Brooklyn Cyclones Lose Extra-Inning Pitcher's Duel to Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Wilmington vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 2; WIL 1

II - WIL 11; BKN 7

III - BKN 9; WIL 1

IV - WIL 1; BKN 0*

*10 innings

Cyclones Suffer Heartbreaking Loss; Cede First Place Back to Hudson Valley Renegades

With first place on the line, a crowd of 3,894 was made to wait out an old-fashioned pitcher's duel as both Wilmington and Brooklyn twirlers served up goose eggs for nine full innings.  

The Blue Rocks went the opener's route, with Evan Lee getting the start and exiting after allowing three hits and no walks with three strikeouts through the second inning.  Three relievers combined to limit the Cyclones to a pair of hits over the next seven innings.  

Brooklyn starter Dominic Hamel effectively hurled a gem, holding the Blue Rocks to three hits and no walks with nine strikeouts over seven scoreless innings.  Right-hander Nolan Clenney followed with four strikeouts in two scoreless frames.

Then into extra innings on Coney Island, they went.

Southpaw Nathan Lavender was tasked with pitching the tenth.  The ghost runner was bunted over to third, then scored on Cody Wilson's base hit - simple as that.  

In the bottom of the tenth, Wilmington's Orlando Ribalta set down the Cyclones in order and struck out Jaylen Palmer to end the game.

Coupled with Hudson Valley's victory over the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, the Renegades regain a half-game lead ahead of the Cyclones with eight games left to play.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Slugfest at Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

II - BK 5; JS 4

III - BK 8; JS 5

IV - BK 7; JS 5

Cyclones Take Fourth Straight at ShoreTown Ballpark

Coney Island keeps stemming the tide at Jersey Shore, but the Renegades defeated the Crawdads, and the Ironbirds took care of the Blue Rocks, and so all remains as it was.  The Cyclones trail Hudson Valley by one half game, and Aberdeen trails Brooklyn by one full game.

The North Division contending Cyclones scored early and often.  Second baseman Jose Peroza clubbed a two-run home run, and Stanley Consuegra's RBI single gave Brooklyn a prompt first-inning 3-0 lead.  They added a run on a wild pitch in the second, and third baseman Jaylen Palmer followed with what later proved to be a decisive three-run round-tripper in the third for a seven-run advantage.

Sure enough, the game's momentum completely changed on a dime.  Three Jersey Shore bullpen members held the Cyclones scoreless over the final six frames while the BlueClaws lineup started pressing matters at the plate.

Coney Island starter Luis Moreno surrendered a solo home run in the fourth and another in the sixth but completed the frame to exit on the winning side after allowing four total hits and striking out five.  

Making his second relief appearance for the Cyclones, right-hander Trey McGloughlin surrendered a two-out, three-run home run in the seventh but settled down to pitch a scoreless eighth and ninth inning to close the game and earn his first save.

The Cyclones improved to a 30-22 second-half record and a 60-58 mark overall.  They have fourteen games left on their schedule: two against Jersey Shore, a penultimate series at home against Wilmington, and the season finale at Winston-Salem.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Defeat Hudson Valley in Walk-Off Fashion

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - HVR 7; BKN 4

II - BKN 7; HVR 5

III - HVR 11; BKN 4

IV - BKN 3; HVR 2

Baby Bums Take Down Evil Empire Plebs in Coney Island Thriller

With twenty games left in the season, playoff fever has gripped Coney Island.  A crowd of upwards of 3,600 were treated to a ninth-inning thriller.  However, through the first eight frames, a lot of nail-biting was going on.

Left fielder Matt Rudick scored on a fielder's choice in the first inning, and Jaylen Palmer homered in the second to give the Cyclones a 2-0 lead.  But it would not last.  Hudson Valley designated hitter Spencer Henson tied the game with a two-run double in the third.

The score then remained unchanged through the eighth.  Both starting pitchers exited to a no-decision.  Brooklyn's Christian Scott allowed two runs on one hit and three walks with five strikeouts in 2.2 innings.  Right-hander Trey McLoughlin followed with 4.1 scoreless innings of two-hit ball with five strikeouts, and Daison Acosta followed with a scoreless eighth and ninth inning.

Matt Rudick singled to left field with one out and runners on first and second in the home ninth, scoring Jaylen Palmer from second with the winning run.

Brooklyn once again leapfrogs into first place ahead of the Renegades.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Retake First Place With Victory Over Hudson Valley Renegades

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - HVR 7; BKN 4

II - BKN 7; HVR 5

Coney Island Strikes Back!

The Cyclones set the tone of this game with a three-run second inning.  With one out and the bases loaded, Matt O'Neill singled home a run, shortstop Shervyen Newton drew a walk to force home a second run, and Jaylen Palmer scored on Matt Rudick's sac-fly to center.  The teams traded runs in the third inning.  Third baseman Tyler Hardman homered for Hudson Valley, and William Lugo drove in a run for Brooklyn.  Second baseman Jose Peroza then singled home a run in the fifth, and William Logo homered off the left field scoreboard in the seventh.

Jose Peroza and William Lugo joined together for six hits in eight at-bats, with two extra-base hits, three runs batted in, and three runs scored.

Making a spot start in only his second appearance with Brooklyn, right-hander Jeffrey Colon allowed a run (home run) on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 2.2 innings.  Right-hander Nolan Clenney followed with 2.1 scoreless innings of one-hit ball with two strikeouts.  Making his third appearance with Brooklyn, southpaw Keyshawn Askew hurled three scoreless innings through the eighth but encountered trouble, yielding three runs in the ninth.  Afterwhich, Daison Acosta was called upon to close out the frame.  Another base runner crossed home, making it a 7-5 Cyclone lead.  Acosta then put the tying run on base with a walk.  Finally, at 9:57 pm, Daison Acosta struck out designated hitter Spencer Henson to end the game.  Nolan Clenney gets the win.  BOXSCORE

With the victory, the Cyclones retake first place by one half-game over the Hudson Valley Renegades.  

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Pressure-Packed Thriller at Wilmington

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

FRAWLEY STADIUM

Brooklyn vs. Wilmington

I - WIL 9; BKN 3

II - BKN 8; WIL 1

III - BKN 7; WIL 6*

IV - WIL 7; BKN 1

V - WIL 4; BKN 2

VI - BKN 6; WIL 5

Cyclones Stage Ninth-Inning Comeback; Retake First Place

The Brooklyn Cyclones kicked up their playoff chase another notch.  Trailing 4-5 entering the top of the ninth at Frawley Stadium, right fielder Matt Rudick picked an excellent time to hit his second home run this season - a two-run home run to straightaway center field.  Right-hander Daison Acosta hurled a scoreless eighth and ninth inning to close the victory and earn his third win.  After two scoreless frames, Brooklyn opened the scoring.  With two outs in the top of the third, center fielder Alex Ramirez singled home two runs.  In the home half, however, Gregory Guerrero's second-base error jump-started a four-run rally, all unearned.  The Cyclones were quick to answer with two in the fourth on hits by Jaylen Palmer and Rudick.  But Wilmington again seized the lead with a run in the fifth.  Afterwhich, the score remained unchanged until Matt Rudick stepped to the plate in the ninth.  Relievers Oscar Rojas, Nolan Clenney, and Acosta held the Blue Rocks scoreless through the final five innings.  Brooklyn salvages a series split with Wilmington.  Moreover, they lead the SAL North division by one-half game over the Hudson Valley Renegades, who lost Sunday against the Aberdeen Ironbirds.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Move Back Into First With Defeat of Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

FRAWLEY STADIUM

Brooklyn vs. Wilmington

I - WIL 9; BKN 3

II - BKN 8; WIL 1

III - BKN 7; WIL 6*

*12 innings

Cyclones Outlast Blue Rocks for Twelve-Inning Win

Brooklyn was required to work overtime, but after a long night at Frawley Stadium, their efforts finally paid off.  

Making his second start with the Cyclones, left-hander Keyshawn Askew was roughed up for four runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts in five innings.  

But Askew's mates got him off the hook.  Wilmington opened with three runs in the second and a single run in the third.  Brooklyn recovered two in the third on a Blue Rocks' error and a sac-fly, and Jaylen Palmer doubled home a run in the fourth to pull the 'Clones within one.  In the fifth, Brooklyn took their first lead of the game on shortstop William Lugo's two-run home run to left field.  

Afterwhich, the score remained unchanged through the eighth.  

With two outs in the home ninth, the Blue Rocks doubled home the game-tying run, and into extra innings, they went.  After a scoreless tenth, the teams traded runs in the eleventh; first baseman Joe Suozzi scored on a fielder's choice, and Wilmington scored on a sac-fly.  In the visitor's twelfth, Stanley Consuegra scored the go-ahead run on Jose Mena's fielder's choice to short.  

Despite blowing a save opportunity in the eleventh, right-hander Daison Acosta hurled a scoreless twelfth inning to earn the win.

Coupled with Hudson Valley's loss to Aberdeen, the Cyclones own a half-game lead over the Renegades in the North Division standings.

BOXSCORE

Alex Ramirez Powers Brooklyn Cyclones Over Hudson Valley Renegades

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Hudson Valley

I - HVR 10; BKN 2

II - BKN 6; HVR 2

III - HVR 5; BKN 2

IV - BKN 5; HVR 1

V - BKN 7; HVR 5

VI - BKN 7; HVR 0

Brooklyn Hurlers Toss Four-Hit Shutout; Cyclones Take Series From Hudson Valley

The Cyclones continued their solid second-half effort with a shutout victory on Sunday to complete the series win over the Renegades at Dutchess County Stadium.  

After being dominated many times earlier this season by Hudson Valley pitching, the Cyclones gave the Renegades a taste of their own medicine.  Making his eighteenth start, Junior Santos limited the hosts to three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in five innings for the win.  Three bullpen members joined together, allowing just one hit and two walks, and struck out eight batters over the final four innings to secure the shutout.

Right fielder Alex Ramirez opened the scoring in the fourth inning with his fourth home run since being promoted to the Cyclones.  Alex Ramirez hit his second home run with a runner on base in the sixth.  Leading off the seventh inning, Jose Mena and Joe Suozzi connected on back-to-back home runs.  Center fielder Jaylen Palmer closed out the scoring with a two-run double in the eighth, giving the Cyclones a 7-0 final margin of victory.

Alex Ramirez turned 19 years old this past January.  Since arriving in Brooklyn, he is batting .300 with five home runs and 19 RBI in twenty games and 80 at-bats.

Brooklyn is now back to par with a 48-48 record.

BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Win First-Ever Series Against Greensboro Grasshoppers

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Greensboro vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 6; GRB 5

II - BKN 9; GRB 0

III - GRB 6; BKN 5

IV - GRB 2; BKN 1

V - BKN 6; GRB 2

VI - BKN 5; GRB 1

Consuegra Powers Cyclones; Pitching Takes Care of the Rest

Strong pitching continues defining Brooklyn's second half.  Sunday's performance again proved decisive in their contest versus Greensboro, against whom they won the first-ever series between teams, four games against two.

Making his fifteenth start this season for Brooklyn, Junior Santos allowed one earned run on just three hits and one walk with five strikeouts in six innings for the win.  Making a rare relief appearance, standout left-hander Nick Zwack yielded a lone hit and one walk with five strikeouts in three scoreless innings for his first save.

After three scoreless innings, left fielder and New York City native Jaylen Palmer delivered home Brooklyn's first two runs in the fourth.  When the Grasshoppers pushed a run across in the visitor's fourth, center fielder Stanley Consuegra answered with a homer in the home half of the frame.  In the seventh, right fielder Alex Ramirez singled home Consuegra, and with the bases loaded, catcher Matt O'Neill drew a walk forcing home Alex Ramirez from third.  Stanley Consuegra finished 3 for 5 with a double, home run, a run batted in, and two runs scored.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Come Up Short Against the Grasshoppers

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Greensboro vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 6; GRB 5

II - BKN 9; GRB 0

III - GRB 6; BKN 5

Greensboro Grasshoppers Notch First-Ever Victory Against Brooklyn Cyclones

Brooklyn got things going when Rowdey Jordan scored on an E-6 in the first.  In the second, center fielder Jaylen Palmer scored on a fielder's choice, and Jose Peroza's two-run home run in the third staked starter Luis Moreno to a 4-1 lead after three.  The score remained unchanged until the sixth, when Greensboro pulled within two.  Making his sixth start with Brooklyn, Luis Moreno exited on the winning side after allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk in 5.2 innings.  The Grasshoppers tallied once against reliever Brendan Hardy in the seventh.  Facing Justin Courtney in the top of the eighth, Grasshopper designated hitter Abraham Gutierrez struck the decisive blow, a three-run home run to left/center.  Second baseman Nic Gaddis tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the ninth, but the Cyclones would tally no more.  Luis Moreno escaped with a no-decision while Justin Courtney blew the save and took the loss.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Earn Victory in Season's First Game Against Greensboro Grasshoppers

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Greensboro vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 6; GRB 5

Cyclones Outlast Grasshoppers in Coney Island Series Opener

The Cyclones welcomed the Greensboro Grasshoppers to Coney Island for the first time this season and promptly knocked starter Santiago Florez out of the box.  Designated hitter Matt Rudick drew a leadoff walk and scored on a sac-fly in the first.  The Cyclones then scored four times in the second, highlighted by a Jose Peroza home run and extra-base hits off the bats of Jaylen Palmer and Rudick.  Greensboro reliever Domingo Gonzalez was summoned to finish the inning.  With one out in the fourth, catcher Jose Mena connected on his fourth home run this season, giving the Cyclones a 6-0 lead.

Brooklyn southpaw Nick Zwack got off to another superlative start.  He held the Grasshoppers scoreless through the fifth inning.  But Greensboro chased him from the game in the sixth by bunching together three doubles for a pair of runs.  The visitors again tallied twice against Nolan Clenney in the seventh and one more time against Dylan Hall in the eighth to suddenly make it a one-run game.  Brooklyn put two runners on base in the bottom of the eighth but left them stranded.  Right-hander Dylan Hall climbed the hill again for the ninth and caught first baseman Jacob Gonzalez looking at strike three to end the game.  Starter Nick Zwack improves to 4-1 with a 1.58 ERA.  Dylan Hall earned his first save.

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Claw Back at Hudson Valley Renegades

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY

I - HVR 5; BKN 2

II - HVR 8; BKN 5

III - BKN 6; HVR 1

Cyclone Twirlers Best Hudson Valley Hurlers

Hudson Valley right-hander Blas Castano retired 15 of his first 16 batters faced.  The only Cyclone to reach base through the first five innings was due to a hit-by-pitch.  Otherwise, Castano allowed no runs on no hits and no walks with four strikeouts.

Brooklyn southpaw Nick Zwack effectively matched his counterpart pitch for pitch.  Zwack likewise allowed no runs on just one hit and two walks with five strikeouts through the fifth.

Center fielder Jaylen Palmer led off the sixth inning against Blas Castano with a home run to left field.  After Castano issued a walk to Matt O'Neill and plunked Mike Rudick with a pitch, Shervyen Newton 

tripled home both runners, then scored himself on a JT Schwartz base hit to left, and just like that, the Cyclones owned a 4-0 lead.

The Renegades were recipients of Cyclone reliever Sammy Tavarez's generosity, who walked the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth, then proceeded to walk his fourth batter to force home a run

and spoil the shutout.

With two more runs in the top of the ninth, the Cyclones clinched their first win of the series by a final score of six to one.

Right-hander Grant Hartwig closed out the game with a four-out save.  

Nick Zwack yielded no runs on one hit and three walks with six strikeouts in six innings for the win.  He improved to 2-1 with a 1.58 ERA through nine starts, and 40.0 innings pitched since his promotion from St. Lucie.

Meanwhile, Hudson Valley's Blas Castano, who started brilliantly, takes the loss.  Boxscore

Brooklyn Cyclones Outlast Jersey Shore Blue Claws

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BATTLE OF THE BEACHES

Jersey Shore vs. Coney Island

I - BK 4; JS 3

II - JS 5; BK 3

III - BK 3; JS 1

IV - BK 2; JS 1

Another Close Call at Coney Island

In yet another tightly contested affair, the Cyclones outlasted the Jersey Shore Blue Claws to seize a second straight victory and a 3-1 series lead.

Leading off the home third, catcher Jose Mena opened the scoring with a home run, his third this season.  Center fielder Jaylen Palmer then singled home Brooklyn's second run in the fourth.  The Cyclones were otherwise limited to five hits but once again made them count.

Brooklyn pitching took care of the rest.

Making his eighth start with Brooklyn, southpaw Nick Zwack yielded no runs on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts for the win.  He faced 19 batters over five innings, throwing 94 pitches with 63 (67%) for strikes.  

Making only his second appearance with Brooklyn, right-hander Nate Jones allowed one run (home run) on four hits and no walks in 2.2 innings pitched, and Sammy Tavarez notched a four-out save, his fifth this season.

Brooklyn Cyclones Dismantle Bowling Green Hot Rods

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Bowling Green

I - BK 11; BG 9

II - BG 8; BK 0

III - BG 5; BK 1

IV - BK 20; BG 6

They Did The Mash ...

The Cyclones took out their season-long frustrations Friday night against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

Right fielder Joe Suozzi homered, leading off the first.  After Rowdey Jordan homered leading off the second, Suozzi delivered home two more runs, and Nic Gaddis, in turn, drove home Suozzi for a 5-0 Brooklyn lead.

Bowling Green scored once in the bottom of the third, then rallied for four runs in the fourth, tying the game at five.

Starter Daison Acosta allowed five runs on six hits and no walks with four strikeouts before being relived after the fourth.

Catcher Matt O'Neill homered, leading off the home fifth.  Gaddis again delivered home Suozzi giving the Cyclones a 7-5 lead.  Afterwhich, center fielder Jaylen Palmer connected on a three-run home run.

But the Cyclones were only warming up.  The Brooks posted ten runs in the top of the sixth on six hits and four walks, a hit by pitch, and an error.  With one out, designated hitter Brandon McIlwain homered to left/center with two on.  It was the Cyclones' fifth home run of the game. 

Coney Island cranked out 20 runs on 19 hits, with seven going for extra bases.  They drew six walks and struck out ten times.

Right-hander Brendan Hardy pitched two innings in relief of Acosta for the win and Grant Hartwig 

pitched the final three frames with four strikeouts for the save.

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 Take Second Straight from Hudson Valley Renegades

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 5; HVR 3

II - BKN 5; HVR 4

Coney Island Wins Two in a Row Against Bronx Affiliate

Coney Island defeated the Hudson Valley Renegades in a second straight game.  

Renegades starter Will Warren and Brooklyn's Oscar Rojas opened with three scoreless innings.  Warren issued a bases-loaded walk to force home the game's first run in the top of the fourth.  The Cyclones then erupted for five runs in the bottom half of the frame.  Right fielder Brandon McIlwain, Wilmer Reyes, and Branden Fryman drove in a run apiece, and Jaylen Palmer doubled home a pair.

Afterwhich, it was a matter of holding on.  Hudson Valley scored a single run in the sixth and two more in the eighth inning but would score no more.

In a no-decision effort, Oscar Rojas allowed one run on three hits and four walks with two strikeouts over 3.2 innings.  Right-hander Sammy Tavarez followed with 2.1 innings pitched for the win.  Rehabbing from injury and making his first-ever appearance with the Cyclones, Jordan Yamamoto 

allowed two runs on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 1.2 innings pitched, and Justin Courtney secured the last four outs for his fourth save this season.

• BOXSCORE

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 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.

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.