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 Comeback Falls Short; Jersey Shore Takes Game Five

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

 JERSEY SHORE leads CONEY ISLAND; 3-2

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

Game five between the Cyclones and Blue Claws features the beleaguered Alec Kisena toeing the slab for Brooklyn opposed by Victor Vargas for Jersey Shore.

With one out in the bottom of the first, Blue Claw catcher Logan O'Hoppe homers off Kisena for a prompt 1-0 lead.  The score remains unchanged through the fourth.  Jersey Shore then strikes for three runs in the fifth, knocking Kisena out of the box.  Enter Evy Ruibal, who secures two outs to end the threat.

Victor Vargas keeps Brooklyn off the scoreboard through the first six innings.  But the 'Clones finally breakthrough in the seventh on Francisco Alvarez's leadoff home run, his tenth this season.  The Cyclones score twice more in the eighth on Francisco Alvarez's second home run of the game, this time with a runner on base bringing Brooklyn within a run of the Blue Claws.

But Coney Island would score no more.  Jersey Shore's Manuel Silva retires the first two batters faced in the ninth.  First baseman Joe Genord follows with a double to put himself in scoring position, but pinch-hitter Joe Suozzi leaves the tying run stranded.

Alec Kisena allows four runs on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 4.1 innings pitched in a losing effort.  Making his 13th start for Brooklyn, he entered Saturday's contest with a 5.15 ERA and exits with a 5.40 mark.  His mound counterpart Victor Vargas surrenders just three hits and four walks with six strikeouts through six scoreless innings pitched for the win.

• Francisco Alvarez now has eleven home runs and 32 RBI through 49 games, and 163 at-bats since joining Brooklyn.

Francisco Alvarez Powers Brooklyn Cyclones In Series Opener Against Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 1-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

Francisco Alvarez Turns Game Around With Three-Run Knock; Ronny Mauricio Drives Home Three

Wilmington returns to Coney Island and wastes no time getting on the board against starter Jaison Vilera for two runs in three hits in the first and two more runs on another three hits in the second.  

But the Surf Avenue sluggers get their pitcher off the hook with a five-run outburst in the third.  First baseman Joe Genord scores on a fielder's choice, Ronny Mauricio drives home a run, and Francisco Alvarez caps off the frame with a three-run home run.  

Mauricio drives home two more runs during a three-run fourth.  

Jaison Vilera exits on the winning side of an 8-4 game, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts through five for the win, his second this season against five losses with a ghastly 8.24 ERA.  

The bullpen yields two runs over four innings pitched with six strikeouts.  Right-hander Josh Hejka earns the save.

• BOXSCORE

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

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.

Faulty Bullpen Short Circuits Brooklyn Cyclones Power Surge at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

GAME ONE

CYCLONES     7

RENEGADES    9

FINAL/BOXSCORE

Home Runs From Brett Baty, Luke Ritter, and Francisco Alverez Negated By Bullpen Meltdown 

Eight total pitchers climb the bump at Hudson Valley Tuesday night.  Only one walks off unscathed, Renegades reliever Derek Craft, who earns his second save this season.

In a rock'em, sock'em affair, the Cyclones trail 5-3 after four but erupted for three runs in the sixth.  However, Hudson Valley gets one back in the bottom of the frame to knot the game at five.

Cyclone starter Jaison Vilera allows five earned runs on eight hits, including three home runs, in only four innings pitched.  He faces 20 batters while throwing 60 pitches, with 36 (60%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Evy Ruibal, in relief of Vilera allows a run on one hit in two innings pitched.  

Renegades starter Josh Maciejewski allows three runs, including a home run off the bat of Francisco Alvarez (7) in the fourth.  Reliever Matt Minnick likewise yields three runs, including home runs by Brett Baty (7) and Luke Ritter (11), both in the sixth.

Brooklyn's Bryce Montes de Oca fails to pitch out of the seventh.  He is relieved by Mitch Ragan but not before surrendering two runs on a hit and three walks in just 0.2 of an inning pitched.  Like his stablemates before him, Ragan fails to keep Hudson Valley from tacking on, surrendering a run on two hits in 1.1 innings pitched.

Joe Genord delivers Francisco Alvarez in the eighth, but the Cyclones would score no more.  Five of Brooklyn's eight hits go for extra bases.  They strike out 13 times, draw four walks, and bat a mere 1 for 10 with runners in scoring positions.

But the bullpen simply does not hold.  On more baseball diamonds than not, three earned runs on three hits and three walks over the final two innings is a losing proposition.

Brooklyn Cyclones Fizzle Out on July Fourth at Aberdeen

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen Ironbirds defeat Brooklyn Cyclones; 5-2

I - ABD 7; BKN 3

II - ABD 2; BKN 1

III - BKN 7; ABD 6

IV - ABD 2; BKN 0*

V - BKN 6; ABD 5

VI - ABD 4 ; BKN 3

VII - ABD 7; BKN 2

*game called bottom 6th

Brooklyn plays like they ate too many hot dogs ... 

Second baseman Luke Ritter in the second inning launches his tenth home run this season, and Joe Genord, on a fielder's choice, drives home the Cyclones' second run in the fifth, and that's that.  Brooklyn is limited to just four hits, no walks, and strike out seven times.  Luis Gonzalez, still starting at short in place of Ronny Mauricio, and right fielder Blake Ashford account for the Cyclones only other hits.

Luke Ritter leads Brooklyn in home runs and is now tied with Brett Baty for the team lead with 32 runs batted in.

Starter Alec Kisena entered the game with a troublesome 1.410 WHiP and 4.3 W/9 average.  In a losing effort, allows six earned runs on five hits (including a home run in the third) and three walks with eight strikeouts over 4.2 innings pitched for his fifth defeat against one win with an unsightly 5.86 ERA. 

Conner O'Neil accounts for himself in relief of Kisena with two strikeouts in 1.2 scoreless innings, but Michel Otanez allows a run and walks three in two innings pitched.

The Cyclones lose five of seven to Aberdeen and fall to 18-34 (.346) for the season.

More Long Balls Power Brooklyn Cyclones To 3-2 Series Lead Against Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

 Coney Island leads Jersey Shore; 3-2

I - JS 7; BK 5

II - BK 3; JS 2

III - JS 3; BK 0

IV - BK 7; JS 2

V - BK 8; JS 5

VI - SUNDAY

Back-To-Back Home Runs From Brett Baty, And Francisco Alvarez Prove Decisive

One score and twenty-four hours ago, the Brooklyn Cyclones play their first-ever game at Coney Island.  

That's it ... I just wanted to use this definition of score in a sentence.

Otherwise, Jersey Shore gets on the board in the top of the third.  Brooklyn answers with two runs in the bottom of the frame; first baseman Joe Genord doubles home Cody Bohanek, and Jose Mena doubles home Genord.

The Blue Claws score another run in the fourth, and the Cyclones again answer with two in the bottom half of the frame.  With one out and two runners on, Bohanek reaches safely on an E-6; Francisco Alvarez scores on the play.  Genord then singles home Luke Ritter from third.

Jersey Shore starter Jhordany Mezquita allows all four runs on three hits and six walks through four innings.  Brooklyn starter Connor Grey yields two earned runs on three hits and just one walk with six strikeouts through five innings pitched before departing on the winning side of a 4-2 affair.

But Jersey Shore then scores unanswered runs in the sixth and seventh innings, tying the game at four.  In relief of Grey, right-hander Colby Morris yields both runs on four hits and two walks in 1.2 innings pitched.

The Surf Avenue Sluggers finally breakthrough with four runs in the home eighth highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez.  It's Alvarez's second home run in as many days.  With one on and one out, Cody Bohanek singles, but an error in left field permits Ritter to score all the way from first.  Afterwhich, Bohanek scores from third on a wild pitch giving Brooklyn an 8-4 lead.

Pitching in relief of Colby Morris, Michel Otanez gives up a run in the ninth but closes out the victory for Brooklyn.  Otanez earns a well-deserved win allowing just two hits and striking out five in 2.1 innings of quality work.  A fine start by Connor Grey earns him a no-decision.  Brooklyn pitchers join for twelve combined strikeouts.

The Cyclones generate just six hits, but four are for extra bases.  They strike out just seven times, draw eight walks, and bat 3 for 8 with runners in scoring positions.  Joe Genord is the lone Baby Bum with multiple hits and runs batted in.

Brooklyn takes a 3-2 series lead, with the finale slated for Sunday afternoon at Coney Island.

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

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

GAME TWO
Jersey Shore  2

Coney Island  3

10 innings

Brooklyn Battery Powers Cyclones To Victory In Game Two  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones: Jersey Shore Triumphant In First Ever Visit To Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BATTLE ON THE BOARDWALK

GAME ONE
Jersey Shore BlueClaws  7

Brooklyn Cyclones           5

FINAL/BOX

BlueClaws Bullpen Stops Brooklyn Comeback Cold In Its Tracks

Jupiter Pluvius does the Brooklyn Cyclones no favors ...

.. and so it is, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws are triumphant in their first-ever venture into Coney Island.

Oh, the shame ...

Insofar as the game, once both starting pitchers are yanked from the mound, the whole complexion of this contest changes - as if to say, all is well, nothing more to see here; go back to your homes.

Unfortunately for Brooklyn, an early and rather large deficit proves too much to overcome.

In the second inning, Jersey Shore third baseman D.J. Stewart says hello to Kings County with a home run against starter Jaison Vilera who in the very next frame yields six more runs, all earned.  Once the dust settles, Vilera is charged with seven earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs, and three walks, in a mere 2.2 innings pitched.

After wielding just two hits through the first three innings, Brooklyn finally gets on the board against Blue Claws starter Dominic Pipkin when Francisco Alvarez laces a double down the left-field line scoring Ronny Mauricio (single) and Brett Baty (double).  Joe Genord singles home Alvarez, and center fielder Adrian Hernandez plates two more, making it a 7-5 game.

Francisco Alvarez leaves the game (leg) and is replaced behind the plate by Juan Uriarte as they head into the fifth.  Perhaps asking your backstop who is built like a Mack truck to catch in 72% humidity (as I listen in from nearby Bensonhurst), leg out a double, then race from second to home was a bit much on the legs.  The announcers were sticking to a precautionary, and proactive explanation, but they did mention he was limping in the dugout.  Put that through the translator.  Otherwise, I hope it was just cramps.  Stay tuned ...

In relief of Vilera, right-hander Colby Morris puts forth his longest outing this season.  His previous high was 2.2 innings pitched.  He faces twelve batters and throws 51 pitches, with 30 (58.8%) going for strikes.  He strikes out the side in the fifth as part of three innings of no-hit, no-run ball.  All told, he strikes out four but clearly tires in the sixth inning, walking two batters before making his exit.  With two out and two runners on base, Michel Otanez enters the game and closes out the frame.

With the game in the hands of Jersey Shore's Manuel Silva and Otanez for Brooklyn, the score remains unchanged through the seventh as Brett Baty bounces into an inning-ending double play to close out the frame.  Otanez exits after 1.1 scoreless innings pitch with one hit allowed; into the game comes Allan Winans, who twirls a scoreless top eight.  Silva, in turn, tosses three scoreless innings for the Blue Claws.  He is relieved by Aneurys Zabala, who likewise closes out the home half of the eighth.

Winans goes out for the ninth and proceeds to retire Jersey Shore in order.  Zabala likewise climbs the bump for the home ninth.  First up, Joe Genord strikes out swinging.  Next, LT Struble works the count full and draws a one-out walk.  Antoine Duplantis then strikes out swinging.  Finally, like Genord and Duplantis before him, Cody Bohanek caps off an 0 for 5 night with a strikeout of the swinging variety.  It was Brooklyn's twelfth strikeout of the game, yet another double-digit demonstration.

File this under the comeback that wasn't.  Brooklyn's five-run outburst in the fifth was all there was, two runs short.  The Jersey Shore bullpen made sure of that.

• Quick Note: spell check keeps wanting to turn Aneurys Zabala's name into Aneurysm!

Brooklyn Cyclones Foiled Again By Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 4-1

I - HVR 3; BKN 2

II - BKN 5; HVR 3

III - HVR 1; BKN 0

IV - HVR 8; BKN 0

VII - HVR 5; BKN 4

Pitching and Defense Fail Brooklyn In The Ninth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Cyclones Fail To Stave Off Late Jersey Shore Surge

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Jersey Shore leads Brooklyn; 3-2

I - BK 11; JS 

II - JS 4; BK 1

III - BK 6; JS 4

IV - JS 5; BK 4

V - JS 5; BK 5

Jersey Shore Overcomes Four Run Deficit; Walk-Off In Ninth

Cyclones Starter Alec Kisena Throws Five No-Hit Innings

Brooklyn shortstop Ronny Mauricio's first-inning three-run home run gives the Cyclones an immediate lead.  First sacker Joe Genord then connects for his sixth home run this season giving the Cyclones a 4-0 advantage through four.  

Brooklyn pitchers keep Jersey Shore off the board through the seventh.  Starter Alec Kisena allows no runs on no hits and one walk with five strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He faces 15 batters while throwing 67 pitches, with 40 (59.7%) going for strikes.  

Reliever Hunter Parsons pitches a scoreless sixth and seventh innings.  

Afterwhich, Brooklyn fortunes change.  Parsons yields two runs in the eighth on a home run by third baseman Nate Fassnacht.  Right-hander Mitch Ragan is summoned to pitch the ninth and proceeds to yield three runs on three hits, two for extra bases.  First baseman Rudy Rott delivers the game-winning hit with one out in the ninth.  Ragan records just one out in the inning.

Brooklyn's penchant for double-digit strikeouts continues with 13 more whiffs this game and just one walk in 34 at-bats.

The Cyclones will attempt to even the series in Sunday's finale.

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Opening Game Against "New" Jersey Shore Rival

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BATTLE of the BEACHES

CONEY ISLAND

vs.

JERSEY SHORE

FROM

It Doesn't Matter

No Staten Island Yankees?  No problem, now we take out our frustrations on the BlueClaws!  At least at Coney Island, our seagulls have respect for us and our families.  Seagulls along the Jersey Shore are just despicable and flat-out dangerous.

The rivalry is on ... Fugheddaboudit!

GAME ONE

Cyclones   11

BlueClaws   5

FINAL

CYCLONES HIT FOUR HOME RUNS; SNAP FOUR-GAME SKID

Brooklyn jumps out to a three-run lead before Jersey gets on the board with a pair in the home second.  The Cyclones then erupt for three more runs in the fifth.

Coney Island wastes no time.  Brett Baty opens the scoring with his first home run this season.  Luke Ritter trots home when Joe Genord connects on his fifth home run.  Starter Jose Butto surrenders a two-run home run to designated hitter Vito Friscia in the bottom half of the frame.  Shortstop Ronny Mauricio triples home two runs in the fifth, and Brett Baty drives home Mauricio extending Brooklyn's lead by four.  That is until Vito Friscia connects on his second home run of the game in the sixth, reducing the Cyclones' lead by half.  Jersey essentially gives the Cyclones a run in the seventh; Zach Ashford scored.  Brett Baty drives in his third run of the night with a double in the eighth; it's his 20th run batted in this season.  Next up, touted catcher Francisco Alvarez goes deep to center field, giving the Cyclones a commanding 10-4 lead.  Jersey picked up a run in the eighth, but Brooklyn center fielder  Adrian Hernandez canceled it out with a home run in the top of the ninth for Brooklyn's eleventh and final run.  Jose Butto allows three runs on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts through 5.1 innings pitched for the win.  

And, yes, I'm still paying attention: the Cyclones struck out 13 times!

Late Hudson Valley Run Spoils Brooklyn Cyclones Home Opener

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

OPENING DAY
Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Our Brooklyn Cyclones are finally home.  The 2019 New York Penn League champions returned to their Coney Island grounds for the first time in twenty months or upwards of 600-plus days; pick your poison.  They've been promoted up in levels, and now play in the newly formed High-A East Division.  Brooklyn opened the season on the road.  For the first time in the respective team's histories, the Cyclones faced-off against the Asheville Tourists and the Greenville Drive.  Because of MiLB realignment, many members of the 2019 champions are returning for a second season in Brooklyn.  Among them are position players Brett Baty, Antione Duplantis, Joe Genord,  Luke Ritter, Jose Mena, and Jake Mangum.  From the pitching ranks, returning hurlers include Dan Goggin,  Andrew Edwards, Mitch Ragan, Brian Metoyer, Josh Hejka, Alec Kisena, Jaison Vilera, and Josh Walker.

HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

vs.

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

FROM

Old Steeplechase Grounds

Let the rivalry begin!  The Hudson Valley Renegades are by no means strangers to Brooklyn.  Pandemic aside, this season marks the 20th year of competition between the two former New York Penn League member clubs.  But make no mistake, the playing field has changed.  The New York Yankees new affiliate is now the Cyclones chief rival.  Gone are the days of Brooklyn vs. Staten Island.  This is now about Kings County versus Dutchess County.  Better said, the battle for Downstate New York is on! 

Ceremonial First Pitch Thrown By Returning Champions

Andrew Edwards to Antoine Duplantis

FIRST PITCH

Jose Butto to Hayden Senger

Old Neighbors to the North Spoil Opening Day in Brooklyn

In the first game at Coney Island since the September 2019 championship series, the Hudson Valley Renegades outlast the host Cyclones in a see-saw battle at old Steeplechase grounds. 

• FINAL SCORE: HVR 4; BKN 3
• BOXSCORE #12: Tuesday, May 18, 2021

In the top of the third, Hudson Valley starter Hayden Wesneski unleashes a wild pitch permitting catcher Hayden Senger to score from third.  The score remains unchanged until the sixth when Renegade first baseman Kyle MacDonald homers off Cyclones starter Jose Butto with a man on base.  Brooklyn reclaims the lead on Joe Genord's two-run home run in the seventh scoring Brett Baty.  But Kyle MacDonald singles off reliever Nick MacDonald in the eighth, tying the game at three.  

Facing Andrew Edwards with two outs in the top of the ninth, Hudson Valley right fielder Pablo Oliveras connects for a run-scoring double giving the Renegades a 4-3 lead.  In the bottom of the ninth right-hander, Zach Greene retires Brooklyn in order to earn the win.  Cyclones' Andrew Edwards takes the loss.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Greenville Drives Coney Island Fans Crazy

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

OPENING DAY
Tuesday, May 18, 2021

HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

vs.

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

FROM

Old Steeplechase Grounds

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

⚾

Greenville defeats Brooklyn; 4-2

I - BKN 6; GVL 1

II - BKN 3; GVL 2

III - GVL 8; BKN 2

IV - GVL 5; BKN 1

V - GVL 8; BKN 4

VI - GVL 10; BKN 9

Like deja vu all over again ... 

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

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

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

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

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

Game over.

See you TUESDAY ... 

Brooklyn Cyclones: More Swings and Many Misses at Greenville

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Brooklyn Cyclones @ GREENVILLE DRIVE

I - BKN 6; GVL 1

II - BKN 3; GVL 2

III - GVL 8; BKN 2

IV - GVL 5; BKN 1

Things started out well.  However, it's how you finish that counts.  Brooklyn first baseman Joe Genord in the second clubbed his third home run this season.  But it wasn't long till Drive catcher Kole Cottam homered in the fourth, knotting the game at one.  

Trouble then finds Cyclones starter Alec Kisena again in the fifth.  This time he is knocked out of the box as the Drive rally for three runs.  In the fifth, Greenville third baseman Nick Sogard for good measure, homers off Nick MacDonald pitching in relief of Kisena.  

Southpaw Andrew Edwards is the only Brooklyn pitcher to come away from this game unscathed.  He tosses 2.1 innings in relief of MacDonald with three strikeouts.  Led by Greenville starter Brayan Bello, four Drive pitchers limit the Coneys to just four hits and issue four walks.  But the Surf Avenue Sluggers ponderously strike out another 14 times (falling one short of Thursday's total).  That makes 29 strikeouts through two games and 64 at-bats, or a 45% rate of whiffff.  

They've generated just ten hits in two losses to the Drive.  In this game, they go 0 for 6 w/ risp, and leave eight runners on base.  Greenville ties the series at two, but the Cyclones now fall a game under par with a 4-5 record through nine games and two games left versus the Drive before returning to Coney Island on Tuesday.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Coney Island Plants Their Flag at Greenville

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

20th

Anniversary Season

2001 ~ 2021

TUESDAY

Cyclones   6

GREENVILLE 1

Fluor Field

FINAL

Josh Walker Impressive Again; Home Runs For Mauricio and Genord

For the first time in their now 20-year history, the Brooklyn Cyclones arrive in South Carolina for a regular-season game against the nearly 30-year old Greenville Drive.  The Cyclones entered Tuesday's action, having dropped three of five games against the Asheville Tourists.

• 5/11/2021: BOXSCORE: Game #6

Leading off the game, left fielder Antoine Duplantis singles and right fielder Matt Winaker lines a double to center field.  Next in, third sacker Brett Baty doubles home both base runners for a prompt 2-0 Brooklyn lead.  First baseman Joe Genord leading off the second connects on his second home run this season, and second baseman Luke Ritter doubles home Baty in the top of the third, giving the Cyclones a 4-0 lead.  Starter Josh Walker surrenders the lone run of his appearance in the home half of the third, but Ronny Mauricio's two-run blast in the top of the fourth gives dem Boardwalk Bums a 6-1 advantage.  Right-hander Dan Goggin pitches two scoreless innings in relief of Walker with four strikeouts.  Manager Blankmeyer then hands the ball to righty Nick MacDonald for the eighth, who faces the minimum with a strikeout.  Despite an error by Mauricio, Nick MacDonald effectively closes out the ninth just as well.  Making his second start, Josh Walker puts forth another commendable effort, yielding one run on four hits and one walk with seven strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Ritter finishes up 3 for 4 with a run batted in, and Mauricio and Baty each drive in two runs apiece.  Brooklyn achieves par with a 3-3 record.

QUICK OBSERVATION: Through six High-A level games, there have been far more home runs hit by both Brooklyn and the opposition than former New York-Penn League fans are accustomed to.  A true test awaits when games arrive at spacious MCU Park at Coney Island and hitting into the stiff Spring ocean breeze.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Four Home Runs Power Coney Island Over Asheville

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

GAME FIVE

Cyclones 16

Tourists 12

FINAL

Someone must be reading my posts ...

After writing Saturday how the Cyclones got outscored 30-12 over their previous three games, the Surf Avenue Sluggers on Saturday erupt for 16 runs on 15 hits.  

Sure, the Tourists committed four errors, and the Cyclones scored five unearned runs off Asheville pitching.  Yeah, Brooklyn's own pitching yielded twelve runs on eleven hits, with the Tourists scoring nine runs in the eighth inning alone.  But we won, so, fuggedaboudit!

First baseman Joe Genord led Brooklyn's assault going 3 for 4 with a home run in the sixth, three runs scored, and three RBI.  In fact, Luke Ritter homered in the third, Ronny Mauricio homered in the fourth, and shortstop Cody Bohanek knocked one out in the fifth.  Mauricio now has five runs batted in through the first five games.

In that nine-run eighth inning, the Tourists closed within one run of the Cyclones, who now led by a suddenly slim 13-12 margin.  But the Cyclones score three more times in the ninth for good measure and make the series 2-3 in favor of Asheville.  Like their parents, Brooklyn went 4 for 21 with runners in scoring position and left twelve runners on base.

Starter Eric Kisena bucks a recent trend of sorts with an effective start.  He allows two earned runs on four hits with just two walks and eight strikeouts through five innings pitched.  He faces 20 batters and throws 78 pitches, with 49 (62.8%) going for strikes.  He yields a fourth-inning home run to Tourists left fielder Colin Barber, but it's the only extra-base hit he would yield.

UPDATE

Sunday, May 9, 2021

GAME CALLED