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!

Wilmer Reyes Makes Grand Return With Decisive Triple; Brooklyn Cyclones Take Third Straight From 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

Coney Island Continues Getting In Last Licks Against Renegades Before Season's End; Take 3-1 Series Lead

Shortstop seems to agree with Cody Bohanek, who takes over the position from Ronny Mauricio upon his promotion earlier today to Binghamton.  

Leading off the game for Brooklyn, Bohanek homers off Hudson Valley starter Beck Way for a prompt 1-0 lead.  However, it does not last.  Making his 19th start for Brooklyn, Jaison Vilera surrenders two runs in the home first on three hits, including a triple by right fielder Jake Sanders.  But the Cyclones quickly tie the game in the second on Zack Ashford's run-scoring single.

Beck Way earns himself a trip to the showers in the third after walking the bases loaded.  With two outs, returning member of the 2019 champion Cyclones, first baseman Wilmer Reyes greets incoming reliever Trevor Holloway with a bases-clearing double to left field; all runs charged to Beck Way.

Facing Holloway in the fifth, catcher Francisco Alvarez draws a leadoff walk and comes around to score on a fielder's choice for a 6-2 lead.

After five, Jaison Vilera exits on the winning side, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks with two strikeouts.  In relief of Vilera, Hunter Parsons yields a home run in the home eighth.  Afterwhich, Dylan Hall enters in relief of Parsons and yields a second run before the frame is through.

They go at Dutchess Stadium into the ninth inning, with Brooklyn holding on to a 6-4 lead.

Hudson Valley right-hander Derek Craft surrenders a leadoff hit to Francisco Alvarez but retires the next three batters consecutively.  Brooklyn right-hander Evi Ruibal is called upon to pitch the ninth and completes the job to earn his second save.  Mr. Hard-Luck himself, Jaison Vilera, earns his third victory.

All told, four Brooklyn pitchers limit Hudson Valley to four runs on seven hits and just two walks with eight collective strikeouts.  

• BOXSCORE

But in a ponderously more familiar aspect of Brooklyn's season, the Cyclones muster eight hits and draw eight walks, yes, but strikeouts an absurd 18 times.  Said another way, Brooklyn sends 41 batters to the plate, and 43.9% of them struck out ... and the organizational powers that be find this acceptable.

2019 NYPL Champion ... thank you so much! Be well and good luck at Binghamton. https://t.co/NPxbH09alq

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) September 9, 2021

 

Good Luck! On behalf of Brooklyn fans, thank you! https://t.co/uzp6qpVCxR

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) September 9, 2021

 

Brooklyn Cyclones Suffer Familiar Fate in Series Opener at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

BROOKLYN @ HUDSON VALLEY

I - HV 7; BK 6

Game Gets Away From Cyclones in the Sixth

Brooklyn got off to a rousing start on Luis Gonzalez's second-inning grand slam home run.  But after keeping HudsonValley off the board through the first four innings, starter David Griffin surrenders a three-run home run off the bat of center fielder Everson Pereira, cutting Brooklyn's lead to one.  

Griffin exits on the winning side of a 3-2 game after allowing five hits and one walk with five strikeouts through five innings.  With Luis Montas pitching the sixth in relief of Griffin, the Renegades muster four runs on five hits, with two going for extra bases for an abrupt 7-3 lead.

Shortstop Ronny Mauricio hits a two-run home run in the eighth, but it's not enough.

David Griffin is reduced to a no-decision, while Luis Montas takes the loss.  Right-hander Nolan Clenney closes out the game with two scoreless innings.  

Meanwhile, three Hudson Valley Renagade pitchers join together in limiting the Cyclones to a mere four hits, albeit two went for home runs and just two walks with 13 strikeouts for the joint effort victory.  Right-hander Matt Sauer earns the win, and Derek Craft the save.

The Hudson Valley Renegades now own a lopsided 21-9 record against the Brooklyn Cyclones by taking Tuesday's series opener.

Ronny Mauricio takes over the team lead with 19 home runs.  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.

Brooklyn's Alec Kisena Finally Earns Well Deserved Win; Cyclones Take Series Lead Against Wilmington

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

ALEC KISENA WINS FIRST DECISION SINCE MAY 8; FRANCISCO ALVAREZ HITS HOME RUN NUMBER EIGHTEEN

What the Cyclones failed to achieve on Thursday, they more than make up for in Friday's game. 

Starting for Wilmington, southpaw Mitchell Parker is opposed by Alec Kisena for Brooklyn.  

After two scoreless innings, the Cyclones strike for five runs in the third.  In consecutive at-bats, Antoine Duplantis, Jaylen Palmer, Ronny Mauricio, Francisco Alvarez, and Jose Peroza each drive in runs.  Mitchell Parker is naturally dispatched to the showers and replaced with left-hander Alfonso Hernandez who holds Brooklyn scoreless over the next 2.2 innings.  

Meanwhile, Alec Kisena yields his first and only run in the visitor's fourth.  After six innings pitched, he departs on the winning side, having yielded three hits with three strikeouts.  Brooklyn then erupts for another five runs in the bottom half of the sixth.  Francisco Alvarez ignites the rally with a leadoff home run.  Second baseman Luis Gonzalez joins the fray with two runs batted in.  After which, Duplantis and Palmer drive home their second runs of the game, respectively, giving the Surf Avenue sluggers a 10-3 lead.

Right-hander Colby Morris pitches a scoreless seventh and eighth, and Evi Ruibal, in a non-save situation, twirls a scoreless ninth with a strikeout.  The beleaguered Alec Kisena wins only his second decision for the Cyclones against nine losses with a reduced 4.74 ERA.  His first win came back in his first start of the season on May 8 against Asheville.  So, congratulations to him ...  

The Coney Island trio limits the Blue Rocks to one run on four hits and no walks with five strikeouts.

While the Cyclones draw only four walks and strike out twelve times, they achieve double-digit hits and bat 7 for 11 with runners in scoring position.  Antoine Duplantis leads with three hits.

Through 72 games and 238 at-bats as a member of the Cyclones, Francisco Alvarez now has 17 home runs and 52 RBI along with an above .500 slugging average.  Including fifteen games at Port St. Lucie, Alvarez has 18 home runs and 64 RBI through 87 games and 286 total at-bats.  BOXSCORE

Jaylen Palmer's Two Home Runs Power Brooklyn Cyclones in Series Opening Win Over Wilmington Blue Rocks

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

WILMINGTON @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 5; WIL 0

David Griffin, Brian Metoyer, and Willy Taveras Join Together in Five-Hit Shutout of Ironbirds

With remnants of Tropical Depression Ida headed New York City's way, Tuesday was still a mighty fine day at the beach.  

Right fielder and native New Yorker Jaylen Palmer homers in the first inning, and Brooklyn pitchers effectively take care of the rest.  

With two outs in the fourth, Francisco Alvarez draws a walk, steals second, then scores on third baseman Jose Peroza's hit to left field.  With one on in the home fifth, Jaylen Palmer hits his second home run, and Francisco Alvarez singles home Ronny Mauricio, giving the Cyclones a 5-0 lead and the final margin of victory.

Brooklyn pitchers collectively put forth a stellar effort.  Making his fourth start for Brooklyn, right-hander David Griffin faces 27 batters, throwing 87 pitches with 59 (67.8%) going for strikes.  He allows four scattered hits and two walks with two strikeouts over seven scoreless innings pitched for the win - his second with the Cyclones.  Right-hander Brian Metoyer throws a scoreless eighth with two strikeouts and making his eleventh appearance for Brooklyn Willy Taveras earns his fourth save.

Wilmington right-hander Seth Shuman surrenders all five runs on seven hits and two walks in a losing effort.  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

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

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

ABERDEEN @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 9; ABD 6

II - ABD 2; BRK 1

III - BRK 1; ABD 0

IV - ABD 12; BRK 5

V - BRK 6; ABD 4

VI - BRK 4; ABD 1

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

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Cyclones: Noah Syndergaard Yields One of Four Aberdeen Home Runs in Game Four Loss Against 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

CYCLONES ARE OUTSLUGGED ON SURF AVENUE

Making a rehab appearance, Noah Syndergaard started the first inning for the Brooklyn Cyclones against the Aberdeen Ironbirds at Coney Island.  After running the count 0-2 on the leadoff batter, Aberdeen's right fielder Lamar Sparks fouls off pitch three, then deposited Noah Syndergaard's fourth offering over the left field wall for a prompt Ironbird lead.

NOAH SYNDERGAARD: one inning, one run, one hit, no walks, one strikeout.  He faced five batters, threw 16 pitches, with 12 (75%) going for strikes.

The Cyclones recover in the home half of the first; Jaylen Palmer scores on designated hitter Ronny Mauricio double, tying the game at one.  

Brooklyn takes a 3-1 lead in the third on Cody Bohanek's two-run home run.  But it's short-lived.  Left fielder Cristopher Cespedes' three-run home run against Alec Kisena gives the Ironbirds a 4-3 advantage.

Aberdeen adds a single run in the fourth, and Brooklyn adds one in the fifth.  After a scoreless sixth inning, Connor O'Neil takes his turn on the bump in relief of Alec Kisena, and that's when things go awry.  Aberdeen strikes for four runs on four hits, including two doubles and the Ironbird's third home run of the game off the bat of third baseman Jean Carmona for a commanding 9-4 lead.

Brooklyn manages just one more run in the home eighth, but Aberdeen strikes for three more runs in the ninth for good measure, highlighted by center fielder Doran Turchin's three-run home run off Hunter Parsons - Aberdeen's fourth four-bagger of the game.  

• BOXSCORE

Home Runs and Stellar Bullpen Effort Lift Brooklyn Cyclones to Series Opening Win Over Aberdeen Ironbirds

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

ABERDEEN @ BROOKLYN

I - BRK 9; ABD 6

Cyclones Twice Overcome Deficits; Bullpen Tosses 5.1 Scoreless Innings 

Back home at Coney Island facing a familiar foe in the Aberdeen Ironbirds, the Cyclones overcome a four-run first-inning deficit with two runs in the bottom of the frame and three runs in the third for a 5-4 advantage.  The Ironbirds reclaim the high ground with two in the fourth.  But Brooklyn answers with another four-run outburst in the home seventh.  The score then remains unchanged through the ninth.

Making his 17th start for Brooklyn, right-hander Jaison Vilera is hit hard, allowing six runs on eight hits, including a home run and one walk over 3.1 innings pitched but still escapes with a no-decision.  Enter Josh Hejka with four strikeouts over 2.2 scoreless innings.  In one of baseball's odd instances when less is more, Evy Rubial wins for tossing a scoreless seventh.  Right-hander Willy Taveras then twirls a scoreless eighth and ninth innings to preserve Brooklyn's 9-6 series-opening victory over Aberdeen.

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis walks leading off the home first and scores on Ronny Mauricio's triple.  Mauricio then crosses home on Francisco Alvarez's fielder's choice to short.

With two runners on base in the third, Ronny Mauricio launches his 17th home run this season over the right field wall, i.e., into the breeze coming off the beach ... so there!

Brooklyn loads the bases in the seventh.  With one out, a Jeremy Vasquez sacrifice fly to left field plates Jaylen Palmer from third.  Then with two outs, third baseman Jose Peroza connects for a home run over the left field wall.

Ronny Mauricio finishes the game 3 for 3 with a walk, triple, home run, three runs scored, four runs batted in, and Jose Peroza doubles and homers in four trips.  For Francisco Alvarez, his 48th run batted in wearing a Cyclone uniform.  BOXSCORE

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 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.

Bullpen and Clutch Hitting Lift Brooklyn Cyclones To Series Split at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley @ BROOKLYN; 3-3

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 5; BRK 3

IV - BRK 9; HVR 6

V - BRK 5; HVR 4

VI - BRK 5; HVR 4

Coney Island Nine Takes Third Straight From Hudson Valley Foes To Salvage Series Split

Playing in misty conditions at cloud-covered Coney Island, the Surf Avenue Sluggers stage a marvelous comeback supported by another exceptional performance by the Cyclones' bullpen.

BOXSCORE

Facing Brooklyn starter Luc Rennie in the third, the Renegades jump out to a 2-0 lead on designated hitter Everson Pereira's two-run home run.  In the bottom of the frame, Zach Ashford singles and would soon score on a wild pitch.

After surrendering back-to-back doubles to open the sixth, Luc Rennie is relieved by Bryce Montes de Oca, who ends Hudson Valley's threat.  However, an error by Brooklyn third baseman Jose Peroza in the seventh leads to an unearned run and a 4-2 Renegade lead.

After the seventh-inning stretch, center fielder Tanner Murphy strokes a leadoff double and scored on Jose Mena's base hit to right field, making it a 2-4 deficit.

First baseman Jeremy Vasquez pulls the Cyclones within one in the eighth with his sixth home run this season.  

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis leads off the home ninth with a single, advances to second, steals third, and scores on Ronny Mauricio's triple to center field tying the game at four.  Then with one out and Mauricio poised at third, designated hitter Francisco Alvarez's sacrifice fly to center field wins the game, as they say, in walk-off fashion.   

Hudson Valley reliever Derek Craft takes the loss.

The lone run against Bryce Montes de Oca was unearned; otherwise, the trio of Bryce, Brian Metoyer, and Colby Morris allow no earned runs on just one hit and one walk with six strikeouts over the final four innings pitched ... just brilliant, allowing the Dem Boardwalk Bums to hit their way back into the game.  Colby Morris earns a well-deserved win on behalf of the bullpen. 

After losing the first three games to Hudson Valley, Brooklyn regroups to seize the last three and salvage a series split.  Although, Hudson Valley still owns a commanding 16-8 advantage in the season series over Brooklyn.

SEASON SERIES:

1. BRK 3; HVR 3
2. HVR 5; BRK 1
3. HVR 5; BRK 1
4. BRK 3; HVR 3

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 Lose Third Straight At Home Against Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 3-0

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

III - HVR 5; BRK 3

Everything Was Fine Until It Wasn't

They had a nice pitcher's duel going at Coney Island.  Right-hander Anderson Munoz for Hudson Valley and Justin Lasko for Brooklyn open the game with four scoreless frames.  Then with two on and two outs in the fifth, right fielder Joe Suozzi triples home a pair of runs for Brooklyn.

Great!

But it does not last.  Lasko yields three runs, and Josh Hejka surrenders one during a four-run third inning for the Renegades from which the Cyclones do not recover.  First baseman Jeremy Vasquez 

doubles home Ronny Mauricio in the bottom half to the frame, but Hudson Valley puts the game out of reach with an insurance run in the eighth, 

... and that's that.

Brooklyn strikes out 15 times while drawing just three walks.  If Cody Bohanek wears the golden sombrero with three strikeouts, then center fielder Jaylen Palmer wears the platinum with four.

The Renegades win their third straight at Coney Island.

Stingy Renegades This Time Limit Brooklyn Cyclones To Three Hits For Second Straight Win at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 2-0

I - HVR 5; BRK 0

II - HVR 3; BRK 2

On the heels of getting one-hit on Tuesday, Brooklyn gets three-hit on Hump Day.

With two outs in the third, catcher Nic Gaddis is the first Cyclone to reach base courtesy of a base on balls issued by Renegades starter Mitch Spence.  Center fielder Jaylen Palmer immediately follows with Brooklyn's first hit.  

But the Cyclones remain scoreless over the first seven innings with nary another hit until Ronny Mauricio in the sixth and one final hit by Antoine Duplantis during a two-run eighth.  However, by then, it's too late.  The Renegades had already posted single runs in the fourth, sixth, and seventh innings to retain a slim margin over the Coneys Islanders.

Brooklyn starter Cam Opp pitches a representative game, albeit in a losing effort, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts through 5.1 innings.  The bullpen allows a run on one hit with no walks and four strikeouts over the final 3.2 innings. 

Hudson Valley's Mitch Spence earns the win, yielding no runs on just two hits and two walks with five strikeouts through six innings pitched.

Brooklyn has now wielded a mere four hits over their last two games.

Brooklyn Cyclones Split Twin Bill at Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

CONEY ISLAND vs. JERSEY SHORE; 2-2

I - BK 14; JS 5

II - JS 3; BK 1

III - BK 4; JS 0

IV - JS 3; BK 0

Back on the field after Thursday's rainout, the Cyclones and Blue Claws on Friday evening played two at Jersey Shore.

GAME ONE - Making his tenth start for Brooklyn, right-hander Justin Lasko yields five hits (all singles) and three walks with seven strikeouts over 5.2 scoreless innings pitched for the win.  He faces 23 batters while throwing 95 pitches, with 54 (56.8%) going for strikes.  Right-hander Bryce Montes de Oca continues with 1.1 scoreless innings to complete the shutout.  He allows just one hit and strikes out three to earn his fourth save.  Catcher Francisco Alvarez doubles in the fourth and scores on Zach Ashford's base hit.  In the fifth, LT Struble draws a leadoff walk and eventually scores on a ground ball double-play.  Afterwhich,  Ronny Mauricio connects for his 14th home run this season.  LT Struble again leads off the seventh with a walk, steals second, and scores giving the Cyclones a 4-0 final margin of victory, their eighth in their last nine games. 

GAME TWO - Making only his second start for Brooklyn, 22-year old J.T. Ginn toes the slab and is opposed by Ethan Lindow for the Blue Claws.  Right fielder Jhailyn Ortiz opens the scoring when he tags up from third on a sacrifice fly in the second.  Shortstop Jonathan Guzman leads off the third with a double and scores, and catcher Vito Friscia drives home another giving the Blue Claws a 3-1 lead after the third.  Ethan Lindow sets down Brooklyn in order in the fifth while limiting them to just two hits.  J.T. Ginn also negotiates a scoreless fifth, inducing an inning-ending 5-4-3 double-play.  With only six outs left in the contest, the Cyclones manage just two hits in the ninth, which go for naught when Luis Gonzalez bounces into a rally-killing 5-4-3 double-play.  J.T. Ginn takes the loss upon yielding three runs (two earned) on four hits and no walks with five strikeouts.  Ethan Lindow goes the distance, allowing just four hits and no walks with seven strikeouts for the win.

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Third Straight From Wilmington

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

BROOKLYN leads WILMINGTON; 3-0

I - BRK 8; WIL 6

II - BRK 5; WIL 3

III - BRK 10; WIL 2

Antoine Duplantis Remains Red Hot; Justin Lasko Hurls Gem Through First Seven Innings

Brooklyn scores early, often, and late en route to a third straight victory over the Wilmington Blue Rocks.  The Cyclones erupt for 17 hits, with six going for extra-bases, including three of the four-base variety.  Starter Justin Lasko and Colby Morris take care of the rest.

Center fielder Antoine Duplantis spearheads Brooklyn's attack going 4 for 5 with a home run and three runs batted in.  Second baseman Luis Gonzalez goes 4 for 4 with a double and three runs scored.  Third baseman Cody Bohanek and shortstop Ronny Mauricio each hit solo home runs.

Justin Lasko surrenders just two hits in a fine performance and two walks with eight strikeouts over seven innings pitched for the win.  Reliever Colby Morris fails to protect the shutout, yielding two runs in the eighth.  

For shortstop Ronny Mauricio, his eleventh home run this season.