Brooklyn Cyclones Fall to Jersey Shore in Regular Season Finale

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

V - BK 9; JS 2

VI - JS 3; BK 1

Wait Till Next Year!

That's all, folks.  Brooklyn's first season in High-A is in the books.  

With Sunday's defeat against the Jersey Shore Blue Claws, the Cyclones lost their 70th game this season.  It perhaps fits they should lose a three-hitter, which has been a significant point of contention all season long.

Making his tenth start for Brooklyn, J.T. Ginn allows three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts over six innings for the loss.  He finishes at Coney Island with a 3-4 record and 3.38 ERA over 53.1 innings pitched.

The bullpen trio of Luis Montas, Michel Otanez, and Dylan Hill join together for three scoreless innings.

Brooklyn scores their lone run in the sixth.  Designated hitter Joe Suozzi draws a leadoff walk and scored from third on Wilmer Reyes' sac-fly to center field.  Shortstop Branden Fryman accounts for two of Brooklyn's three hits, Wilmer Reyes the other.

Jersey Shore wins the season series against Brooklyn with a 17-13 record.

Despite a club record seventy losses, trust me when I say this was one of the most thrilling seasons at Coney Island.  

BOXSCORE

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Shortstop Ronny Mauricio leads the Cyclones with 100 games played and a team-high 63 runs batted in.
• Center fielder Antoine Duplantis wields a club record of 100 hits.
• Catcher Francisco Alvarez leads the Cyclones with 22 home runs with 24 home runs overall.  The 19-year old phenom finishes his season with Brooklyn slashing .247/.351/.538/.889, with 58 RBI in 279 at-bats.
• Right-hander Alec Kisena strikes out 102 batters in 79.2 innings pitched; 11.5 K/9 average.
• Right-hander Justin Lasko, eleven starts, 2.81 ERA, and 64 strikeouts in 64.0 innings pitched.

Twenty seasons of Brooklyn Cyclones baseball - how sweet it is!

Brooklyn Cyclones Ninth-Inning Meltdown Gives Jersey Shore Blue Claws Series Lead

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

Late Comeback Goes For Naught as Bullpen Implodes in Ninth

Game three features Jersey Shore right-hander Griff McGarry toeing the slab against Oscar Rojas for Brooklyn.

A single and a triple give the Blue Claws an early 1-0 lead in the visitor's first.  The Cyclones draw three consecutive walks leading off the second, and right fielder Raul Beracierta's sac-fly to right field ties the game at one.

Jersey Shore retakes a one-run lead in the fourth.  With runners on the corners, Francisco Alvarez's errant throw on an attempted theft of second permits the runner from third to score.  

The score remains unchanged through the sixth.

Starter Oscar Rojas allows two runs (one earned) on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts through six innings pitched.  Facing Brooklyn's Luis Montas in the seventh, center fielder Johan Rojas triples home a run and scores.  

Second baseman Wilmer Reyes who continues to do nothing but shine since returning to the Cyclones, drives home a run in the home seventh, pulling Brooklyn with two. 

Luis Montas tosses a scoreless top half of the eighth.  Facing Blue Claw reliever Gabriel Yanez, the Cyclones tally three times on runs batted in from Raul Beracierta, Branden Fryman, and Wilmer Reyes, giving Brooklyn a 5-4 lead.

But it does not last.  Facing Michel Otanez in the visitor's ninth, Jersey Shore loads the bases and scores the tying run on a wild pitch.  A subsequent two-out base hit gives Jersey Shore the lead, and a run-scoring double and some other bad stuff provides the Blue Claws insurance.  

Manager Blankmeyer finally removes Michel Otanez, but it's too late.  Or should I say the manager recognized too late?  Opening a ninth-inning yielding a single and a walk should have been his first indication of trouble.  After another hit to load the bases, Blankmeyer still made no move.  Two more hits and a Wilmer Reyes ejection later, Blankmeyer finally acts with the Cyclones down by three.

The Cyclones recover one run in the home ninth to no avail.

Making his sixth start for Brooklyn, Oscar Rojas escapes with a no-decision, while Manager Blankmeyer Michel Otanez blows his third save and takes the loss.

Since returning to the Cyclones, Wilmer Reyes has batted .435 with seven RBI through six games and 23 at-bats.  BOXSCORE

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.

Brooklyn Cyclones Litter Back of Left Field Wall With Baseballs in Thrilling Twin Bill Sweep Over Hudson Valley Renegades

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

CONEY ISLAND BRINGS THRILLS TO WAPPINGERS FALLS

The Brooklyn Cyclones win both ends of a doubleheader at Dutchess Stadium.  Game one features a join-effort four-hitter pitched against Hudson Valley highlighted by Francisco Alvarez's team-leading 19th home run (tied with Ronny Mauricio).  During game two, while the bullpen was putting out fires, the Cyclones hit three more home runs, two by battery mate Nic Gaddis.

⚾

Francisco Alvarez Hits Number 19; Cyclone Pitchers Join Together on Four-Hit Shutout

GAME ONE - Making his eighth start for Brooklyn, J.T. Ginn is opposed by right-hander Mitch Spence for Hudson Valley.  

Leading off the top of the second, Coney Island's phenom catcher Francisco Alvarez smashes a hanging breaking ball over the left-field fence at Wappingers Falls grounds.  

The score remains unchanged through the sixth inning.  

Renegade starter Mitch Spence exits on the losing side of a one-run game, allowing four hits and no walks with nine strikeouts through 5.2 innings pitched.  Facing Feicer Perez in the top of the seventh, Brooklyn strikes for three runs on three hits highlighted by back-to-back doubles from Cody Bohanek and Antoine Duplantis en route to a 4-0 final score.

J.G. Ginn allows just three hits and two walks with five strikeouts through five scoreless innings pitched for the win.  He faces twenty batters and throws 87 pitches, with 49 (56.3%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Colby Morris yields four hits over the final two innings to complete the shutout.  

Francisco Alvarez hit his 19th home run with the Brooklyn Cyclones and his 22nd this season.  He and Ronny Mauricio are again tied for the team lead in home runs; Mauricio has 19 in 98 games while Alvarez has 19 home runs in 76 games.

⚾

Early Slugfest Turns Into Battle of the Bullpens; Cyclones Complete Twin Bill Sweep

GAME TWO - Making his first start this season for Brooklyn and alumni of the 2019 champion team, Garrison Bryant toes the rubber in opposition of southpaw Edgar Barclay for the Renegades.

Designated hitter Anthony Volpe right away gets Hudson Valley on the scoreboard with a first-inning leadoff home run.  

In the top of the second, third baseman Jose Peroza reaches base on an E-5, and Luke Ritter singles to left field.  Then with one out, Nic Gaddis homers to left field, giving Brooklyn a 3-1 lead.

Cody Bohanek draws a walk leading off the visitor's third, and with one out, Ronny Mauricio singles.  Jose Peroza then follows with a three-run home run to left.  With two outs, second baseman Luis Gonzalez singles, sending Renegade starter Edgar Barclays to the showers.  Next up, Nic Gaddis greets incoming reliever Nelvin Correa with another home run - his second - giving the Cyclones a commanding 8-1 advantage. 

But the Renegades say not so fast, answering back in the home half of the third with a three-run home run by right fielder Jake Sanford, a follow-up home run in the very next at-bat from Pat DeMarco.  Then with two outs, Garrison Bryant surrenders his third home run of the inning, a two-run shot off the bat of left fielder Frederick Cuevas making this an 8-6 affair in favor of Brooklyn.

Garrison Bryant exits after three innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits and two walks through three innings pitched.  Cyclone right-hander Reyson Santos enters the game in the fourth and promptly surrenders a run on a leadoff double and base hit, pulling the Renegades within one.

Nelvin Correa tosses a scoreless top half of the fifth, and Reyson Santos likewise retires the Renegades in the bottom half.  Hudson Valley right-hander Nelson L Alvarez then enters the game and pitches a scoreless sixth.  Brooklyn's Michel Otanez reciprocates in the bottom of the frame.

Nelson Alvarez climbs the bump again in the ninth and immediately issued a leadoff walk to Jose Peroza, and we all know that's never a good thing.  Luke Ritter strikes out.  But, uh oh, a wild pitch advances Peroza to second base.  Luis Gonzalez then singles, putting runners on the corners.  With Nic Gaddis at the plate, Gonzalez steals second, but a wild pitch to the plate allows Peroza to score from third and Gonzalez to scoot over to third.  Gaddis then walks.  With two outs, left fielder Joe Suozzi draws another four-pitch walk loading the bases.  With two outs, another wild pitch by Nelson Alvarez allows Nic Gaddis to score for a 10-7 Brooklyn lead.

Michel Otanez surrenders a run in the home ninth but otherwise closes out the game for the save.  Reyson Santos earns the win in relief.  Hudson Valley's Edgar Barclay takes the loss.

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

Aberdeen Ironbirds Salvage Finale; Brooklyn Cyclones Still Take Series , 4-3

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

VII - ABD 5; BRK 1

Cyclones Bats Go Silent in Finale Against Ironbirds

Making his 18th start for Brooklyn, Jaison Vilera gets himself into trouble right away, issuing a pair of leadoff walks which Aberdeen converts into a run.  The Ironbirds post two more in the second; after surrendering a leadoff double, catcher Willy Yahn connects off Vilera for a home run.  

Jaison Vilera exits on the losing side of a 3-0 affair after yielding five hits and four walks in just 3.1 innings pitched.

Aberdeen scores single runs against Colby Morris in the fifth and Michel Otanez in the eighth innings. Still, they're unnecessary as the Cyclones are limited to just one run in the third on Cody Bohanek's sixth home run this season.

In a somewhat familiar script this season, the Cyclones are limited to just four hits and work out only three walks while striking out a dozen times.

How many times have I said that before ...

Shortstop Ronny Mauricio (2) and Oscar Campos account for Brooklyn's three other hits.

Three Aberdeen pitchers join together for twelve strikeouts and six scoreless innings after the third.  Southpaw Jake Prizina earns the win, Adam Stauffer the save.

Brooklyn nonetheless wins the series against Aberdeen, four games to three.

The Cyclones next host the Wilmington Blue Rocks on Tuesday at Coney Island.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Lose Battle of Situational Hitting; Renegades Seize Series Opener in Tenth Inning

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN vs. HUDSON VALLEY; 0-1

I - HVR 3; BRK 2*

*10 innings

A Tale of Two At-Bats: 

Sacrifice Fly  >  Double Play 

Making his 16th start, Jaison Vilera is tasked with Tuesday's series opener at Hudson Valley, opposed by Anderson Munoz from the rival Renegades.

Right fielder Jose Martinez draws a base on balls leading off the second, then advances to second base on a wild pitch.  Designated hitter Jeremy Vasquez grounds to first advancing Martinez to third.  Anderson Munoz then unleashes his second wild pitch allowing Martinez to score.  But with two outs in the bottom half of the frame, Renegade designated hitter Mickey Gasper homers, tying the game at one.

The score remains unchanged through the fourth.  In the fifth, Hudson Valley second baseman Roberto Chirinos' run-scoring single gives the Renegades their first lead.  But Jose Martinez drives home the tying run in the Cyclone eighth.

Both starting pitchers exit to no-decisions.  Jaison Vilera faces 22 batters, allowing two earned runs on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts.  In facing 16 batters, Anderson Munoz allows a run but no hits and three walks with nine strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched.

Brooklyn's bullpen trio of Willy Taveras, Michel Otanez, and Colby Morris yields just one hit with four strikeouts through four scoreless innings.  After a quiet ninth, into extra innings, they go at Hudson Valley.

At the top of the tenth, Antoine Duplantis successfully bunts the Phantom Menace over to third.  With one out, Jaylen Palmer draws a walk putting runners on the corners.  Shortstop Ronny Mauricio then steps in and promptly grounds into an inning-ending 4-6-2 double play.

You know what comes next ... BOXSCORE

Colby Morris returns to the bump for the bottom half of the tenth.  The Phantom Menace advances to third on a ground ball, short to first, then scores on a sacrifice fly to center field.  Without yielding so much as a hit or walk, Morris is tagged with the loss despite being in the act of securing two outs.  The only difference being Hudson Valley's outs proved more productive than those of the Cyclones.

Big Eighth Inning Dooms Brooklyn Cyclones; Trail Wilmington in Series, 3-1

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN trails WILMINGTON; 3-1

I - BRK 16; WIL5

II - WIL 15; BRK 3

III - WIL 5; BRK 4

IV - WIL 7; BRK 4

Good Start, Bad Finish; Blue Rocks Pelt Bryce Montes de Oca

I was somewhat surprised to see Alec Kisena not start Friday's game at Wilmington.  Rather, Colby Morris opened the game to mixed results, allowing a run in the first inning, three total hits, one walk with two strikeouts over the first two innings pitched.  

Instead, right-hander Alec Kisena enters the game in the third.  Brooklyn ties the game in the fourth on 

Francisco Alvarez's run-scoring sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Jaylen Palmer.  But Wilmington retakes the lead in the fifth with a run on two hits against Kisena, who continues pitching into the seventh when he is relieved by Bryce Montes de Oca with two outs.

A triple leading off the eighth by Antoine Duplantis followed by three more consecutive hits and five hits total results in three runs and a 4-2 Cyclone lead.  But Bryce Montes de Oca loses his touch in the home eighth, yielding three hits, two walks, and hitting a batter.  Relieving Montes de Oca, Michel Otanez unleashes another wild pitch allowing a fifth run to score en route to a 7-4 loss in game four of their series at Wilmington.

Jaylen Palmer leads Brooklyn with three hits, and Francisco Alvarez drives in two runs.

Bryce Montes de Oca earns the loss, allowing five earned runs on three hits and two walks in 0.2 innings pitched.

Wilmington now leads the series three games to one.  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Stage Comeback To End Skid Against Renegades

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-1

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 5; BRK 3

IV - BRK 9; HVR 6

The Bullpen Brings Renegades to a Screeching Halt; Ronny Mauricio and Antoine Duplantis Lead the Comeback

Making his third start for the Cyclones, J.T. Ginn does not fare well, allowing five runs on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts in only three innings pitched.  He faces 17 batters while throwing an uneconomical 62 pitches, with 40 (64.5%) going for strikes.

A superlative bullpen effort then becomes the main feature at Coney Island.  The first act goes to Hunter Parsons, who twirls two scoreless innings in relief of Ginn; Michel Otanez yields one run over two innings, and Willy Taveras then hurls a scoreless eighth and ninth innings to close out Brooklyn's first win of the series.  Brooklyn pitchers join together for 15 strikeouts and issue just four walks.  J.T. Ginn escapes with a no-decision while Taveras earns the win in relief.

Brooklyn chips away at an early 5-1 deficit with two runs in the third and one in the fourth.  But after Hudson Valley makes it a 6-4 game in the visitor's sixth, the Surf Avenue Sluggers promptly put the game out of reach with five runs in the bottom of the frame highlighted by Antoine Duplantis' bases-loaded double.  It was one of four Brooklyn extra-base hits giving Duplantis a team-high three runs batted in.  Shortstop Ronny Mauricio hits home run number 15 with a runner on back in the third.

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Season-High Fourth Straight Over Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 4-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

II - BRK 5; WIL 3

III - BRK 10; WIL 2

IV - BRK 5; WIL 4

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

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

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

doubles home Brooklyn's fourth run.

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

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

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

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

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

• BOXSCORE

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 Outlast Jersey Shore In Tightly Contested Pitching Duel at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Jersey Shore; 1-0

I - BRK 1; JS 0

BOXSCORE

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

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

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

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

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

Early Deficit Too Much For Brooklyn Cyclones To Overcome

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-0

I - HVR 9; BRK 7

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 6; BRK 4 

Winless Streak Reaches Five

Brooklyn rallies for two runs in the ninth, but it goes for naught.  

The Cyclones lose this game early.  

Starter Cam Opps promptly yields a two-out home run in the first.  Then, just when the Cyclones thought they had this game tied in the top half of the third, Cam Opp allows two runs on three doubles in the bottom half of the frame, and off to the showers, he goes.  

After Zach Ashford doubles home Brett Baty in the fourth to get the Cyclones back within one, Hudson Valley plates three more runs in the home fourth to put the game out of reach.  

Cam Opp allows three earned runs on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts in a mere 2.1 innings pitched for the loss.  Right-hander Colby Morris fares no better, surrendering three runs on three hits and one walk in 2.2 innings pitched.  However, Hunter Parsons and Michel Otanez close out the game with three scoreless innings.  

Otherwise, Brooklyn's two-run ninth is an afterthought.

Brett Baty goes 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored, designated hitter Jeremy Vasquez also goes 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs batted in, and Cody Bohanek drives in a run.  Again, the Cyclones strikeout in double-digits and draw just two walks while batting 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Coney Island loses their third straight to the Renegades and extends their winless streak to five.

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.

Errors and Rain Leave Brooklyn Cyclones Stuck In The Aberdeen Mud

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Aberdeen Ironbirds lead Brooklyn Cyclones; 3-1

I - ABD 7; BKN 3

II - ABD 2; BKN 1

III - BKN 7; ABD 6

IV - ABD 2; BKN 0*

*came called bottom 6th

• BOXSCORE: Thursday, July 1, 2021
  

Starters Cam Opp for Brooklyn and Drew Rom for Aberdeen engage in a scoreless duel through the third.  Aberdeen then opens the scoring in the fourth.  Two hits, a passed ball, and a Cyclone error by third baseman Luis Gonzalez result in a 2-0 Ironbird lead.

Rom pitches through the sixth, allowing no runs on just four hits with six strikeouts.  Meanwhile, Cam Opp is removed after the fifth but not before yielding two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts.  He faces 20 batters and throws 81 pitches, with 55 (67.9%) going for strikes.  

Michel Otanez enters the game in the sixth, and with two outs, down came the rain.

The game is then declared official.

Antoine Duplantis accounts for two of Brooklyn's four hits.  Brett Baty and Francisco Alvarez are responsible for the others.

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: 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 Drop Second Straight to Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS 

Frawley Stadium, Wilmington

Wilmington leads Brooklyn; 2-1

I - BKN 3; WIL 1

II - WIL 5; BKN 2

III - WIL 8; BKN 4

Cyclones Can't Dig Out Of Early Hole

Brooklyn starter Alec Kisena is treated rather rudely by host Wilmington who rough him up for six earned runs on nine hits, including a home run by Brady Lindsly, with a walk and four strikeouts through only 3.1 innings pitched.  The Cyclones finally get on the board, Cody Bohanek drives home two runs in the fifth.  Left fielder Blake Tiberi's two-run home run in the sixth pulls the Cyclones within two.  In relief of Alec Kisena, Michel Otanez keeps the Blue Rocks in place through the sixth.  However, Bryce Montes de Oca surrenders single runs in the seventh and eighth innings giving the Blue Rocks an 8-4 final margin of victory.

• BOXSCORE 6/17/21

The Surf Avenue Sluggers continue swinging and missing at disturbing rates, with eleven strikeouts through the first five innings alone and 16 strikeouts for the game while drawing just two walks.  

They have struck out at least fifteen times on five occasions and whiffed in double-digits 22 times through their first 36 games played.