Staten Island Yankees Down to Their Last Strike

From the desk: THE FORMER RICHMOND COUNTY NINE

Baby Bombers Take One Last Swing at Bronx County Bullies

That's it.  The Staten Island Yankees are officially folding.  With the New York Yankees essentially pulling the grass from under their cleats, Staten Island's ownership group, Nostalgic Partners, claims that joining the Atlantic League or newly created Draft League involves investitures they are not financially equipped to handle.  Nostalgic Partners have therefore filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Yankees and MLB.  Filed in the Supreme Court of New York State, the suit asserts the Yankees (who own 5% of the team) and MLB committed "breach of contract, promissory estoppel and tortious interference arising from Defendants' unlawful effort to destroy the business of 40 minor league baseball teams, including the Staten Island Yankees."

Cry as they might, Nostalgic Partners purchased the Baby Bombers in 2011 when they were one of the most successful teams of the NYPL, winning multiple championships and averaging upwards of 5,000 fans per game.  After assuming control, the operation experienced steady deterioration the Yankees understandably could no longer overlook.  That being said, addressing pressing issues with an affiliate and suddenly and completely turning your back on said affiliate are two entirely different matters.

I would gladly and routinely trek from Brooklyn over to Staten Island as a random walk-up just because I could.  When my teams were out of town, and I had an itch for baseball, I'd be at St. Goerge ballpark in twenty minutes, catch the game, and be home a mere twenty minutes later.  But overall conditions at the ballpark began taking a noticeable downturn.  The field itself became unkempt, marked by large blotches of brown dirt where lush green grass should have been growing.  Even worse was the ballpark food.  Simply put, it was terrible.  I've been to a great many minor league ballparks.  Some have outstanding food, while most have good selections.  The Ball Park at St. George offered nothing of the kind.  It was easily one of the worst parks to grab a bite.

However, the greatest factor I believe that led to the demise of the S.I. Yanks' daily operation has everything to do with all the massive ferry and waterfront reconstruction.  The team once featured one of the most convenient parking arrangements found anywhere.  But construction instantly made attending games an utter nightmare.  And therein lies a great deal of your day-to-day traffic.  I would endure the inconvenience for a Cyclones vs. Yankees showdown.  But my days of being a random walk-up ended through the fault of their own.

Then there are the New York Yankees lame justifications.  I'll say this: Richmond County Ballpark at St. George is a superior facility to Hudson Valley's Dutchess Stadium.  I'm not intentionally knocking Fishkill's field.  I've been there many times since their inaugural 1994 season, and they've made very nice improvements to the place.  But St. George is simply newer and better - just poorly run!

Home of the Hudson Valley Renegades

The Staten Island Yankees, on Dec. 3, 2020, issued a statement:

pic.twitter.com/Q5IjhztYk6

— Staten Island Yankees (@SIYanks) December 3, 2020

Truth be told, Staten Island may not have a bridge to stand on.  The once long-standing agreement between MLB and Minor League Baseball has officially expired.  No renegotiation; no extensions; the era of PDC's - player development contracts - at the present moment no longer exists.  Where is the binding language in the absence of a collectively bargained agreement?

Luring a team to Staten Island appears to be Richmond County's only remaining option.  Reportedly, Boro President James Oddo, the New York Economic Development Corporation, the New York Yankees, and MLB are looking into relocating an existing Atlantic League team to Staten Island.

At the end of November, the city pledged $5 million to update the stadium, including the installation of artificial turf.  Perhaps too little too late ...

The Somerset Patriots will be shifting over to the Eastern League as the Yankees new AA affiliate, while the Sugar Land Skeeters are in agreement to become an affiliate of the Houston Astros.  To date, that's two teams making their respective departure from the Atlantic League.

Not Even Close ..

Brooklyn Cyclones Win 2019 New York Penn League Championship

From the desk of: McNAMARA DIVISION & NYPL CHAMPIONS

NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Brooklyn Defeats Lowell; 2-1

I - BRK 2; LOW 1

II - LOW 3; BRK 1

III - BRK 4; LOW 3

BROOKLYN WINS FIRST UNDISPUTED BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SINCE 1955

It's been 18-years since the Cyclones completed their inaugural season at Coney Island.  It was a magical summer of baseball by the beach.  One I'll never forget.  For the first time since 1957 a professional baseball team called Brooklyn home.

The opening day line-up remains vivid in my mind.  The Cyclones post a team record and league best 52-24 record en route to capturing their first ever McNamara Division flag.  In their first ever post-season catcher Brett Kay's late inning home run in game three against the Staten Island Yankees clinches Brooklyn's first round victory and an improbable berth in the New York Penn League championship series.

Brooklyn defeats the Crosscutters in game one at Williamsport.  Game two is scheduled for Tuesday evening, September 11, at Coney Island.  However the horrific events and national tragedy which unfold that very morning force a cancellation of the series.  The New York Penn League declares the Brooklyn Cyclones and Williamsport Crosscutters co-champions of the 2001 season.

Brooklyn and Williamsport meet again in the 2003 championship series.  This time the Crosscutters sweep the Cyclones in two.  Four years later Coney loses two straight against the Auburn Doubledays.  They earn a third trip back to the championship series in 2010 only to be swept yet again by the Tri-City Valley Cats.

In 2012 the Cyclones lose a first round playoff series against the Hudson Valley Renegades, then fail to qualify for post-season play through the next six seasons.

In his third season as manager, Edgardo Alfonzo leads the Cyclones to their second straight 40-win season.  With a series sweep over the Yankees on the final weekend of the regular season Brooklyn (43-32) finishes tied for the league's best record with Hudson Valley.  But through virtue of the tie breaker Brooklyn claims their sixth ever McNamara Division title.  The Cyclones go on to defeat the Hudson Valley Renegades in the first round two games against one.

ICYMI

Cyclones Defeat Renegades; Earn Trip Back to Championship Series

On Sunday Sept. 8, the Cyclones win their first championship series game since 2001 with a 2-1 victory over the Spinners at Lowell.  After losing game two on Monday, the Cyclones answer back with a title clinching 4-3 comeback victory on Tuesday at Coney Island.  It's the Cyclones first undisputed championship in their 19-year history.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019

CYCLONES STARTER NATHAN JONES TAKES HIS WARM-UPS

The Mets  2019 fifth round draft pick yields two runs, one earned, on three hits and three walks with one strikeout through three innings pitched.  He faces 14 batters while throwing 55 pitches with 31 going for strikes.  He exits to a no decision.

BOTTOM FIRST

With Brett Baty (walk) and Ranfy Adon (double) in scoring position,
Jake Mangum (above) strokes a two-out single through the right side scoring Baty.
Then with runners on the corners Antoine Duplantis (below) grounds to second;
Adon scores on the play giving Brooklyn an early 2-0 first inning lead.

THIRD INNING

With two outs in the top of the third, Nathan Jones issues a walk to Spinners right fielder Nick Decker and a single to second baseman Cameron Cannon.  Lowell first baseman Joe Davis then slashes a hit down the right field line scoring both runners knotting the game at two; Ranfy Adon is charged with a throwing error on the play.  With two outs in the bottom of the third, Lowell starter Jay Groome (pictured above) exits to a no decision.

TOP SEVENTH

With Mitch Ragan pitching in relief of Matthew Allan, Lowell designated hitter
Marino Campana (above) homers to left giving the Spinners a 3-2 lead.

BOTTOM SEVENTH

Antoine Duplantis (above) stands on third base after his game tying triple to right; Jake Mangum scores.  Yoel Romero (below) stands at first base under a Coney Island moon after his base hit to left plates Duplantis with the go ahead run.

TOP NINTH

Manager Alfonzo sends Andrew Edwards back to the mound for a second inning of relief.   He yields a lead-off hit to third baseman Nicholas Northcut.  After striking out Marino Campana, he walks pinch hitter Jaxx Groshans on four pitches.  Edwards regroups to strikeout left fielder Stephen Scott.  Then with two outs and two runners on base Lowell sends up pinch hitter Alex Erro who strikeouts swinging (pictured above) on three pitches.

THIS IS NEXT YEAR!!

NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE

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 Win Away From New York Penn League Title

From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

GAME ONE

Brooklyn Cyclones  2

Lowell Spinners       1

FINAL

LeLacheur Park

Brooklyn pitchers throw another gem and the Cyclones win another nail biter to close within one game of capturing the 2019 New York Penn League championship.

Cyclones starter Garrison Bryant pitches brilliantly, allowing no runs on just one hit and three walks with one strikeout through six innings pitched.  He faces 22 batters while throwing 75 pitches with 46 going for strikes, but does not factor in the decision.  Brooklyn and Lowell duel to a scoreless tie through seven.  Jared Biddy throws two scoreless innings of no-hit ball in relief of Bryant.  Lowell starter Brock Bell and reliever Jorge Rodriguez match Brooklyn with seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball with six strikeouts through seven.  With Lowell's Tom Windle in to pitch the eighth, Brooklyn finally breaks through for a pair on runs batted in from Antoine Duplantis and pinch-hitter Jose Peroza.  Manager Alfonzo hands the game off to Matt Mulenbach in the ninth.  But with one out he walks designated hitter Joe Davis, and with two outs he walks right fielder Nick Decker.  Manager Alfonzo then turns to Reyson Santos who induces pinch-hitter Roldano Baldwin into a game ending force play at second.  Biddy is credited with the win, and Santos earns the biggest save of his young career.  New York Mets 2019 first round draft pick Brett Baty goes 2 for 3 with a run scored.

This marks Brooklyn's first championship series appearance since 2010, but more significantly marks their first championship game victory since 2001, when after defeating the Crosscutters in game one at Williamsport the tragic events of 9/11 force the rest of the series to be canceled.  Brooklyn and Williamsport are declared co-champions.  After which the Cyclones are swept in 2003 by the Crosscutters; swept in 2007 by the Auburn Doubledays; and swept again in 2010 by the Tri-City Valley Cats.

They have yet to win a championship outright.

The Cyclones now have two opportunities to win one game at Coney Island.

Round One

Cyclones defeat Renegades

ICYMI:

Cyclones Earn Trip Back To Championsip Series

Brooklyn Cyclones One-Hit Renegades Forcing Game Three

From the desk of: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Semi-Finals Tied 1-1

I - HVR 5; BRK 4

II - BRK 1; HVR 0

NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

GAME THREE

Hudson Valley Renegades

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

Old Steeplechase Grounds

Coney Island hosts its first playoff game in seven years, and the Cyclones do not disappoint.  Four Brooklyn pitchers join forces on a one-hit masterpiece over the Hudson Valley Renegades in game two Thursday evening at MCU Park.

Nathan Jones, the Mets 2019 fifth round draft pick, starts for Brooklyn.  He faces 12 batters and throws 42 pitches with 25 going for strikes.  He yields no hits, no walks, and fans three through three innings pitched.  Next on the bump is the Mets 2019 third round selection, Matthew Allan, who faces six batters and throws 15 pitches with 10 going for strikes.  He allows no hits and no walks in two innings for the victory.  With one out in the seventh Hudson Valley right fielder Hill Alexander strokes the Renegades lone hit of the game off reliever Corey Gaconi whom otherwise strikeouts out five through three innings pitched.  Nelson Leon then tosses a scoreless ninth closing out Brooklyn's one-hit whitewashing of the Renegades.

Jed Lowrie, on rehab assignment from the Mets and starting at second base, plates the lone run of the game in the fourth when he deposits the first pitch he sees off Renegades starter Evan McKendry into the right field bleachers.  Despite pitching well McKendry suffers the loss after allowing just one run on three hits with three strikeouts through six innings.

• New York Penn League

Brooklyn forces a series deciding third game at Coney Island on Friday.  The winner goes on to face the Lowell Spinners/Batavia Muckdogs in the New York Penn League championship series.

Hudson Valley Outlasts Brooklyn Cyclones in Playoff Opener

From the desk of: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

DUTCHESS STADIUM

Renegades lead series 1-0

I - HVR 5; BRK 4

THURSDAY

Hudson Valley Renegades (1-0)

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones (0-1)

FROM

Old Steeplechase Grounds

A do or die situation awaits the Cyclones at Coney Island when the series shifts to Brooklyn for game two against the Renegades, as Hudson Valley outlasts the Cyclones in Wednesday's opening game of the New York Penn League playoffs at Dutchess County.

• NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE

Brooklyn keeps pace with the Renegades who score a run in the second and two in the third.  The Cyclones counter with a run in the third, and two in the fourth to forge a three all tie.  Coney takes their first lead of the game in the fifth when Antoine Duplantis scores on a fielder's choice.  But the advantage is short lived.  Renegades center fielder K.V. Edwards works out walk leading off the bottom half of the frame against Brooklyn starter Michel Otanez.  Shortstop Greg Jones follows with a home run to right for a 5-4 Hudson Valley lead and ultimate victory.  Michel Otanez yields all five runs on three hits and four walks with one strikeout pitching into the fifth.  He also surrenders a home run to first baseman Jacson McGowan in the third.  The Cyclones get runs batted in from Jake Mangum, Jose Peroza, and Luke Ritter.  Mitch Ragan and Jared Biddy join to pitch four scoreless innings of four hit ball with three strikeouts in relief of Otanez.  Hudson Valley's Jayden Murray allows four runs, but only one earned, on eight hits and one walk with four strikeouts through seven innings pitched for the victory.  Ryan Jackson closes the door on Brooklyn with two scoreless innings in relief of Murray for the save.  Michel Otanez earns the loss.

Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Hudson Valley Renegades First Round Preview

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE

SEMI-FINAL SERIES

GAME ONE

Brooklyn Cyclones

vs.

Hudson Valley Renegades

FROM

Dutchess Stadium

The Cyclones and Hudson Valley Renegades played eight games this season but six are at Dutchess County where Brooklyn posts a 4-2 record.  The remaining two games are played at Coney Island where the Cyclones sweep both for a 6-2 overall record this season against the Renegades.

Hudson Valley fanned on their opportunity to clinch the league's best record due to their end of season loss against Aberdeen.  They go 5-5 down the homestretch and fall into a first place tie with Brooklyn whom finish the season with six victories over their last ten games, and win their final three in a row against Staten Island to gain the McNamara Division flag.

The Renegades are 22-16 at home; the Cyclones are 19-18 on the road.

Brooklyn Cyclones

43-32 (.573)*

McNamara Division Champions

TEAM HITTING

• #6) Runs; 304
• #8) Home Runs; 36
• #9) Total Bases; 787
• #3) Team Avg; .241
• #8) OBP; 38
• #8) SLG; .342
• #5) SB; 80

TEAM PITCHING

• #5) ERA; 3.31
• #3) WHiP; 1.15
• #4t) Home Runs; 33
• #4) Saves; 22
• #8) Strikeouts; 628

* 2B/Wilmer Reyes; slashing .323/.350/.441/.791; 15 extra-base hits; 33 rbi; 12 stolen bases.
* 1B/Joe Genord; tied for sixth with nine home runs; third with 44 rbi.
* 2B/Luke Ritter; ninth with 36 rbi.

* rhp/Garrison Bryant; leads Cyclones with five wins; 2.39 ERA; 0.84 WHiP; 75 strikeouts.
* rhp/Matt Mullenbach; 2.84 ERA; 1.07 WHiP; 14 hits/26 strikeouts in 25.1 innings; five saves.
* rhp/Frank Valentino; 3.41 ERA; 1.12 WHiP; 52 hits; 63 strikeouts; 58 innings pitched.

Right-hander Michel Otanez is penciled in for game one at Hudson Valley.  He owns a 2.97 ERA and 1.42 WHiP, yielding 26 hits and 17 walks with 26 strikeouts through seven starts and 30.1 innings pitched.

Hudson Valley Renegades

43-32 (.573)*

2019 Wild Card

TEAM HITTING

• #3) Runs; 335
• #13) Home Runs; 20
• #11) Total Bases; 755
• #6) Team Avg; .239
• #2) OBP; 330
• #12) SLG; .325
• #1) SB; 116

TEAM PITCHING

• #2) ERA; 3.00
• #4) WHiP; 1.17
• #4t) Home Runs; 33
• #4) Saves; 23
• #5) Strikeouts; 645

* SS/Greg Jones; slashing .335/.413/.461/.874; 18 extra-base hits; 24 rbi; 19 stolen bases.

* 1B/Jacson McGowan; tied for third with 17 doubles; fourth with 43 rbi.
* OF/Hill Alexander; fifth with 41 rbi.

* rhp/Edisson Gonzalez; 2.45 ERA and 1.09 WHiP; 55 hits and 77 strikeouts in 62.1 innings
* lhp/John Doxakis; 1.93 ERA and 0.95 WHiP through 32.2 innings with 31 strikeouts.
* rhp/Evan McKendry; 1.60 ERA and 1.07 WHiP; 43 strikeouts and four walks in 39.1 innings.

NEW YORK PENN LEAGUE

GAME ONE

Lowell Spinners @ Batavia Muckdogs

FROM

HISTORIC DWYER GROUNDS

Brooklyn Cyclones Open Wild Season Finale at Coney Island

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

SHOWDOWN

Staten Island Yankees

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

CONEY ISLAND

The schedule makers can pat themselves on the back for this one.  In one of the most gripping division races I can recall, all four McNamara Division teams have at least forty victories.  The playoff fates of them all lay in the balance as we enter the regular season's weekend finale.  Hudson Valley hosts Aberdeen.  Brooklyn plays a home and home series against Staten Island with games one and three at Coney Island.  One of these teams will emerge as division champs; one will enter the post-season as the wild card; the other two will pack up and embark on their respective off-seasons.

McNAMARA DIVISION

• 1) Aberdeen             41-31  *
• 2) Hudson Valley     41-31  *
• 3) Brooklyn             40-32  1 GB
• 4) Staten Island       40-33  1.5 GB

WILD CARD

• 1) Aberdeen          *
• 2) Husdon Valley  *
• 3) Brooklyn           1 GB
• 4) Staten Island     1.5 GB

The Cyclones do themselves no favors by dropping two straight against the Ironbirds at Aberdeen.  Leading Friday's game 4-3 through eight innings they surrender two runs in the bottom of the ninth.  Therefore instead of entering today's action tied for first with Hudson Valley the Cyclones relinquish to the field any self determining autonomy.

Hence their dilemma ...

Best case scenario: Hudson Valley or Aberdeen sweeps the other, and the Cyclones sweep the Yankees.  Anything less and the Cyclones are in a real pickle.  In turn Staten Island's only recourse is to sweep the Cyclones.

New York Penn League

Brooklyn Cyclones Off to Maryland for Wild Showdown Versus Ironbirds

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Cyclones defeat Lake Monsters 2-1

I - BRK 12; VMT 3

II - BRK 2; VMT 0

III - VMT 3; BRK 2

WILD CARD SHOWDOWN

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

vs.

ABERDEEN IRONBIRDS

FROM

CAL RIPKEN'S WORLD

Vermont Salvages Victory in Series Finale at Coney Island

Brooklyn designated hitter Gavin Garay's double plates pinch runner Ranfy Adon with the game's tying run in the ninth, and into extra innings they go at MCU Park.  With the obligatory runner stationed at second base starting off the tenth, Vermont's Josh Watson successfully bunts Shane Selman to third.  Then, of all things Cyclones reliever Matt Mullenbach unleashes a wild pitch allowing the go-ahead run to score from third.  The Cyclones are retired in order in the bottom half of the frame ... game over.  Wilmer Reyes goes 2 for 4 with a run batted in, and Gavin Garay is 3 for 4 with a run batted in.  Together they account for five of the Cyclones seven hits.

The other bad news is that Hudson Valley defeats the Connecticut Tigers and retake sole possession of first place.  Otherwise Aberdeen and Staten Island both lose, leaving Brooklyn and the Ironbirds tied for second, one game back of the Renegades.  However Brooklyn and Aberdeen still remain tied for the wild card and will open a three game series at Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Staten Island is two games back of the division lead and 1.5 games back of Brooklyn and Aberdeen for the wild card.  They open a three game series against the Renegades at Staten Island.

Six games remain in the regular season.

• New York Penn League

Brooklyn Cyclones Forge Three-Way Tie For First Place

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN CYCLONES IMPROVE TO 

A LEAGUE BEST 21-13 RECORD AT HOME

GAME ONE

Vermont Lake Monsters  3

Brooklyn Cyclones         12

FINAL

Brooklyn scores early and often en route to a 12-3 slaying of the Vermont Lake Monsters in Sunday afternoon's series opener at Coney Island.  The Cyclones score ten runs in the first three innings alone with tack on runs in the fifth and seventh.  Starter Matt Cleveland faces 20 batters and throws 82 pitches with 47 going for strikes.  He limits the Monsters to just one run on two hits and four walks with five strikeouts through 4.1 innings, but does not figure in the decision.  Andrew Edwards earns the victory in relief of Cleveland despite yielding two runs on four hits with two strikeouts.  Christian Tripp takes care of the final two innings allowing no runs on one hit while fanning two.  Brooklyn strikes for 15 total hits in 38 at-bats, with five going for extra bases, and go 8 for 16 with RiSP.  Center fielder Kennie Taylor hits his second home run of the season.  Antoine Duplantis, Wilmer Reyes, Joe Genord, and Ranfy Adon each drive in a pair of runs apiece.

Sunday's victory forges a three way tie along with Aberdeen and Hudson Valley for first place of the McNamara Division.  The three teams are likewise locked in the three way tie for the Wild Card with only eight games remain in the regular season.  Connecticut lends Brooklyn an assist with an extra-inning victory over Hudson Valley.  Lowell however is soundly beaten by Aberdeen.  Staten Island splits a double-header up at Troy and close out the weekend 1.5 games out of both the division lead and the wild card.

• New York Penn League

Staten Island Hosts New York-Penn League All-Star Game

From the desk of:  THE RICHMOND COUNTY RATS

Richmond County Ballpark at St. George

home of the Staten Island Yankees

Site of the 2019 New York-Penn League All-Star Game

Yankees All-Stars

• Second baseman Eziquiel Duran is slashing .269/.340/.523/.863, with twelve home runs and 34 runs batted in through 56 games and 216 at-bats.  
• Catcher Carlos Narvaez is slashing .252/.338/.303/.641, with four extra-base hits and eleven runs batted in through 34 games and 119 at-bats.
• Right-hander Anderson Munoz owns a 6-2 record with a 2.77 ERA 1.13 WHiP.  He's allowed 39 hits and fanned 50 through 52.0 innings pitched.

• ICYMI: Five Cyclones Representing Brooklyn in Wednesday's All-Star Game

Brooklyn Cyclones Fading With Fifteen To Go

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

HOME SWEET HOME

GAME ONE

Tri-City Valley Cats

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

Steeplechase Grounds

Father Time is no longer allied with the Cyclones, not after what transpired this past week at Vermont.  When Brooklyn first visited Burlington back in July they were jockeying with Hudson Valley and Aberdeen for first place of the McNamara Division, but also held a firm grip on the wild card.  During that series the Cyclones limit Vermont to just one run per game en route to a three game sweep.  This time around Brooklyn is swept, as the Lake Monsters outscore the Cyclones by an overall 29-12 margin.  In turn the Brooks fall 3.5 games back of first place Hudson Valley in the McNamara Division standings, and one game behind West Virginia for the wild card.  After posting a 16-13 record in July, the Cyclones have so far gone 7-8 in August.  They're now losers of four straight, and with fifteen games remaining in the regular season appear to be fading fast.

Maybe a long quiet ride home through the night, a six hour bus trip with which to contemplate their near future is just what they needed - a team and their collective thoughts traversing three hundred miles of empty road.  My guess is the Cyclones arrived home in the neighborhood of six this morning.  But there's no rest for the weary as time is running short.  They open a three game series against the Tri-City Valley Cats Saturday afternoon Coney Island.

Let's go Cyclones!

Brooklyn Cyclones: Playoff Hopes Fading Fast

HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

McNAMARA DIVISION CHAMPIONS

2018

Brooklyn Cyclones: Last Chance at the Coney Island Saloon.

In defeating the Brooklyn Cyclones and completing a series victory Friday at Coney Island, the Hudson Valley Renegades clinch this year's McNamara Division title, and thus begin their quest to repeat as New York Penn League champions.

After splitting the first two games against the defending champs at MCU Park, Brooklyn bows out of game three with a whimper.  Renegades starter Christopher Sanchez allows one run on just one hit and three walks, with six strikeouts through five innings for the victory.  Three Hudson Valley relievers join to pitch the final four innings, allowing just a hit, no walks, and striking out six.

Brooklyn starter Kyle Wilson is tagged with the loss after allowing all four Hudson Valley runs on seven hits and a walk in just 3.2 innings pitched.  Otherwise, four Cyclones relievers join to pitch 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and fanning four.

With three games still left in the regular season, Hudson Valley captures their fifth ever division flag by five games over the Cyclones and six over Staten Island Yankees.  I would argue Brooklyn's five game disparity is congruent to a pair of recent and most ruinous road trips wherein they were swept at Troy, and lost two of three at Vermont.

Due to Friday's loss, the Cyclones also now find themselves trailing in the Wild Card race.  They enter Saturday's action one-half game behind the Auburn Doubledays, who play an early afternoon game against the Batavia Muckdogs.  The Staten Island Yankees are 1.5 games back of the lead, and this evening open a season ending home-and-home series against the Brooklyn Cyclones.

The Cyclones have failed to qualify for the post-season in each of the last five seasons, the longest such drought in their history.

However, there are still important games to be played.

Let's Go Cyclones!

Brooklyn Cyclones: The Err of Their Ways

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

McNAMARA DIVISION 

SHOWDOWN

TONIGHT

Hudson Valley Renegades
vs.
Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

Old Steeplechase Grounds

Brooklyn Cyclones Need To Clean Up Sloppy Play Post-Haste!

All of a sudden, the New York Penn League's top rated defensive team is suffering an acute bout of the yips.  In dire need of a series salvaging victory Tuesday night at Vermont, the Cyclones recent rash of errors both mental and physical once again threaten and nearly sabotage their cause.  Add four more miscues from Tuesday to the four previously committed in Sunday's series opener, and on top of the three committed on Monday - that makes eleven errors in three games against the Lake Monsters.  It's no wonder they lost the series two games to one.

Their defense is the last thing one would have suspected going awry.  But two straight losses against Vermont demonstrate the awful burden such poor play can place upon the shoulders of the NYPL's second best team ERA, and a league leading offense in both team batting average and runs scored.

The good news is the Brooklyn Cyclones did indeed win their series finale at Vermont, as Hudson Valley also falls to the Staten Island Yankees.  It was only the Renegades second loss in their last eight games.

With Tuesday's 8-6 victory over the Lake Monsters, Coney Island holds on to their precarious half-game Wild Card lead over the Auburn Doubledays, and a full game lead over the Staten Island Yankees.  Vermont's loss puts them 2.5 games back of the Cyclones.

In the McNamara Division race, however, the Brooks enter Wednesday's series opener against first place Hudson Valley four games back of the Renegades with only six regular season games left to play.

Everything is still possible. 

So let the games begin!

Brooklyn Cyclones: Coney is Where the Wild Things Are

From the desk of:  THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Next Stop ... Vermont, Where The Lake Monsters Are

Brooklyn Cyclones: Slug Way To Rubber Game Victory over Connecticut Tigers; Take Over Sole Possession of Wild Card.

The Surf Avenue Sluggers in front of a full house Saturday night at MCU Park clinch their rubber game against Connecticut with a second straight drubbing of the Tigers.

Edgardo Alfonzo's crew strike early and often, opening with three runs in the first, and four more runs in the third.  Connecticut scraps together a pair of runs against Cyclones starter Kyle Wilson in the fourth and one more in the fifth.  But the Brooks strike back in the home half of each frame, extending their lead to an eventual 10-3 margin of victory.

Chase Chambers and Jose Miguel Medina for a second consecutive game drive in two runs apiece. Anthony Dirocie and Manny Rodriguez each add two RBI, as well.  Six Cyclones hitters post multiple hit games as part of Brooklyn's fifteen hit attack.  For a second straight game they also post double-digit runs against the Tigers.

Kyle Wilson exits the game after five innings.  He surrenders three earned runs on six hits and a walk, and strikes out five en route to his fifth ever win as a pro.

CURIOUS CALL TO THE BULLPEN

Relievers Billy Oxford and Yeudy Colon each are curiously tasked with two innings of work.  Maintaining routine, for sake of work, or out of pure desperation, only Coach Alfonzo knows why other members of the pen failed to get the ball in that situation.  Now down to their last nine games and final three series of the regular season, the Cyclones need all hands on deck.  That being said, is there no other reliever in need of work, fine tuning, or perhaps even a positive outing aimed at boosting confidence?  With a seven run lead, planning ahead is a worthwhile gamble not just in this instance, but also as it pertains to setting up the bullpen for the upcoming series at Vermont, and the looming Hudson Valley clash to follow.

WHERE THE WILD TEAMS ARE

Up in Dutchess County the Tri City Valley Cats and host Hudson Valley Renegades battled into extra innings.  The Valley Cats two runs in the top of the tenth was negated when the Renegades rallied for three runs in the bottom half of the frame for a 7-6 victory.  Thus the Cyclones end the night 2.5 games behind the McNamara Division leading Renegades, but presently own sole possession of the Wild Card.  Their victory over the Tigers coupled with Staten Island's loss against Aberdeen gives the Cyclones a one game lead over the Pizza Rats, but only a half-game lead over the Auburn Doubledays, whom on Saturday whitewash State College.  The Cyclones next opponent is Vermont, whom on Saturday defeat Lowell to stay just 3.5 games back of Brooklyn.  In turn, the fading Spinners fall yet another notch further down the Wild Card standings.

Brooklyn Cyclones: Trying to Unseat Lowell Spinners from Wild Card Perch

From the desk of:  THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Edward L. LeLacheur Park 

Lowell, Massachussetts

Game Called

Saturday's series opener against the Lowell Spinners at LaLacheur Park is postponed do to rain.

Recent storm activity is a clear indication the dog days of baseball are upon us.  For Brooklyn that means seizing upon upcoming opportunities set to present themselves over their final 22 games of the regular season.

Six of those games will be against the first place Hudson Valley Renegades who the Cyclones presently trail in the McNamara Division standings by 3.5 games.  Brooklyn must also fend off equally tough Staten Island who they lead by two games, with three more against them yet to play.  That's nine games remaining against their primary competition with little margin for error.

In the Wild Card race, Brooklyn trails the Auburn Doubledays by 1.5 games, and are just one-half game behind the Lowell Spinners, therefore adding a sense of urgency to this weekend's series.  They have no games scheduled against Auburn.

The Cyclones have not qualified for the post-season since 2013.  Two years later they post their first ever losing, and haven't had a winning season since.  Last season is Edgardo Alfonzo's first as manager, who has them playing competitively with a 29-25 record.

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Six players will represent the Brooklyn Cyclones in this year's New York-Penn League All-Star game.

Standout pitcher Jaison Vilera leads the New York-Penn League with five victories versus just one loss with a league leading 1.43 ERA.  He also leads with 63 strikeouts through 50.1 innings pitched, and is second with a 0.87 WHiP.

Billy Oxford is tied for the league lead with Vilera with five victories all in relief.  He owns a 1.80 ERA over 17 appearances and 30 innings pitched, and a 1.30 WHiP.  Fellow reliever Yeudy Colon is 3-2 with a 1.18 ERA and two saves.He has 26 strikeouts in 22.1 innings pitched too o along with a 1.15 WHiP.

Outfielder Ross Adolph is slashing .261/.326/.425 with two home runs, 21 RBI, and seven stolen bases.  His fellow outfielder Wagner Lagrange is slashing .291/.370/.352, but with seven home runs and 30 RBI.  Second baseman Carlos Cortes is slashing .284/.349/.422, with three home runs and 19 RBI.

The New York-Penn League All-Start Game is scheduled for Aug 14, at Medlar Field, home of the College State Spikes.