Brooklyn Cyclones Outlast Jersey Shore BlueClaws in Extra Innings

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

II - BK 5; JS 4*

*10 innings

Resilient Cyclones Win in Tenth Inning

The Cyclones and BlueClaws played a barnburner at ShoreTown Ballpark.  

With two outs and two runners on base in the top of the first, right-fielder Stanley Consuegra singled home the game's opening run.  In a presage of things to come, Jersey Shore answered with two runs in the home third.  After a scoreless fourth inning, shortstop Shervyen Newton homered to left field with catcher Matt O'Neill on base.  But Brooklyn's slim lead did not last, as the BlueClaws tallied a run in the home sixth facilitated by a Matt O'Neill throwing error.  

The deadlock then remained unchanged through the eighth.  

Both starting pitchers exited to no decisions.  Brooklyn's Junior Santos allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in 5.2 innings.  Jersey Shore southpaw Rafael Marcano yielded three earned runs on four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in 5.0 innings.

Cyclone right-hander Dylan Hall delivered 2.1 scoreless innings of no-hit baseball with two strikeouts to complete the eighth.  Two BlueClaw relievers joined in tossing 3.0 innings of one-hit ball with six strikeouts.

Then came the ninth.  Stanley Consuegra homered over the left field wall leading off the visitor's half.  Manager Rivera then summoned from the bullpen right-hander Daison Acosta to close.  But the game was again tied with a leadoff hit, a walk, and two sacrifice plays later.

In the top of the tenth, with Matt O'Neill, the ghost runner at second, Shervyen Newton singled, putting runners on the corners.  O'Neill then scored on Matt Rudick's sac-fly to right, giving Brooklyn a 5-4 lead.

Daison Acosta again climbed the bump.  With the ghost runner on base, Acosta fanned the first batter faced, then issued an intentional walk, followed by an unintentional four-pitch walk that loaded the bases.  Acosta regrouped to strike out the next batter, then ended the game on a groundball 3 to1 putout at first base for the win.

The Cyclones held on for another crucial win.  They've re-achieved par with a 58-58 season record and improved to 28-22 in the second half.  Wednesday night's victory keeps Brooklyn on pace with first-place Hudson Valley, who still lead the division by one-half game, and Aberdeen, who again defeated Wilmington to remain tied in second place with Coney Island.

Brooklyn Cyclones Shut Out Jersey Shore in Series Opener

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore

I - BK 7; JS 0

Cyclones Gain a Full Game on Hudson Valley

Coney Island secured a crucial victory Tuesday night at Jersey Shore.  Coupled with Hudson Valley's loss against the Hickory Crawdads, the Cyclones pulled to within one half-game of the first-place Renegades.  Meanwhile, Aberdeen had their way with Wilmington to remain tied with Brooklyn.

Making his third start for Brooklyn, southpaw Keyshawn Askew allowed three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in six innings for his first win as a Cyclone.  In his third appearance with Brooklyn, right-hander Jeffrey Colon took care of the rest, tossing three scoreless innings of no-hit ball over the final three innings to preserve the shutout and earn the save.

Shortstop Shervyen Newton struck the decisive blow in the second inning, a two-run home run over the left/center field fence.  The score remained unchanged until JT Schwartz scored on a fielder's choice in the sixth.  For good measure, Alex Ramirez doubled home two runs, and Schwartz doubled home another as part of a four-run ninth inning for a 7-0 margin of victory.  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

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

Brooklyn Cyclones Leave Runners Stranded Up and Down Jersey Shore; Blue Claws Take Series

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

 JERSEY SHORE defeats CONEY ISLAND; 4-2

I - BK 14; JS 5

II - JS 3; BK 1

III - BK 4; JS 0

IV - JS 3; BK 0

V - JS 4; BK 3

VI - JS 4; BK 3

O for Fugheddaboudit..!

Need a reason for Sunday's loss?  

How about thirteen?

Look no further than batting 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position.  So, it's not like Brooklyn didn't have their opportunities.  Otherwise, the Cyclones twice relinquish the lead en route to a 4-3 loss.

In the first, Antoine Duplantis leads off the game with a single and soon scores on Francisco Alvarez's ground ball to second.  An inning later, Joe Genord singles and scores on a Nic Gaddis sacrifice fly.  However, Jersey Shore ties the game against starter Luc Rennie in the home second on a leadoff home run by D.J. Stewart immediately followed by a triple and sacrifice fly.

Brooklyn retakes the lead in the third on Francisco Alvarez's second run batted in.  Afterwhich, Brooklyn musters just two hits the rest of the game.

Jersey Shore scores the tying run in the sixth and seizes the lead on right fielder McCarty Tatum's two-out blast in the seventh.  Right-hander Connor O'Neil allows the decisive knock for the loss.  Luc Rennie escapes with a no-decision.

After trailing the Cyclones two games to one, the Blue Claws win their third straight and take the series over Brooklyn four games against two.

Brooklyn Cyclones Cook Donuts Through Eight; Jersey Shore Evens Series

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

CONEY ISLAND vs. JERSEY SHORE; 1-1

I - BK 14; JS 5

II - JS 3; BK 1

Tide Rolls Out On Coney Island Nine; Jersey Shore Takes Game Two

WINNING STREAK ENDS AT SEVEN

After Tuesday's 14-run onslaught, the Brooklyn Cyclones found themselves beachcombing for runs ... any runs ... one run.  

Brooklyn quite literally stumbled across a run in the very last inning.  With one out, Antoine Duplantis doubles, advances to third, then scored on a balk.  The run brings the Cyclones within two runs of a tie, but there would be no such thing.  Instead, the Jersey Shore experiences a nice breeze as three Cyclone batters whiff to end the game.

A trio of Blue Claw pitchers joins in limiting the Cyclones to one run on eight hits and three walks with 14 strikeouts.  Brooklyn bats just 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position.  The only Cyclone with multiple hits left fielder Joe Suozzi goes 2 for 4 with a triple.

Brooklyn starter Cam Opp can only scratch his head after yielding two unearned runs on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts through 4.2 innings in a losing effort.  Right-hander Josh Hejka surrendered a home run in the seventh to third baseman McCarthy Tatum.

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 Starter Connor Grey Falls Two Outs Shy of No-Hitter Against Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Jersey Shore vs. Brooklyn tied; 2-2

I - BRK 1; JS 0

II - JS 3; BRK 2

III - JS 13; BRK 3

IV - BRK 6; JS 1

Coney Island Thriller; Connor Grey Flirts With No-Hitter

Brooklyn's 27-year old right-hander Connor Grey falls two outs short of a masterpiece but hurls a brilliant gem nonetheless.  

Grey yields just two walks and strikes out nine over the first eight innings.  But with one out in the ninth, center fielder Corbin Williams lashes an inside-the-park home run into the right/center field gap spoiling the no-hitter and the shutout.  

His mates provide him with plenty of support.  Left fielder Joe Suozzi connects on a two-run home run in the second.  Afterwhich, Edgardo Fermin,  Ronny Mauricio, Cole Kleszcz, and Joe Genord all drive home runs in a four-run third.

Connor Grey takes care of the rest.  He finishes strong, retiring eight consecutive batters until surrendering a home run.  Grey faces 27 batters, throwing 95 pitches with a very effective 68 (71.5%) going for strikes while averaging 11.7 pitches per inning en route to his first victory this season.  

Manager Blankmeyer brings in Michel Otanez, who secures the final two outs.

Brooklyn ties the series with Jersey Shore at two games apiece.

• BOXSCORE

Carlos Carrasco Looks Sharp in Coney Island Debut, But Cyclones Get Wiped Out By Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Jersey Shore leads Brooklyn; 2-1

I - BRK 1; JS 0

II - JS 3; BRK 2

III - JS 13; BRK 3

No Comment ...

Let's just say the Cyclones are lucky this evening that I have more pressing matters requiring my attention.

The good news is Carlos Carrasco toed the slab Thursday night against the Jersey Shore Blue Claws at Coney Island and pitched effectively.  He retired the side in order in the first, followed by a scoreless second.  Carlos faced seven batters and threw 27 pitches, with 17 going for strikes while allowing just one hit, no walks, and striking out two batters.  

In a best-case scenario, Carrasco is in fine form by mid-August.  He helps create a fearsome foursome featuring him, Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman, and Taijuan Walker, in time to play 13 games against the Dodgers and Giants that can effectively make or break this season.

The Cyclones?

Pfff ...!  That's a horse of another garage.

Without naming names, five Brooklyn pitchers allow 13 runs on 13 hits, including three home runs, seven walks, and twelve strikeouts.  Against Jersey pitching the Cyclones muster three runs on six hits and four walks with ten strikeouts.

Brooklyn now trails the series two games to one.

That is all ...

Brooklyn Cyclones Go Down Looking; Jersey Shore Evens Series

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn vs. Jersey Shore; 1-1

I - BRK 1; JS 0

II - JS 3; BRK 2

Cyclones Blink First; Bullpen Outlasted by Jersey Shore

With isolated storms rumbling through Brooklyn, right-hander Jose Butto takes his turn on the slab and is opposed by Adam Leverett for Jersey Shore.  

The Blue Claws open the scoring in the second inning when second baseman Jonathan Guzman takes Jose Butto deep over the left-field wall. 

Leverett makes an early exit after having surrendered one hit with four strikeouts over two scoreless innings pitched.  Jersey southpaw Jhordany Mezquita enters the game in the third.

With two outs and a base runner at first in the fourth, lightning strikes at Coney Island necessitated a game delay.  At roughly 8:18 pm, play resumes, and Jose Butto closes out the top half of the frame.  In the bottom half, Mezquita completes his second scoreless inning in relief of Leverett. 

Jersey Shore manufactures a run in the top of the fifth for a 2-0 lead.  Meanwhile, Brooklyn remains mired with just one hit courtesy of Ronny Mauricio back in the first inning.

With two outs in the top of the sixth, reliever Hunter Parsons enters the fray.  Jose Butto exits on the losing side after yielding an otherwise effective two earned runs on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts.  But that's where his mates step in, scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth to get Butto off the hook.  Blue Claws' Carlos Francisco is tasked with pitching the seventh.  With one out and one on in the eighth, Andrew Edwards enters the game to relieve Hunter Parsons.  Jersey Shore calls on Carlo Reyes to twirl the bottom of the eighth.  With two outs and a runner in scoring position, left field substitution Joe Suozzi strikes out, and into the ninth inning tied at two, they go.

• BOXSCORE

Each team musters just three hits apiece through the first eight innings.

In the top of the ninth, Andrew Edwards issues the dreaded leadoff base on balls.  With one out, manager Blankmeyer is prompted to bring in Mitch Ragan in relief of Edwards.  The move backfires.  With two outs, left fielder Keaton Greenwalt doubles home the go-ahead run.

Jersey Shore's Carlo Reyes climbs the hill for his second inning of relief.  Third baseman Cody Bohanek greets him with a leadoff single.  Unfortunately, Zach Ashford grounds into fan-crushing a 3-6-3 double-play.  Afterwhich, Joe Genord looks at strike three to end the game.

Andrew Edwards takes the loss; Carlos Reyes, the win.

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.

Pitching and the Long Ball Lift Brooklyn Cyclones Over Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Jersey Shore @ Coney Island tied; 2-2

I - JS 7; BK 5

II - BK 3; JS 2

III - JS 3; BK 0

IV - BK 7; JS 2

BOXSCORE

Francisco Alvarez Homers in Return to Lineup; Cyclones Even Series

Now that's more like it..!

Jersey Shore promptly takes a 2-0 lead in the first inning on catcher Logan O'Hoppe's two-run home run.

Afterwhich, Brooklyn hurlers surrender just four scattered hits the rest of the way.  After the first inning, Cyclones southpaw  Cam Opp regroups, allowing just one more hit and one walk with three strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched for the win.  He faces game-high 22 batters, throwing 74 pitchers with 42 (56.7%) going for strikes.  Relievers Josh Hejka and Allan Winans join together for 3.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts.

Starting the game at first and finishing in left field, Jeremy Vasquez goes 2 for 3 with a home run in the second and a team-high three runs batted in.  Making his return to the lineup, catcher Francisco Alvarez is 1 for 3 with a home run in the eighth, his fifth this season, and two runs batted in, and LT Struble goes 2 for 4 also with two runs batted in.  Cody Bohanek, starting at third place in place of Brett Baty, gives Long Island three players with multiple hits.

With Friday's victory, the Cyclones knot the series at two.

But you know I can't let them off the hook so easily.  Despite ten hits, the Surf Avenue Sluggers whiffed ten times and drew just three walks.