Brooklyn Cyclones Slam the Brakes on Hot Rods

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Bowling Green; 3-2

I - BK 5; BG 4

II - BG 4; BK 1

III - BG 7; BK 6

IV - BK 3; BG 1

V - BK 5; BG 2

Cyclones Seize Series Lead Over Hot Rods

The Cyclones for a second straight game defeated visiting Bowling Green on Saturday to take a 3-2 series lead against the Hot Rods.

Starting pitchers Nathan Wiles for Bowling Green and Brooklyn's Garrison Bryant each walked off to a no-decision.  The Cyclones promptly opened the scoring on runs batted in by Wilmer Flores and Jose Mena in the first inning.  Wiles exited the game after allowing five total hits with two strikeouts in three innings.  Bowling Green tied the game in the fourth at two.  Garrison Bryant was relieved after yielding five total hits and no walks with three strikeouts through five innings pitched.

In the sixth, catcher Nic Gaddis' sac-fly to left scored Reyes from third.  Two innings later, Wilmer Reyes connected on his first home run this season, deep over the center field wall.  Getting the start at second base, Warren Saunders singled home Brooklyn's sixth and final run of the game.

Right-hander Justin Courtney picked up the win with two scoreless innings in relief of Bryant, and Josh Hejka pitched the final two innings to earn his first save.

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Series Opener From Bowling Green Hot Rods

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Bowling Green; 1-0

I - BK 5; BG 4

Cyclones Stage a Thriller at Coney Island 

Down by a run entering the ninth, Brooklyn rallies for the tying and winning runs to seize their series-opening game against the Bowling Green Hot Rods.

The Hots Rods took a prompt 1-0 lead in the first, and the score remained unchanged until the fourth inning.  First baseman JT Schwartz led off the frame with a double and scored on right fielder Brandon McIlwain's triple to left.

However, Bowling Green retook the lead on second baseman Ronny Simon's two-run home run in their next at-bat.

The teams then traded single runs in the sixth.  With two outs and the bases jammed, shortstop Wilmer Reyes singled home JT Schwartz, but Brandon McIlwain was thrown out at home to end the threat.

Brooklyn closed to within one when Rowdey Jordan singled and scored in the seventh on a fielder's choice. 

Then, into the home ninth, they go ...

Leading off, Rowdey Jordan is hit by a pitch; catcher Matt O'Neill reaches on an E6; and JT Schwartz draws a walk to load the bases.  Brandon McIlwain bounces into a fielder's choice; Bowling Green throws out the lead runner at home.  With one out and the bases still loaded, designated hitter Jose Mena singled to left field, scoring O'Neill and Schwartz for the win.

Starter David Griffin escapes with a no-decision, allowing three runs on five hits and no walks with six strikeouts in five innings pitched.  Right-hander Josh Hejka pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention they struck out 15 times.

Let's Go Cyclones!

Three Wilmington Pitchers Join Together For One-Hit Shutout Over Brooklyn Cyclones

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

II - Rained Out

III - WIL 6; BRK 0

No, this was not a deja vu; it really happened.  In one of several instances this season, the Brooklyn Cyclones were yet again one-hit by the opposition, this time via the arms of three Wilmington pitchers.

Starting for the Blue Rocks, southpaw Evan Lee pitches the first six innings.  He retires Brooklyn in order during the first and second innings.  Left fielder Zack Ashford singles leading off the third but is quickly erased when Nic Gaddis grounds into a 5-4-3 double-play.  Evan Lee again retires Brooklyn in order during the fourth and fifth innings.  The Cyclones draw their first base on balls in the sixth but nothing more.  

Brooklyn starter J.T. Ginn throws five scoreless innings, then yields a leadoff double and a two-out run-scoring single in the sixth.  Thus, Evan Leee exits on the winning side of a one-run affair.  His counterpart J.T. Ginn allows the one run on seven hits and one walk with one strikeout over 5.2 innings.

 Josh Hejka secures the final out in the sixth, then tosses a scoreless seventh.

Facing Todd Peterson, the Cyclones go down in order in the seventh, and in the eighth, Luis Gonzalez

reaches safely on a strikeout that gets away but is stranded in place.  In the ninth inning, reliever Zach Brzykcy issues only the Blue Rocks' second walk.  Otherwise, the Cyclones go down quietly into the night.

The So-Called Surf Avenue Sluggers: one hit, two walks, four baserunners, twelve strikeouts.

Hitting aside, Coney Island's bullpen could not pick up where J.T. Ginn and Josh Hejka left off.  Making his first appearance with the Cyclones, Luis Montas allows two runs on three hits in the eighth, and in the ninth, Bryce Montes de Oca surrenders three more runs on three hits giving the Wilmington Blue Rocks a 6-0 victory over Brooklyn.

Jose Chacin Shines in Brooklyn Cyclones Debut; Coney Island Takes 4-2 Series Lead Over Aberdeen

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

ABERDEEN @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 9; ABD 6

II - ABD 2; BRK 1

III - BRK 1; ABD 0

IV - ABD 12; BRK 5

V - BRK 6; ABD 4

VI - BRK 4; ABD 1

Cyclone Bullpen and the Surf Ave Sluggers Provide Jose Chacin All The Support Needed For His First Victory at Coney Island 

Making his first start for the Brooklyn Cyclones, Port St. Lucie Mets graduate Jose Chacin makes a fine first impression before the Coney Island crowd.  After hurling five scoreless innings, he yields a run in the sixth.  All told, Chacin allowed an earned run on just two hits and one walk with five strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  

Enter Josh Hejka who closes out the sixth and throws a scoreless seventh.  Afterwhich, the bullpen hits a bump in the road when Evy Ruibal faces four batters, allows a hit, and walks two before smartly being removed in favor of big Bryce Montes de Oca who closes out the eighth, then hurls a scoreless ninth inning to preserve the victory and earn his sixth save.  Jose Chacin earns the win.

The Cyclones score four runs on seven hits and seven walks with only five strikeouts.  Aberdeen right-hander Connor Loeprich takes the loss.  Second baseman Luis Gonzalez is the big man on campus going 4 for 4 with a home run, his fifth.  Third baseman Jose Peroza and Ronny Mauricio also drive in runs for Brooklyn, and back in the second Luis Gonzalez doubled and scored on a wild pitch.

The Surf Avenue Sluggers now own a 4-2 advantage in the series with the finale slated for Sunday.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

Brooklyn Cyclones Fall In Tenth Inning At Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 2-0

I - HVR 9; BRK 7

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

The Old Extra Inning Second Base Phantom Menace Runner Routine ...

You know what they say; it's not how you start but how you finish.

After going 0 for 5 in yesterday's return to the lineup, Ronny Mauricio opens the scoring in the first with his ninth home run this season.  Cyclone starter Jose Butto allows two runs on five hits, including a home run, and no walks with six strikeouts through five innings pitched.  However, Brooklyn takes him off the hook when Anthony Duplantis' sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth scores Zach Ashford tying the game at two.  

Renegades starter Reid Anderson likewise allows two earned runs on three hits and two walks before departing after six.

The score remains unchanged through the ninth.  Andrew Edwards tosses two scoreless innings in relief of Butto, and Josh Hejka throws a scoreless ninth, and into extra innings, they go at Hudson Valley.

In the top half of the tenth, Brooklyn goes down in order, stranding the go-ahead runner at third.

With the phantom runner on second, Hejka yields a base hit, putting runners on the corners, then intentionally walks the next batter loading the bases.  Renegade catcher Saul Torres follows with a fly ball to center deep enough to score the runner from third.

Game over.

Brooklyn loses their second straight to Hudson Valley and now trails the season series by a 4-10 margin.

Brooklyn Cyclones Open Road Trip With Loss at Aberdeen

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

GAME ONE

Brooklyn Cyclones      3

Aberdeen Ironbirds    7

FINAL/BOXSCORE

Alec Kisena Knocked Out of the Box After Three; Bats Go Silent After Luke Ritter Blast In Fourth

Aberdeen rolls out the welcome mat for Brooklyn starter Alec Kisena, who in turn surrenders five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks in just three innings of work.

Facing Aberdeen starter Garrett Stallings, second baseman Luke Ritter gets Brooklyn on the board with a three-run home run in the fourth.  Unbeknownst to them, it would be the last time a Cyclone would cross home plate.

Pitching in relief of Kisena, right-hander Josh Hejka keeps the Ironbirds in place through the sixth.  Afterwhich, Evy Ruibal enters the game and promptly surrenders two earned runs in the seventh, increasing the Cyclones deficit to five.  Brooklyn bats have now been held quiet since the fourth inning.  Andrew Edwards, called upon to twirl the eighth in relief of Ruibal, gets through without a hitch.

Facing Ironbird Garrett Farmer in the top of the ninth, the Cyclones muster one lone hit by Brett Baty en route to a series-opening 7-3 defeat at Aberdeen. 

All told, Brooklyn hurlers surrender seven runs (six earned) on ten hits and six walks.  Kisena takes the loss and sees his record fall to 1-4 with a 4.86 ERA.  Three fielding errors didn't help either.

Brett Baty accounts for half of Brooklyn's hits, finishing 3 for 4, all singles, and lifting his average to a .318 mark.  Seven team strikeouts are completely reasonable, but Coney Island only draws one walk.  

For Luke Ritter, his ninth home run this season.

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.

Brooklyn Cyclones Walk Off In Twelve Inning Coney Island Thriller

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley and Brooklyn Tie; 3-3

I - HVR 4; BKN 3

II - BKN 14; HVR 0

III - HVR 6; BKN 1

IV - BKN 4; HVR 1

V - HVR 5; BKN 3

VI - BKN 6; HVR 5*

*12 inn

Hayden Senger Hits Game-Winning Three Run Home Run in Twelfth Inning

Sunday's game was about as wild and wacky as any attraction ever featured at Coney Island.

Hudson Valley nursed a precarious 1-0 through the first five innings.  Renegades starter Hayden Wesneski allowed just three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts through five innings pitched.  Cyclones starter Jose Butto equals his opponent innings pitched but exits on the losing side, allowing one run on five hits and no walks with five strikeouts.  

Right fielder Zach Ashford connects on a two-run home run off Nick Ernst, pitching in relief of Wesneski.  However, Allen Winans pitching in relief of Butto unleashes a wild pitch permitting the tying run to score from third base.  The score remains unchanged through the ninth.

After a scoreless tenth inning, Hudson Valley sub-in catcher Saul Torres promptly drives home the go-ahead run against reliever Josh Hejka, albeit unearned.  In the home eleventh, Antoine Duplantis is the ghost runner at second; he advances to third on Zach Ashford's grounder to second, then scores the tying run on Ronny Mauricio's base hit into left. 

Into the twelfth inning, they go ...

With one out, Renegades left fielder Eduardo Torrealba reaches safely on second baseman LT Strubel's misplay; ghost runner Frederick Cuevas scores on the play.  Then with two outs, Ezequiel Duran triples, giving Hudson Valley a 5-3 lead.

Brett Baty opens the bottom half of the twelfth as the ghost runner on second.  Facing Hudson Valley reliever Zach Greene, Luke Ritter strikeouts, but Strubel walks, putting two runners on base.  Catcher  Hayden Senger then steps in and deposits a Zach Greene offering over the left-field wall.  The Cyclones win in dramatic comeback fashion and salvage a split of the six-game series ...

... and the crowd goes crazy!  

Fuhgeddaboudit!

Don't worry, 15 strikeouts didn't escape me.  I know they went into extra innings, but they were already into double-digits in the ninth.

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: Lowell Spinners Force Decisive Game Three at Coney Island

From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE 

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Series tied; 1-1

I - BRK 2; LOW 1

II - LOW 3; BRK 1

GAME THREE

LOWELL SPINNERS

vs.

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

FROM

CONEY ISLAND

INTRODUCTIONS & NATIONAL ANTHEM

MEETING AT HOME PLATE

STARTER FRANK VALENTINO TAKES HIS WARM-UPS

FIRST PITCH

VALENTINO DEPARTS GAME IN THE FIFTH

One could tell straightaway Lowell was making solid contact against Cyclones starter Frank Valentino.  Only the superlative play of shortstop Wilmer Reyes allows him to escape the first inning unscathed.  Spinners right fielder Nick Decker leads-off the second with a single.  After which Luke Ritter fails to cleanly handle shortstop Antoni Flores' grounder to second.  Next up designated hitter Stephen Scott squares around to bunt and to everyone in attendance appears to foul the pitch for strike one, all except the umpires that is, whom award Scott first base on a controversial hit by pitch thus loading the bases.  Center fielder Gilberto Jimenez then singles up the middle plating two more runs for a 3-0 Spinners lead.  The Coney Island crowd gives home plate umpire Cilburn Rondon the business Brooklyn style.

Frank Valentino faces 21 batters, throwing 72 pitches with 52 going for strikes.  He allows three runs, two earned, on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts through 4.1 innings pitched for the loss.  Relievers Corey Gaconi, Josh Hejka, and Hunter Parson, join in limiting the Spinners to no runs on just two hits and one walks with eight strikeouts over the final 4.2 innings.

The Cyclones get on the scoreboard in the bottom half of the frame when Ranfy Adon singles home Joe Genord.  With two outs in the top of the sixth, Ranfy Adon also makes a nifty diving catch of Stephen Scott's liner to right. 

BOTTOM SIXTH

Two Outs w/ Tying Runs In Scoring Position

With one out in the bottom half of the sixth Luke Ritter and Joe Genord stroke consecutive singles, then advance on Jake Mangum's grounder to short.  With two outs and two runners in scoring position, reliever Chris Murphy ends the threat when he fans Brett Baty swinging at a well executed slider.  Murphy then strikes out the side in the seventh.  In relief of Murphy, Osvaldo De La Rosa retires the Cyclones in order in the eighth.  With Lowell's Kris Jackson in to pitch the ninth, Joe Genord greets him with a blast off the top of the left field wall, but the ball caroms perfectly to left fielder Will Dalton who turns and fires to second ahead of a sliding Genord.  After which both Jake Mangum and Brett Baty strike out ending the game.

GAME THREE
WEDNESDAY @ CONEY ISLAND

Brooklyn Cyclones: One More Win and They're In

From the desk of: 

THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS  &  THE RICHMOND COUNTY RATS

BATTLE of the BOROUGHS

Brooklyn leads series 2-0

I - BRK 11; SIY 2

II - BRK 5; SIY 4

LABOR DAY

Staten Island Yankees

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

Coney Island

Brooklyn Rallies For Ninth Inning Victory at Staten Island; Hudson Valley Clinches Playoff Berth With Win Over Aberdeen.

Brooklyn scores in their first at-bat, but trail the Yankees 4-1 after four.  The Cyclones make it a 4-2 game in the fifth.  Starter Garrison Bryant exits on the losing side after yielding four runs, three earned, on seven hits and one walk with five strikeouts.  After which the bullpen pitches brilliantly whilst the Cyclones mount their comeback.

With two outs in the sixth Joe Genord, Jose Peroza, and Jake Ortega all single consecutively; Genord scores making it a 4-3 game in Staten Island's favor.  In the top of the ninth Yankees reliever Barrett Loseke commits a cardinal sin of baseball when he walks Brooklyn lead-off batter Kenedy Corona, who then advances to second on a wild pitch.  Antoine Duplantis singles putting runners on the corners.  Jake Mangum likewise singles to left scoring Corona.  With Wilmer Reyes at the plate, Barrett Loseke unleashes another wild pitch advancing Duplantis to third, whom then scores on a subsequent throwing error by catcher Carlos Narvaez giving Brooklyn a 5-4 lead and ultimate margin of victory.

Jared Biddy allows just one hit through two innings in relief of Bryant.  Josh Hejika pitches a scoreless eighth for the victory, and Nelson Leon tosses a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts for his fourth save.  The three relievers combine on four scoreless innings of one-hit ball with no walks and four strikeouts.

• New York Penn League

Hudson Valley breaks a scoreless tie with two runs in the fifth.  Aberdeen rallies for two runs in the top of the eighth, and into extra innings they go at Dutchess County.  The Renegades ultimately walk off with a 3-2 win in the tenth.  Hudson Valley clinches at least a wild card.  Heading into the last game of the regular season, the Renegades lead the McNamara Division by one full game over the Cyclones.  The Ironbirds are eliminated from the division race.  With another victory over Aberdeen on Monday the Renegades would clinch the division title.  In turn Brooklyn now leads the wild card race by one full game over the Ironbirds.  One more victory over Staten Island on Monday would stamp Brooklyn's ticket to the playoffs.  As a result of Sunday's loss the Yankees are eliminated from wild card contention.

Dare I contemplate a McNamara Division tie?