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.

Brooklyn Cyclones Even Series with Jersey Shore Blue Claws

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

Hunter Parson Closes What Jose Chacin Starts; Cyclones Play With Lead Throughout

Staked to a 3-0 lead, right-hander Jose Chacin limits the Blue Claws to one run through the first five innings.  Jersey Shore finally catches up to Chacin with consecutive extra-base hits in the sixth resulting in two runs.  But it's too little too late for the Blue Claws, as Brooklyn rallies for another three runs back in the home fifth en route to a 7-5 victory.

Making his fourth start for Brooklyn, Jose Chacin faces 24 batters, throwing 91 pitches with 62 (68.1%) going for strikes.  Chacin allows three runs on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in earning his third win.  In relief of Chacin, Nolan Clenney yields a run on three hits over two innings, but Hunter Parsons tosses a scoreless ninth to close out the win and earn his second save.

Designated hitter Zack Ashford is the big man on campus, going 2 for 4 with a double and two runs batted in, and third baseman Jose Peroza also goes 2 for 4 with a double and one run batted in.  Catcher

Nic Gaddis, Raul Beracierta, and Luke Ritter also drive in runs for Brooklyn.

Brooklyn wielded double-digit hits, drew six walks, and fanned only six times, and regulars Francisco Alvarez and Cody Bohanek were given the night off.

Francisco Alvarez Hits Twentieth Home Run But Cyclones Lose Series Finale at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN @ HUDSON VALLEY

I - HV 7; BK 6

II - BK 4; HV 0

III - BK 10; HV 8

IV - BK 6; HV 4

V - HV 4; BK 1

VI - HV 7; BK 0

VII - HV 13; BK 9

Coney Island Gets Walloped at Wappingers Falls; Renegades Take Series

With two outs and two runners on base in the visitor's first, second baseman Luke Ritter launches a home run to left field off Renegade starter Matt Sauer for a prompt 3-0 lead.

However, making his sixth start for Brooklyn, right-hander David Griffin fails to make it out of the second inning.  Hudson Valley scores seven times on six hits, with three going for home runs.  Forced into early relief duty, Colby Morris yields another three runs in the third, highlighted by Hudson Valley's fourth home run of the game.  

Making his second appearance for Brooklyn, Reyson Santos takes over in the fifth and surrenders another three runs on two walks, two hits, and a hit-by-pitch giving the Renegades a 13-4 lead.

Brooklyn shows signs of life with a four-run sixth.  Left fielder Zack Ashford drives home Jaylen Palmer, and Wilmer Reyes connects on a three-run home run.

Cyclone relievers Dylan Hall and Michel Otanez join together for three scoreless innings through the eighth.

Designated hitter Francisco Alvarez hits his twentieth home run this season with one out in the ninth, becoming the first Cyclone to ever achieve this milestone.  He hit two home runs with St. Lucie prior to his arrival in Brooklyn.

Alas, it's not enough.  Hudson Valley wins the rubber game and finishes the season series against the Cyclones with a 24-12 record.

Hudson Valley Renegades Slam Brakes On Brooklyn Cyclones Three Game Win Streak

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN @ HUDSON VALLEY

I - HV 7; BK 6

II - BK 4; HV 0

III - BK 10; HV 8

IV - BK 6; HV 4

V - HV 4; BK 1

Look What The Renegades Did To The Cyclones ... Again!

Hudson Valley brings Brooklyn's three-game win streak to a skidding halt.  In yet another instance among so many this season, the Cyclones are limited to four hits (or less) en route to a 4-1 defeat at Wappingers Falls. 

First baseman Luke Ritter with one out in the fourth, homers off Renegade starter Anderson Munoz

cutting Brooklyn's deficit to three.  But the Cyclones would score no more.  Designated hitter Francisco Alvarez accounts for half of Brooklyn's four hits, including a double and Luis Gonzalez doubles.

Making his fifth start for Brooklyn, right-hander Oscar Rojas allows four runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks in suffering his third loss.  Pitching in relief of Rojas, Nolan Clenney yields two hits and strikes out three over 2.1 scoreless innings.

Brooklyn batters draw three walks, strike out 13 times, and go 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  

Sometimes I feel like Jack Nicholson in The Shining ... All Strikeouts And No Hits Make Baseball A Dull Game. all strikeouts and no hits make baseball a dull game.  AlL sTrIkEoUtS aNd No HiTs MaKe BaSeBaLl A dUlL gAmE.

• BOXSCORE

Four Baggers and Stellar Pitching Propel Brooklyn Cyclones to Series Win Against Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

II - Rained Out

III - WIL 6; BRK 0

IV - BRK 10; WIL 1

V - WIL 4; BRK 0

VI - BRK 6; WIL 1

Francisco Alvarez and Ronny Mauricio Remain Neck and Neck in the Great Steeplechase Grounds Home Run Derby ... or are they?  

Batting in the first, Jaylen Palmer singles through the left side, and with two outs, Francisco Alvarez

homers over the left field wall, giving Brooklyn a prompt 2-0 lead.  

Starter Jose Chacin and the bullpen make it stand.  

Not yet done, Ronny Mauricio slams a three-run home run in the seventh, and Luis Gonzalez doubles home Luke Ritter in the eighth for a 6-1 final score.

Making his second start for Brooklyn, Jose Chacin allows five hits and two walks with four strikeouts through six scoreless innings for the win.  Through 11.2 innings with the Cyclones, he has allowed one run on seven hits and three walks with nine strikeouts. 

Right-hander Willy Taveras follows Chacin with two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit with two strikeouts.  However, Ronny Mauricio's throwing error in the ninth leads to a Wilmington run, spoiling the shutout.  Otherwise, Bryce Montes de Oca closes the game and secures Brooklyn's series win over the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

Francisco Alvarez and Ronny Mauricio remain tied for the team lead with 18 home runs in the great Steeplechase grounds home run chase.  Alvarez has 245 at-bats in 74 games this season as a member of the Cyclones.  He also hit two home runs before his promotion from St. Lucie.  Ronny Mauricio now has 381 at-bats through 97 games (23 more games than Alvarez).  The numbers speak for themselves.

Wilmington Takes Thrill Out of Coney Island Nine; Cyclones Shut Out on Three-Hitter

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

II - Rained Out

III - WIL 6; BRK 0

IV - BRK 10; WIL 1

V - WIL 4; BRK 0

Three Wilmington Pitchers Join for Three-Hit Shutout Victory; Series Tied at Two 

After two scoreless innings, Wilmington erupts for four runs on five hits, with two going for extra bases.  Brooklyn starter Luc Rennie yields all four runs on five hits and a walk with four strikeouts through 2.1 innings pitched.  Hunter Parsons, Michel Otanez, and Brian Metoyer hold the Blue Rocks to just one hit and no walks, with ten strikeouts, but their efforts go for naught out of the bullpen.  Led by Wilmington starter Cole Henry, the Blue Rocks limit the Cyclones to three hits and five walks in a combined shutout effort.  Right fielder Jaylen Palmer, Zack Ashford, and Luis Gonzalez account for Brooklyn's only hits.  The Cyclones draw five walks but again strikeout in double-digits (ten) and bat 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Second baseman Luke Ritter fans three times and leaves five runners on base.  With the win, Wilmington draws even with the Cyclones; the series finale is scheduled for Sunday.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Overcome Early Deficits, Rally Late; Bullpen Handles the Rest in Victory Over Aberdeen Ironbirds

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

ABERDEEN @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 9; ABD 6

II - ABD 2; BRK 1

III - BRK 1; ABD 0

IV - ABD 12; BRK 5

V - BRK 6; ABD 4

Brooklyn Bullpen Puts Aberdeen On Hold; Luis Gonzalez Drives Home Decisive Runs in Eighth

Aberdeen holds the early advantage.  Making his sixth start for the Cyclones, right-hander Luc Rennie surrenders two hits and issued two walks in the first inning as the Ironbirds jump out to a prompt 2-0 led.  

Second baseman Luke Ritter drives home one run in the bottom half of the first, third baseman Luis Gonzalez singles and scores the tying run in the second, and in the fourth, Cody Bohanek doubles and scored on Antoine Duplantis' line single to right field, giving Brooklyn a 3-2 lead.

With Luc Rennie pitching in the fifth, Aberdeen retakes the lead with another pair of runs.  The score then remains unchanged through the seventh.  Right-hander Brian Metoyer twirls two fine innings in relief of Rennie, allowing just a hit and striking out two.  The Cyclones then breakthrough for three runs in the bottom of the eighth; Luis Gonzalez drives home two runs and soon scores on a throwing error by Aberdeen pitcher Ignacio Feliz for a 6-4 Cyclone lead and the final margin of victory.

Brian Metoyer's fine effort earns him the victory.  Right-hander Willy Taveras strikes out three batters to close out the ninth for his third save this season.  Luc Rennie escapes with a no-decision, and Ignacio Feliz takes the loss.

The Cyclones bat 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position; they strike out 12 times and draw just three walks.  Of their nine hits, only one goes for extra bases.  The good news is with the victory the Cyclones take a 3-2 series lead over Aberdeen.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Split Tightly Contested Twin Bill With Aberdeen Ironbirds

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

ABERDEEN @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 9; ABD 6

II - ABD 2; BRK 1

III - BRK 1; ABD 0

Classic Pitching Duels Unfold in Both Games of Wednesday Night's Doubleheader at Coney Island.  Aberdeen Takes Opener in Extra Innings; Boardwalk Bums Shut Out Iron Birds in Game Two

GAME ONE 

The front end of Wednesday's twin bill was nothing short of a classic pitcher's duel.  It's just unfortunate in games like this, one team must lose due in no part to lack of effort and performance.

Right-hander Zack Peek starts for the visitors and is opposed by J.T. Ginn for Brooklyn.  Making his sixth start with the Cyclones, Ginn allows just one earned run on seven hits and one walk with four strikeouts through 23 batters, and five innings pitched.  Peek surrenders one run, a home run, two other hits, and no walks with seven strikeouts against 18 batters in five pitched innings.  Both exit to a no-decision.

Reliever Clayton McGuinness enters in the sixth, as does Colby Morris for Brooklyn.  Both trade zeroes through the seventh, and into extra innings, they go at Coney Island.  

With Brian Metoyer called upon to pitch the ninth, Aberdeen bunts over the phantom runner from second to third, who scored on a sacrifice fly to center field.  Ironbird right-hander Shelton Perkins then sits down the Cyclones to close out the eighth and final frame.  McGuinness earns the win, and Perkins the save.  Brian Metoyer takes the hard-luck loss.  

Center fielder Jaylen Palmer drives home Brooklyn's only run.  BOXSCORE

⚾

  

GAME TWO (Make-Up: 5/28/2021) 

Right-hander Connor Gillispe toes the slab for Aberdeen, and David Griffin climbs the bump for his third start with the Cyclones.  

First baseman Jeremy Vasquez's hit gives the Cyclones a 1-0 lead in the fourth, scoring Jaylen Palmer from second base.  Connor Gillispe exits on the losing side after four, while David Griffin continues pitching through the fifth.  With two outs and runners on the corners in the sixth, David Griffin freezes the final batter looking at strike three.  

Clinging to a one-run lead, Bryce Montes de Oca is tasked with closing out the seventh.  The first batter grounds to second, the next strikes out swinging, batter three keeps the inning alive with a single, a wild pitched advances the tying run into scoring position.  Still, Montes de Oca gets the following batter to fly weakly to right field.

Despite only two hits, the Cyclones hold on for a tight, error-free 1-0 victory to salvage a split of the twin bill.  David Griffin earns his first win for Brooklyn, and Montes de Oca earns his fifth save.  Designated hitter Luke Ritter accounts for Brooklyn's only other hit.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Litter Wappingers Falls With Base Runners; Renegades Take 3-1 Series Lead

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 1-3

I - HVR 3; BRK 2

II - BRK 11; HVR 7

III - HVR 6; BRK 5

IV - HVR 3; BRK 1

Ejected and Dejected; Key Hits Elude Cyclones

How does a team collect eleven hits and score only one run?  

Start in the very first inning when the Cyclones strand Antoine Duplantis at third.  

Luke Ritter gets thrown out at home in the second inning trying to score from second base on a ball that never leaves the infield.  

Brooklyn strands a runner at second base in the fifth.  

In the sixth, shortstop Ronny Mauricio gets picked off first and thrown out at second.  Afterwhich, the Cyclones strand another runner at second.

They strand yet another runner at second in the seventh, and Ronny Mauricio gets ejected for arguing with the first base umpire.

The cherry on top is when the Boardwalk Bums leave the bases loaded in the ninth.  With no outs and the bases jammed, not one ball leaves the infield.  

So much for situational hitting ...

All told, the Cyclones bat 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position and stranded eleven runners overall.  They strike out eleven times while drawing only three walks.

Starter Alec Kisena pitches well but is unlucky.  He yields two runs, one earned, on three hits and one walk with eight strikeouts through five innings in a losing effort.  With two outs in the fifth, Kisena surrenders a home run to third baseman Pat DeMarco to plate the game's first run.

Right fielder Jaylen Palmer drives home Brooklyn's only run in the seventh.

Hudson Valley now owns a 19-9 advantage in the season series over Brooklyn.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Suffer Crushing Defeat at Hudson Valley as Passive Manager Blankmeyer Looks On

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 1-2

I - HVR 3; BRK 2

II - BRK 11; HVR 7

III - HVR 6; BRK 5

Cyclone Skipper Draws a "Blank"

Trailing 5-4 Entering the Home Ninth, 

Hudson Valley Hits Two-Run Walkoff Home Run

In match number three between New York City's rival affiliates, the Renegades serve with single runs in the first and third innings.  Brooklyn return serves with a run in the fifth and four aces in the sixth.  But the Renegades volley with a run in the bottom of the sixth and two more in the seventh, tying the game at five.

Hudson Valley starter Edgar Barclay is knocked out of the box with two outs in the top of the sixth, but not before surrendering four runs on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  Making his fifth start for the Cyclones, J.T. Ginn allows three runs on three hits and one walk with three strikeouts through six full innings pitched while exiting on the winning side of a 5-3 affair.

Facing Brooklyn's Connor O'Neil in the home seventh, Hudson Valley is helped to a pair of runs.  O'Neil surrenders a leadoff hit, then advances the runner with an errant pickoff attempt.  The Renegades then score on a fielder's choice.  Afterwhich, Connor O'Neil issues four consecutive bases on balls forcing in a second run and tying the game at five.  Manager Blankmeyer finally removes O'Neil in favor of Evy Ruibal, who closes out the seventh without further damage.

Hudson Valley's Charlie Ruegger and Evy Ruibal then pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Leading off the ninth, second baseman Luke Ritter doubles, and Jose Mena singles putting runners on the corners with one out.  Ritter then scores on Antoine Duplantis' fielder's choice to second, but Jose Mena is thrown out at second base on the continuation to end the inning, not before the Cyclones take a 6-5 lead.

Evy Rubial is sent blackout for the home half of the ninth and promptly yields a leadoff single.  That right there usually serves as a red flag, but an unconcerned manager Blankmeyer makes no move.  His ambivalence proves unfortunate, if not costly.  Because the very next batter, designated hitter Anthony Volpe launches a game-winning two-run home run over the left-field wall.

A deflating loss, for sure.  I'm left with little choice but to call manager Ed Blankmeyer on the carpet over this one.  Back in the seventh, Conner O'Neil clearly lacked effectiveness/control and perhaps was left in the game too long.  Insofar as Evy Rubial, he did his job in the seventh and again in the eighth.  Sending him out again for the ninth was already a questionable move.  But blame for not removing Rubial once the leadoff hitter singled safely falls squarely on the manager.

Luke Ritter finishes 2 for 4 with two runs batted in, and with one hit Ronny Mauricio also drives home two runs giving him 52 RBI in 84 games to date.  Third baseman Jose Peroza goes 2 for 4 with a double and one run batted in.

BOXSCORE

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 Humbled and Held Hitless at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 5-0

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*

*7 inning no-hitter

I'm as short for words as the Cyclones were for hits Saturday against the Hudson Valley Renegades.

BOX GAME ONE - Brooklyn trails 4-0 after the first, then 5-0 through the fifth inning.  The Cyclones tallied their lone run of the game on Luis Gonzalez's home run in the sixth to ruin the shutout.  Hudson Valley scores twice more in the bottom half of the frame en route to a commanding 7-1 victory in game one.  Two Renegades pitchers join together in limiting the Cyclones to just three hits and two walks with ten strikeouts.  Right-hander Mitch Spencer earns the win.  Brooklyn starter Connor Grey surrenders five runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks with five strikeouts.  He yields one home run back in Hudson's four-run first.  Shortstop Ronnie Mauricio and Jeremy Vasquez account for Coney Island's only other hits.

BOX GAME TWO - Twenty-six Brooklyn Cyclones step up to the plate.  Five batters draw walks, six different batters strikeout, two of them twice, and not one of them wields a single hit.  Renegades starter Sean Boyle twirls four no-hit/no-run innings, Nick Ernst throws two hitless innings to earn the win in relief of Boyle, and Derek Craft closes out the game with a hitless seventh inning.  Meanwhile, starter Justin Lasko yields five earned runs, including three home runs, five total hits, one walks with six strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched for the loss.  Southpaw Andrew Edwards records the last two outs of the game.

⚾

• Brooklyn - two games, 51 plate appearances, 44 at-bats, three hits, seven walks, 18 strikeouts.

• According to SNY-TV on Saturday night, the highly touted third baseman Brett Baty is being promoted to the (AA) Binghamton Rumble Ponies. 

Luis Gonzalez started at second base because ...

Just spoke to Cyclones coach Mariano Duncan. Luke Ritter out for about 2 months with broken hemate bone in hand. @BTB_MikeII @JohnMackinAde @ernestdove

— John From Albany (@JohnFromAlbany) July 10, 2021

 

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.

Brooklyn Cyclones' Bullpen Cleans Up Own Mess To Secure Victory at Aberdeen

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen Ironbirds lead Brooklyn Cyclones; 3-2

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

*game called bottom 6th

BULLPEN BENDS BUT DOES NOT BREAK

Leading off, Antoine Duplantis opens the game with a single, and with one out Brett Baty likewise singles.  With two outs, the Cyclones execute a rare double steal.  Second baseman Luke Ritter then drives home both Duplantis and Baty.  Afterwhich, Zach Ashford drives home Ritter for a prompt 3-0 lead.

Duplantis doubles home first baseman Jeremy Vasquez (double) for a 4-0 Brooklyn lead 

the second.  But Aberdeen strikes back against starter Connor Grey for three runs in the bottom half of the frame; Connor Grey's throwing error didn't help matters.  With Aberdeen now trailing by one, the score remains unchanged through the fourth.  Connor exits a 4-3 contest on the winning side, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts.  

Brooklyn plates insurance in the fifth on Luke Ritter's double into center field scoring Francisco Alvarez, and Brett Baty singles and scores on a wild pitch in the seventh for a 6-3 advantage.

Right-hander Colby Morris pitches two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in relief of Grey.  

Hunter Parsons enters in the seventh in relief of Morris and immediately pitches into trouble.  He walks the leadoff batter, who, two wild pitches later, arrives at third base.  Parsons then hits the next batter putting runners on the corners, and another walk loads the bases.  Parsons then unleashes his third wild pitch permitting a run.  Afterwhich, right fielder Zach Watson's sacrifice fly to center makes it a one-run game.  Head Cyclone in Charge Ed Blankmeyer finally removes Parsons in favor of Andrew Edwards, who strikes out the third baseman Gunnar Henderson to end the Ironbirds' threat.  

Edwards returns to hurl a scoreless eighth, followed by Bryce Montes de Oca, who closes out the ninth for his second save.  Connor Grey escapes with a no-decision, and Colby Morris earns a well-deserved win.

Antoine Duplantis finishes 3 for 5 with a double and a run batted in, and Luke Ritter is 2 for 5 with a double and three runs batted in, giving him 31 for this season. 

• BOXSCORE

Home of the Ironbirds

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.

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