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

Home Runs and Stellar Bullpen Effort Lift Brooklyn Cyclones to Series Opening Win Over Aberdeen Ironbirds

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

ABERDEEN @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 9; ABD 6

Cyclones Twice Overcome Deficits; Bullpen Tosses 5.1 Scoreless Innings 

Back home at Coney Island facing a familiar foe in the Aberdeen Ironbirds, the Cyclones overcome a four-run first-inning deficit with two runs in the bottom of the frame and three runs in the third for a 5-4 advantage.  The Ironbirds reclaim the high ground with two in the fourth.  But Brooklyn answers with another four-run outburst in the home seventh.  The score then remains unchanged through the ninth.

Making his 17th start for Brooklyn, right-hander Jaison Vilera is hit hard, allowing six runs on eight hits, including a home run and one walk over 3.1 innings pitched but still escapes with a no-decision.  Enter Josh Hejka with four strikeouts over 2.2 scoreless innings.  In one of baseball's odd instances when less is more, Evy Rubial wins for tossing a scoreless seventh.  Right-hander Willy Taveras then twirls a scoreless eighth and ninth innings to preserve Brooklyn's 9-6 series-opening victory over Aberdeen.

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis walks leading off the home first and scores on Ronny Mauricio's triple.  Mauricio then crosses home on Francisco Alvarez's fielder's choice to short.

With two runners on base in the third, Ronny Mauricio launches his 17th home run this season over the right field wall, i.e., into the breeze coming off the beach ... so there!

Brooklyn loads the bases in the seventh.  With one out, a Jeremy Vasquez sacrifice fly to left field plates Jaylen Palmer from third.  Then with two outs, third baseman Jose Peroza connects for a home run over the left field wall.

Ronny Mauricio finishes the game 3 for 3 with a walk, triple, home run, three runs scored, four runs batted in, and Jose Peroza doubles and homers in four trips.  For Francisco Alvarez, his 48th run batted in wearing a Cyclone uniform.  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

Cyclones Catch Long Ball Fever; Brooklyn Evens Series With Rival Renegades

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 1-1

I - HVR 3; BRK 2

II - BRK 11; HVR 7

Coney Island Nine Erupt for Seven Runs in Eighth Inning

Certain things run through one's mind when their team falls behind by five runs after just two innings.  I surely had a few things whirling around mine, particularly after Austin Wells' three-run home run against Brooklyn starter Cam Opp.  

But catcher Francisco Alvarez puts the Cyclones on the board in the fourth with his 16th home run (with BK) this season.  Brooklyn then pulls within one with a three-run sixth, when, with two runners on base, third baseman Jose Peroza connects for a three-run home run, his first this season.

However, Hudson Valley induces another mood swing when they pull away with single runs in the home sixth and seventh innings for a 7-4 lead.

Then, in the top of the eighth, the Cyclones alter everyone's frame of mind by unleashing a seven-hit barrage including six consecutively, a triple by Jaylen Palmer, and a home run by Jeremy Vasquez, his seventh, all resulting in seven runs and an 11-7 final margin of victory.

Cam Opp allows five runs on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts but escapes with a no-decision.  Next in, Josh Hejka allows a run on two hits and two walks over 2.1 innings.  Winning pitcher Hunter Parsons allows a solo home run and strikes out three over 2.0 innings pitched, and only Brian Metoyer comes out of this contest unscathed with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth.

Brooklyn evens the series against the Renegades at one.  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.

Brooklyn Cyclones Skid Hits Five as Wilmington Blue Rocks Take Series Finale

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. WILMINGTON; 1-5

I - BRK 16; WIL5

II - WIL 15; BRK 3

III - WIL 5; BRK 4

IV - WIL 7; BRK 4

V - WIL 1; BRK 0

VI - WIL 12; BRK 5

Brooklyn Twirlers Stoned by Blue Rocks

If you recall, right-hander David Griffin did not experience the most joyous of Brooklyn debuts.  In his first start for the Cyclones, Griffin allowed seven runs, but only four earned nine hits and three walks in just 3.2 innings pitched.  Making his second start on Sunday, Griffin yields three runs, but again only one is earned, on five hits and a walk with four strikeouts in three innings pitched.

After twirling three scoreless innings, Wilmington starter Mitchell Parker surrenders a home run to Francisco Alvarez, and then with the bases loaded, Nick Gaddis singles home Jeremy Vasquez 

and Jose Peroza tying the game at three.

Wilmington greets incoming Cyclone pitcher Hunter Parsons in the home half of the fourth with five runs on three hits and two walks before ever making an out.  Pitching in relief of Parsons, a hurried Josh Hejka surrenders one more run before the frame is through.

Outside of single runs in the fifth and eighth innings, it is a deficit from which the Cyclones do not recover.  The Blue Rocks post one run in the sixth and two more in the seventh en route to a commanding 12-5 victory, their fifth straight win against Brooklyn.  Wilmington wins the series five games against one.  The season series now stands at 10-8 in favor of Coney Island. 

Through 61 games and 204 at-bats as a member of the Brooklyn Cyclones, catcher Francisco Alvarez (2 for 4, with two runs scored) now has fifteen home runs, giving him 46 runs batted in.  As a member of the Cyclones, he entered Sunday's action batting .240 with a .335 OBP, which I would agree are somewhat subpar while striking out in 30.8% of his at-bats.  However, he began Sunday slugging .520 and ended the day batting .245 with a .912 OPS and no strikeouts.

Jeremy Vasquez is the only other Cyclone with multiple hits, including a double.  

Hunter Parsons takes the loss in relief of David Griffin, who escapes with a no-decision.

Slightest of Mistakes Prove Costly In Brooklyn Cyclones Fourth Consecutive Loss at Wilmington

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN trails WILMINGTON; 4-1

I - BRK 16; WIL5

II - WIL 15; BRK 3

III - WIL 5; BRK 4

IV - WIL 7; BRK 4

V - WIL 1; BRK 0

Taking One For The Team; A Hit By Pitch Leads to the Winning and Only Run of Saturday's Game.

FOR BASEBALL'S BUGS AND CRANKS, AN OTHERWISE OLD-FASHIONED (TEAM-EFFORT) PITCHING DUEL.

BOXSCORE

In a scoreless game and one out in the home sixth, facing Brooklyn starter Luc Rennie, Wilmington center fielder and leadoff batter Armond Upshaw is hit by a pitch.  He steals second and promptly advances to third on an errant throw by catcher Jose Mena.  Upshaw then scores on Jack Dunn's fielder's choice to second base.

Home plate at Frawley Stadium this evening is not to be crossed again.

Brooklyn starter Luc Rennie allows the aforementioned run on just three hits and no walks with four strikeouts over 5.2 innings pitched.  He faces 22 batters while throwing 87 pitches with 53 (60.9%) going for strikes but unfortunately exits on the losing side of a one-run affair.  Righ-hander Brian Metoyer allows no hits and fans two in 1.1 innings, and Joe Cavallaro closes the game with a scoreless ninth.  All told, Brooklyn pitchers surrender just four hits, no walks, and strike out eight.

Deadlocked at zero, Blue Rock starter Evan Lee exits to a no-decision after working five scoreless innings.  He faces just one batter over the minimum while allowing one hit and no walks with eight strikeouts.  Blue Rock southpaw and game-winning pitcher Alex Troop tosses two scoreless innings of no-hit ball with three strikeouts, after which right-hander Todd Peterson closes the game with two scoreless innings one-hit ball for the save.  

The Cyclones achieve just two hits, draw no walks, fan twelve times, and finish 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  Right fielder Jaylen Palmer and first baseman Jeremy Vasquez (double) account for Brooklyn's hits.

After Brooklyn's series-opening win, Wilmington has since taken four straight.  However, the Cyclones still own a 10-7 advantage in the season series, including a June six-game sweep of the Blue Rocks.

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 Take Second Straight From Renegades; Can Square Series In Sunday's Finale

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-2

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

A Very Entertaining Game Unfolds At Old Steeplechase Grounds ... 

Southpaw Edgar Barclay starts for Hudson Valley and is opposed by bad luck personified Alec Kisena for Brooklyn.

Coney Island opens the scoring in the second inning, first on Francisco Alvarez's leadoff home run, then on Zach Ashford's base hit, scoring Jeremy Vasquez from third.  But the Renegades get one back in the third and then tie the game in the fifth at two.

Edgar Barclay exits after four innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts.  His mound opponent Alec Kisena lasts five, surrendering two runs on six hits and no walks with eight strikeouts.

Pitching the sixth in relief of Kisena, Josh Hejka allows a run on three hits.  Facing reliever Nick Ernst in the home half of the sixth, Francisco Alvarez lashed a one-out triple and scored on Jeremy Vasquez's hit, tying the game at three.  With Hejka still pitching in the seventh, a hit by pitch, a passed ball (Francisco Alvarez), and a base hit lead to a Renegade run.  But Brooklyn again answers with Zach Ashford's double and a run-scoring single off the bat of Antoine Duplantis, knotting the game at four.

Right-hander Evi Ruibal hurls a scoreless top half of the eighth inning.  After which, Jeremy Vasquez launches the game's decisive blow over the right field wall for a 5-4 lead and the final margin of victory.

Joe Cavallaro tosses a scoreless ninth for the save, while Evi Ruibal wins in relief of Kisena and Hejka.

Brooklyn pitchers issue no walks and join together for twelve strikeouts. BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Lose Third Straight At Home Against Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-0

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 5; BRK 3

Everything Was Fine Until It Wasn't

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

Great!

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

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

... and that's that.

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

The Renegades win their third straight at Coney Island.

Brooklyn Cyclones Crash Upon Jersey Shore Like a Tidal Wave; Extend Win Streak To Seven

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

CONEY ISLAND leads JERSEY SHORE; 1-0

I - BK 14; JS 5

It was high tide at Jersey Shore as wave after wave of Brooklyn youth crossed home plate.

Tuesday's series opener begins innocently enough.  Starting behind the plate, Francisco Alvarez singles home Edgardo Fermin in the first, and Blue Claw left fielder Jhailyn Ortiz homers in the second off Cyclone starter Jaison Vilera. 

Typical stuff ...

Brooklyn then scores twice in the third.  Left fielder Joe Suozzi scores from third on a fielder's choice, and Francisco Alvarez drives home his second run.  Afterwhich Jeremy Vasquez homers, leading off the fourth,

... and then the rout begins.

The Cyclones post five runs in the fifth, but Jersey Shore answers with four in the bottom half of the frame.  Jaison Vilera is removed after five runs on seven hits, and no walks with three strikeouts through 4.2 innings.  Right-hander Hunter Parsons takes over mound duty.  Not yet done, the Blankmeyers tack on four more runs in the sixth for a more comfortable 13-5 lead.  Both Edgardo Fermin and Ronny Mauricio hit a pair of home runs respectively in the fifth and sixth innings.

Right-hander Connor O'Neil climbs the bump in the seventh in relief of Parsons and proceeds to throw two scoreless innings of no-hit ball with three strikeouts.

Jersey Shore throws one away in the eighth when Jeremy Vasquez scores on a wild pitch.

Brian Metoyer throws a scoreless ninth to close out the Cyclones' seventh consecutive victory and the first in the series against the Blue Claws.

Edgardo Fermin drives in five of Brooklyn's 14 runs.  Hunter Parsons earns the win.

• BOXSCORE

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 Win Fifth in a Row Over Wilmington on Jacob deGrom Bobblehead Night

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

 

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 5-0

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

Brooklyn Wins a Season-High Fifth Straight Over Blue Rocks

The Cyclones win their fifth straight against the Wilmington Blue Rocks.  With runners on the corners in the second, Francisco Alvarez scores the game's first run on a groundball to second.  In just his second game with Brooklyn, catcher Nic Gaddis then lines a home run to left field, scoring two.

Brooklyn's defense yields a rather amateurish run in the top of the third.  Then with the bases loaded in the bottom of the frame, first baseman Jeremy Vasquez clears the bases with a double giving the Cyclones a 6-1 lead.  

Francisco Alvarez is hit with a pitch in the eighth and removed for a pinch-runner.  With one out and two runners on base, Zach Ashford plates both runners with a double.  

Reliever Bryce Montes de Oca allows two runs in the top of the ninth, but the Cyclones nevertheless close out their fifth straight victory over the Blue Rocks.

Starter Alec Kisena yields just one unearned run on two hits and two walks with five strikeouts through 4.2 innings pitched but exits to a no-decision.  Right-hander Mitch Ragan earns the victory in relief, yielding no hits over 3.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Season-High Fourth Straight Over Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 4-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

II - BRK 5; WIL 3

III - BRK 10; WIL 2

IV - BRK 5; WIL 4

Evy Ruibal Puts Out The Fire; Cyclones Win Streak Hits Four

The Boardwalk Bums build an early four-run lead through five.  

First baseman Jeremy Vasquez doubles leading off the second and scored on a two-out double by Luis Gonzalez, who then crosses the plate on Jose Mena's grounder to third (and subsequent botched throw to first base).  In the third, Jeremy Vasquez drives home his second run, and in the fourth, Joe Suozzi 

doubles home Brooklyn's fourth run.

Wilmington gets on the board with a pair of doubles in the sixth, which knock starter J.T. Ginn from the game.  Facing Connor O'Neil in the seventh, Wilmington's first baseman Omar Meregildo connects on a two-run home run, making it a 4-3 game.

Brooklyn plates the game's decisive run in the eighth.  Luis Gonzalez drives home his second of the game, and it's a good thing too.  

Because in the ninth inning, Cyclone reliever Michel Otanez walks the first three batters to load the bases inspiring Manager Blankmeyer into making a pitching change summoning Evy Ruibal to extinguish the fire.  A flyball to center field scores the runner from third, pulling the Blue Rocks within one.  However, Evy Ruibal strikes out the next batter and gets the game's last out on a pop-foul to third base, thus preserving the victory and earning his first save this season.

J.T. Ginn wins his first game as a member of the Cyclones.  He allows just one run on five hits and no walks with five strikeouts through 5.2 innings in his Brooklyn debut.

The Cyclones win their fourth straight against Wilmington, their longest winning streak this season to date.

• BOXSCORE

Little Bit of Everything in Brooklyn Cyclones Second Straight Win Over Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 2-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

II - BRK 5; WIL 3

Francisco Alvarez Hits Second Three-Run Home Run In As Many Days; Teammates Have Willie Tavares' Back In Win Over Wilmington Blue Rocks

Team Overcomes Several Costly Fielding Errors

After three scoreless innings, the Cyclones breakout with three runs in the fourth.  With Cody Bohanek stationed at second, and Ronny Mauricio trailing at first, Francisco Alvarez launches his second three-run home run in as many days giving Brooklyn a 3-0 lead.

Cody Bohanek and Ronny Mauricio shortly team up again but for the wrong reason.  With two outs in the top of the fifth, errors by Mauricio then Bohanek lead to Wilmington's first run.  After issuing his third walk, manager Blankmeyer removes starter Cam Opp favoring Mitch Ragan, who closes out the Blue Rock's fifth.  Otherwise, making his eighth start, the Cyclone southpaw allows no earned runs on just two hits and three walks with three strikeouts over 4.2 innings while exiting on the winning side of a 3-1 affair.

Mitch Ragan completes a scoreless top half of the sixth.  Ronny Mauricio singles leading off the bottom half, and with Francisco Alvarez at the plate, Wilmington executes a strike-em-out, throw-em-out, double-play.  In turn, Blue Rock starter Alfonso Hernandez completes his sixth inning of work, yielding three runs on five hits and one walk with eight strikeouts.

Right-hander Willie Tavares enters the game in the seventh for Brooklyn and retires Wilmington in order.  But that's where his luck runs out.  With one out and one on base in the top of the eighth, right fielder Jacob Rhinesmith connects off Tavares for a two-run home run tying the game at three.  However, Wilmington's glee is fleeting, as Brooklyn answers with two runs in the Cyclone eighth; Antoine Duplantis and Cody Bohanek each drive home runs for a 5-3 lead.

Big 6'7", 265 lbs., right-hander Bryce Montes de Oca is tasked by manager Blankmeyer with pitching the ninth inning.  But things do not start well.  An error by Jeremy Vasquez at third and a walk put the tying runs on base.  Out one comes on a pop-up in which the infield fly rule is invoked; the runners stay put.  The next batter strikes out swinging on four pitches.  Afterwhich, Montes de Oca catches the final batter looking at strike three to end the game, preserve the win, and earn his third save this season.  Willie Tavares escapes with the win, Cam Opp a no-decision. 

• BOXSCORE

From the desk: John From Albany 👍

• Right-hander Connor Grey's near no-hitter this past Saturday against Jersey Shore earned him a promotion to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies where he rejoins former Cyclone teammates Brett Baty and Jose Butto.  In another move, Josh Hejka says goodbye to Coney Island and hello to Syracuse. 

STUFF:

• I wish all the recent Coney Island graduates well, as I do all my Brooklyn backyard alumni.  Obviously, as a Mets fan, I like seeing the kids climb the organizational ladder.  However, as a Cyclones fan, I love getting first dibs on these players, and sometimes it's hard seeing them leave.
• Antoine Duplantis is way more competent, and clutch than his .254 average might lead some to believe.
• For 19-year old catcher/DH Francisco Alvarez, home run number nine (w/ BK) with 26 RBI.

Brooklyn Cyclones 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.

Brooklyn Cyclone Hurlers Subdue Jersey Shore Blue Claws; Take Series Lead, 3-2

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Jersey Shore; 3-2

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

Brooklyn Four-Hits Jersey Shore; Take Series Lead Over Blue Claws

With three runs in the third, three more in the sixth, and behind the pitching of Justin Lasko, the Cyclones take their second straight from Jersey Shore and seize a 3-2 series lead.

In the third inning, with one out and the bases jammed, Jeremy Vasquez clears the bases with a double into center field for a 3-0 Brooklyn lead.  Then with two outs and two runners in scoring position in the sixth, Ronny Mauricio clears the bases with his tenth home run this season.

Jersey Shore spoils the shutout in the eighth.  Otherwise, Justin Lasko allows no runs on just three hits and no walks with eight strikeouts over six innings pitched for the win.  He faces 21 batters while throwing 81 pitches, with 55 (67.9%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Willy Taveras throws a scoreless seventh, and Josh Hejka closes things out with two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

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

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Jersey Shore; 1-0

I - BRK 1; JS 0

BOXSCORE

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

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Cyclones Salvage Series Finale at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley defeats Brooklyn; 5-1

I - HVR 9; BRK 7

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 6; BRK 4

IV - HVR 7; BRK 1

V - HVR 5; BRK 0*

VI - BRK 10; HVR 3

*7 inning no-hitter

Four Home Runs Power Brooklyn Over Hudson Valley; Antoine Duplantis Hits Two

My sarcasm aside, Brooklyn eliminates any chance of a no-hitter and shutout when, with one out in the top of the first, Antoine Duplantis homers to right field against Renegade starter Shawn Semple.  Hudson Valley likewise ruins Alec Kisena's bid for a no-hitter with a base hit in the bottom half of the frame.

Playing in place of injured Luke Ritter, second baseman Luis Gonzalez homers in the second.  Hudson Valley gets one back in the bottom half of the frame.  But then, with two outs in the third, Antoine Duplantis hits his second home run of the game giving the Cyclones a 3-1 lead.

Manager Blankmeyer, perhaps making a proactive change, brings in Josh Hejka in the fifth.  Alec Kisena allows just one run on one hit and five walks, and five strikeouts through four innings pitched.

In the seventh, Adrian Hernandez drives home, Luis Gonzalez, for a 4-1 Brooklyn lead.

Hejka completes his third scoreless inning with a ten-pitch at-bat against second baseman Oliver Dunn. 

Leading off the eighth, first baseman Jeremy Vasquez gives Brooklyn a 5-1 lead with his third home run this season.  Afterwhich, Brooklyn erupts for five more runs.  Catcher Juan Uriarte singles home a run, Antoine Duplantis walks with the bases loaded, Ronny Mauricio is hit by a pitch forcing home another, and Jeremy Vasquez drives home two giving Brooklyn a 10-1 lead.  That is until the Renegades post two runs in the bottom of the eighth against right-hander Evy Ruibal.

Mitch Ragan closes out the game with a scoreless ninth.  Brooklyn pitchers limit the Renegades to four hits, while Josh Hejka earns a well-deserved win.

• BOXSCORE

Coney Island salvages the series finale and avoids a sweep at Hudson Valley.