THE METSIAN PODCAST: Subway Series Sweep & Trade Deadline Huddle w/ Ernest Dove

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

@THE_SamMaxwell   @MetFanRich   @BTB_MikeII

@THEMetsianPod

⚾

GUEST

Sports Reporter/Analyst for SPORTANARIUM.COM

Covering the St. Lucie Mets

ERNEST DOVE

Double, double toil and trouble; summer burns, and dog days bubble.  After two losses against the Padres, the resilient Mets responded with a dramatic takedown of the New York Yankees in the subway series.  They thus reestablished a three-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves.  Alas, what will prove to be a wild second half of the season is excitedly underway.  With the trade deadline now less than a week away, it's up to the general manager to reinforce the team and fortify their division standing.  Assisting the Metsian Podcast in detailing the Mets' minor league commodities at Billy Eppler's disposal and plotting a potential course of action will be, hailing from the Sunshine State, baseball reporter, and analyst Ernest Dove. 

SUBWAY SERIES SWEEP!

The Metsian Podcast: N.L. East Sizzle with Jeff Cohen of Baseball & BBQ

From the desk: HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

@THE_SamMaxwell   @MetFanRich   BTB_MikeII

@THEMetsianPod

GUEST

JEFF COHEN

BASEBALL & BBQ

Mets Fever is in the air.  Fans everywhere are becoming wildly happy and contagious.  Suppose you're breaking out in blue and orange dots.  That's because the Mets on Wednesday completed a series victory at Atlanta, taking two out of three games against their top division rival, the defending champion Braves.  As they say, if you want to be the best, you must beat the best.  As such, the Mets have now won four of seven games against the Braves this season, with a dozen more fanatically distressing division contests still to play.  Joining Sam and me to discuss Mets baseball, symptoms of summertime, and the 2022 pennant race will be Jeff Cohen of the acclaimed Baseball & BBQ Podcast. 

Brooklyn Cyclones Power Over Hudson Valley Renegades in Twin Bill Sweep

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

pic.twitter.com/w4jpBAdEor

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) May 21, 2022

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 5; HVR 3

II - BKN 5; HVR 4

III - HVR 3; BKN 1

IV - HVR 12; BKN 2

V - BKN 5; HVR 4

VI - BKN 3; HVR 1

Bobbleheads and Thrills on Coney Island

It brings me great joy to say on Saturday, I got my Francisco Alvarez bobblehead, and on Sunday, the Cyclones completed a doubleheader sweep of the Renegades.

Brooklyn mounted a five-run lead in game one.  Afterwhich it became a matter of holding on.  Shortstop Shervyen Newton homered in the first inning, third baseman Jose Peroza homered in the second, and New York native Jaylen Palmer connected in the fourth.  Designated hitter  Jose Mena was 1 for 3 with two runs batted in.  Hudson Valley scored twice against starter Junior Santos in the fifth and rallied for two more against Justin Courtney in the sixth.  Making his Brooklyn debut, Grant Hartwig secured the final four outs to earn the save and preserve the victory for Santos.  BOXSCORE

Coney Island gave Hudson Valley a taste of its own medicine in the second tilt.  It's nice to be on the other side of one of these for a change.  Right-hander Nolan Clenney limited the Renegades to one run on just one hit, and no walks with eight strikeouts through the game's first five innings.  He faced 16 batters while throwing 61 pitches, with 43 (70.4%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Hunter Parsons closed out the game with two scoreless innings of no-hit ball for his second save.  Shervyen Newton homered in the fourth, and Jaylen Palmer hit a two-run home run in the fifth.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Fall to Jersey Shore in Regular Season Finale

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

V - BK 9; JS 2

VI - JS 3; BK 1

Wait Till Next Year!

That's all, folks.  Brooklyn's first season in High-A is in the books.  

With Sunday's defeat against the Jersey Shore Blue Claws, the Cyclones lost their 70th game this season.  It perhaps fits they should lose a three-hitter, which has been a significant point of contention all season long.

Making his tenth start for Brooklyn, J.T. Ginn allows three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings for the loss.  He finishes at Coney Island with a 3-4 record and 3.38 ERA over 53.1 innings pitched.

The bullpen trio of Luis Montas, Michel Otanez, and Dylan Hill join together for three scoreless innings.

Brooklyn scores their lone run in the sixth.  Designated hitter Joe Suozzi draws a leadoff walk and scored from third on Wilmer Reyes' sac-fly to center field.  Shortstop Branden Fryman accounts for two of Brooklyn's three hits, Wilmer Reyes the other.

Jersey Shore wins the season series against Brooklyn with a 17-13 record.

Despite a club record seventy losses, trust me when I say this was one of the most thrilling seasons at Coney Island.  

BOXSCORE

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Shortstop Ronny Mauricio leads the Cyclones with 100 games played and a team-high 63 runs batted in.
• Center fielder Antoine Duplantis wields a club record of 100 hits.
• Catcher Francisco Alvarez leads the Cyclones with 22 home runs with 24 home runs overall.  The 19-year old phenom finishes his season with Brooklyn slashing .247/.351/.538/.889, with 58 RBI in 279 at-bats.
• Right-hander Alec Kisena strikes out 102 batters in 79.2 innings pitched; 11.5 K/9 average.
• Right-hander Justin Lasko, eleven starts, 2.81 ERA, and 64 strikeouts in 64.0 innings pitched.

Twenty seasons of Brooklyn Cyclones baseball - how sweet it is!

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.

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.

Brooklyn Cyclones Ninth-Inning Meltdown Gives Jersey Shore Blue Claws Series Lead

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

Late Comeback Goes For Naught as Bullpen Implodes in Ninth

Game three features Jersey Shore right-hander Griff McGarry toeing the slab against Oscar Rojas for Brooklyn.

A single and a triple give the Blue Claws an early 1-0 lead in the visitor's first.  The Cyclones draw three consecutive walks leading off the second, and right fielder Raul Beracierta's sac-fly to right field ties the game at one.

Jersey Shore retakes a one-run lead in the fourth.  With runners on the corners, Francisco Alvarez's errant throw on an attempted theft of second permits the runner from third to score.  

The score remains unchanged through the sixth.

Starter Oscar Rojas allows two runs (one earned) on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Facing Brooklyn's Luis Montas in the seventh, center fielder Johan Rojas triples home a run and scores.  

Second baseman Wilmer Reyes who continues to do nothing but shine since returning to the Cyclones, drives home a run in the home seventh, pulling Brooklyn with two. 

Luis Montas tosses a scoreless top half of the eighth.  Facing Blue Claw reliever Gabriel Yanez, the Cyclones tally three times on runs batted in from Raul Beracierta, Branden Fryman, and Wilmer Reyes, giving Brooklyn a 5-4 lead.

But it does not last.  Facing Michel Otanez in the visitor's ninth, Jersey Shore loads the bases and scores the tying run on a wild pitch.  A subsequent two-out base hit gives Jersey Shore the lead, and a run-scoring double and some other bad stuff provides the Blue Claws insurance.  

Manager Blankmeyer finally removes Michel Otanez, but it's too late.  Or should I say the manager recognized too late?  Opening a ninth-inning yielding a single and a walk should have been his first indication of trouble.  After another hit to load the bases, Blankmeyer still made no move.  Two more hits and a Wilmer Reyes ejection later, Blankmeyer finally acts with the Cyclones down by three.

The Cyclones recover one run in the home ninth to no avail.

Making his sixth start for Brooklyn, Oscar Rojas escapes with a no-decision, while Manager Blankmeyer Michel Otanez blows his third save and takes the loss.

Since returning to the Cyclones, Wilmer Reyes has batted .435 with seven RBI through six games and 23 at-bats.  BOXSCORE

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

J.T. Ginn Twirls a Gem in Brooklyn Cyclones Series Opening Win Over Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

REGULAR-SEASON FINALE

JERSEY SHORE @ BROOKLYN

I - BK 5; JS 2

J.T. Ginn Throws Seven Scoreless Innings; Tanner Murphy and Zack Ashford Take Care of the Rest

Making his ninth start for the Cyclones, right-hander J.T. Ginn is opposed by Noah Skirrow for Jersey Shore.  

After dueling through three scoreless innings, Brooklyn strikes for three runs in the fourth; with two outs and the bases loaded, right fielder Tanner Murphy doubles to left field, sending everybody home.

Then again, with two outs in the fifth, left fielder Zack Ashford triples home Wilmer Reyes and Francisco Alvarez for a 5-0- lead.

Meanwhile, J.T. Ginn twirls a gem.  He allows just two hits and one walk with seven strikeouts over seven innings pitched.  He faces 24 batters while throwing 79 pitches, with a stellar (57) 72.1% going for strikes.  

In his third appearance for Brooklyn, right-hander Nolan Clenney checks all the boxes, a walk, single, wild pitch, fielder's choice, and a sacrifice fly resulting in two Jersey Shore runs.  Called upon to pitch the ninth, Hunter Parsons hits a batter and strikeouts out three to close out Brooklyn's series-opening win over the Blue Claws.  J.T. Ginn evens his record at 3-3 and gets his ERA back under four with a 3.42 mark through 47.1 innings pitched.

In support of Ginn, the Cyclones batted 3 for 7 with runners in scoring position while all five runs were driven home with two outs.  And wouldn't you know, Coney Island drew five walks and struck out only six times.  In turn, Cyclone pitchers strike out ten while giving up just two hits and issuing two walks.

As they say in from of the ballpark: Amazin' Starts Here!  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 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.

Hudson Valley Renegades Slam Brakes On Brooklyn Cyclones Three Game Win Streak

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

Look What The Renegades Did To The Cyclones ... Again!

Hudson Valley brings Brooklyn's three-game win streak to a skidding halt.  In yet another instance among so many this season, the Cyclones are limited to four hits (or less) en route to a 4-1 defeat at Wappingers Falls. 

First baseman Luke Ritter with one out in the fourth, homers off Renegade starter Anderson Munoz

cutting Brooklyn's deficit to three.  But the Cyclones would score no more.  Designated hitter Francisco Alvarez accounts for half of Brooklyn's four hits, including a double and Luis Gonzalez doubles.

Making his fifth start for Brooklyn, right-hander Oscar Rojas allows four runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks in suffering his third loss.  Pitching in relief of Rojas, Nolan Clenney yields two hits and strikes out three over 2.1 scoreless innings.

Brooklyn batters draw three walks, strike out 13 times, and go 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  

Sometimes I feel like Jack Nicholson in The Shining ... All Strikeouts And No Hits Make Baseball A Dull Game. all strikeouts and no hits make baseball a dull game.  AlL sTrIkEoUtS aNd No HiTs MaKe BaSeBaLl A dUlL gAmE.

• BOXSCORE

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

 

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.

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

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

II - Rained Out

III - WIL 6; BRK 0

IV - BRK 10; WIL 1

V - WIL 4; BRK 0

VI - BRK 6; WIL 1

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

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

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

Starter Jose Chacin and the bullpen make it stand.  

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

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

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

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

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

Jaylen Palmer's Two Home Runs Power Brooklyn Cyclones in Series Opening Win Over Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

David Griffin, Brian Metoyer, and Willy Taveras Join Together in Five-Hit Shutout of Ironbirds

With remnants of Tropical Depression Ida headed New York City's way, Tuesday was still a mighty fine day at the beach.  

Right fielder and native New Yorker Jaylen Palmer homers in the first inning, and Brooklyn pitchers effectively take care of the rest.  

With two outs in the fourth, Francisco Alvarez draws a walk, steals second, then scores on third baseman Jose Peroza's hit to left field.  With one on in the home fifth, Jaylen Palmer hits his second home run, and Francisco Alvarez singles home Ronny Mauricio, giving the Cyclones a 5-0 lead and the final margin of victory.

Brooklyn pitchers collectively put forth a stellar effort.  Making his fourth start for Brooklyn, right-hander David Griffin faces 27 batters, throwing 87 pitches with 59 (67.8%) going for strikes.  He allows four scattered hits and two walks with two strikeouts over seven scoreless innings pitched for the win - his second with the Cyclones.  Right-hander Brian Metoyer throws a scoreless eighth with two strikeouts and making his eleventh appearance for Brooklyn Willy Taveras earns his fourth save.

Wilmington right-hander Seth Shuman surrenders all five runs on seven hits and two walks in a losing effort.  BOXSCORE