday, May 16, 2021; Game #11

Brooklyn was pushing the pace.  They held various leads in this game, some larger than others.  Meanwhile, the Drive remained just close enough to stay representative.  Then, reminiscent of Saturday's four-run eighth inning, Greenville erupts this day for five runs in the eighth to overtake the Cyclones.

After two superlative starts, Josh Walker yields four earned runs on seven hits and one walk with four strikeouts through five innings pitched.  Designated hitter Delvin Granberg connected off Walker for a two-run home run in the fourth.  In the eighth, the Drive tag reliever Michel Otanez for another five earned runs on four hits and two walks, and just like that, Brooklyn found themselves down 9-6 heading into the ninth.  

With Jose Mena and Antoine Duplantis on base, shortstop Ronny Mauricio Ronny clears the wall in left, tying the game at nine!

Leading off the bottom of the ninth, Greenville's first baseman Tyreque Reed deposits Brooklyn reliever Eric Orze's 3-2 offering over the right-field wall.

Game over.

See you TUESDAY ... 

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Season Opener at Historic McCormick Field

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

2001 ~ Twentieth Anniversary ~ 2021

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

New York-Penn League Champions

2019

It's been a long 508 days since the Brooklyn Cyclones last took the field.  On Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, they defeated the Lowell Spinners to capture their second-ever championship.  Afterwhich, baseball and society came to a grinding halt due to the COVID pandemic.  Major League Baseball then overhauled and realigned all of MiLB during the most recent off-season, completely changing the landscape.  Unless the league is restarted in the future, the Brooklyn Cyclones go down as the last New York Penn League champion.

• ROSTER: 2021 Brooklyn Cyclones

Brooklyn is now a long-season high-A affiliate.  One of the benefits, as a fan, is the higher level of competition and, of course, more games - 120 games to be exact.  Sadly, the days of Brooklyn versus Staten Island are over.  The Hudson Valley Renegades are now a New York Yankees affiliate, making the Dutchess County club Brooklyn's newest and biggest rival.  That is if you haven't already singled out as a next rival, the newly rebranded Jersey Shore Blue Claws (formerly Lakewood).  Joining Brooklyn and Hudson Valley from the former New York Penn League is the Aberdeen Ironbirds. 

HIGH-A EAST North Division:

• Brooklyn Cyclones (New York-Penn League)
• Hudson Valley Renegades (New York-Penn League)
• Aberdeen Ironbirds (New York-Penn League)
• Wilmington Blue Rocks (Carolina League)
• Jersey Shore Blue Claws (South-Atlantic League)

HIGH-A EAST South Division:

• Ashville Tourists (South-Atlantic League)
• Greensboro Grasshoppers (South-Atlantic League)
• Hickory Crawdads (South-Atlantic League)
• Rome Braves (South-Atlantic League)
• Greenville Drive (Carolina League)
• Winston-Salem Dash (Carolina League)
• Bowling Green Hot Rods (Midwest League)

Due to COVID, this year's travel schedule is being limited to Hudson Valley, Jerse Shore, Aberdeen, Asheville, Greenville, and Wilmington.

SEASON OPENER

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. ASHEVILLE TOURISTS

McCormick Field

North Carlina

Lefty Josh Walker Hurls a Gem

With Brooklyn staked to a 6-0 lead, Asheville finally connects for its base first hit in the sixth.  

So starts the 2021 regular season at the historic near-century old McCormick Field, the third-oldest minor league ballpark in America.

Receiving the privilege of making the season-opening start, Brooklyn manager Ed Blankmeyer hands the ball to southpaw Josh Walker who yields no hits through five innings pitched while walking only one and fanning eight.  Right-hander Eric Orze throws a scoreless sixth in relief of Walker but in the seventh, yields a lead-off home run to shortstop Freudis Nova.  

Third baseman Bret Baty spearheads the charge.  His first-inning single delivers home two runs.  But it's catcher Hayden Senger who strikes the mighty blow, a second-inning home run giving Brooklyn a 3-0 lead.  Center fielder Scott Ota's base hit in the third drives home second baseman Luke Ritter; then, with Senger at the plate and Ota standing at third, a balk is called, giving the Cyclones a five-run advantage.  Bret Baty follows with a double in the fourth driving in his third run of the game.

The Ashville Tourists finally get on the board on first baseman Scott Schreiber's seventh-inning home run against reliever Mitch Ragan.  However, in the top of the eighth, Tourists' reliever Yeremi Ceballos unleashes consecutive wild pitches allowing two more Brooklyn base runners to score.  But in the bottom of the eighth, Mitch Ragan surrenders a home run to left fielder Colin Barber.  Mitch Ragan pitches himself into more trouble in the ninth by loading the bases.  But he regroups to strike out the side, the last Asheville batter being Colin Barber.

Starter Josh Walker earns the victory.  Shortstop Ronny Mauricio is 2 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.  Brooklyn batters amass eleven hits while three Cyclones pitchers join to strike out 15 batters.

• BOXSCORE
  
• 5/4/21 - Hudson Valley 2; JERSEY SHORE 6