Hudson Valley Renegades Out-Duel Brooklyn Cyclones

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 5; HVR 3

II - BKN 5; HVR 4

III - HVR 3; BKN 1

Matt Sauer Pitches a Dandy; Renegades Claim First Win of Series

The Cyclones dropped a tightly contested pitcher's duel Thursday evening, and the Renegades claimed their first victory of the series.

Hudson Valley starter Matt Sauer was stellar, allowing just one run on three hits and no walks with nine strikeouts over 7.1 innings pitched for the win.  Right-hander Alex Mauricio yielded one hit and struck out three batters over the final 1.2 innings for his second save.

Brooklyn was limited to just four hits, a single by Wilmer Reyes, Rowdey Jordan, and Matt O'Neill each doubled, and right fielder Joe Suozzi homered in the sixth for Brooklyn's lone run of the game.  The Cyclones drew just one walk and struck out a dozen times as a team.

Starter Garrison Bryant surrendered two runs on four hits and two walks with five strikeouts through five innings pitched for the loss.

BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Second Straight from Hudson Valley Renegades

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Hudson Valley vs. Brooklyn

I - BKN 5; HVR 3

II - BKN 5; HVR 4

Coney Island Wins Two in a Row Against Bronx Affiliate

Coney Island defeated the Hudson Valley Renegades in a second straight game.  

Renegades starter Will Warren and Brooklyn's Oscar Rojas opened with three scoreless innings.  Warren issued a bases-loaded walk to force home the game's first run in the top of the fourth.  The Cyclones then erupted for five runs in the bottom half of the frame.  Right fielder Brandon McIlwain, Wilmer Reyes, and Branden Fryman drove in a run apiece, and Jaylen Palmer doubled home a pair.

Afterwhich, it was a matter of holding on.  Hudson Valley scored a single run in the sixth and two more in the eighth inning but would score no more.

In a no-decision effort, Oscar Rojas allowed one run on three hits and four walks with two strikeouts over 3.2 innings.  Right-hander Sammy Tavarez followed with 2.1 innings pitched for the win.  Rehabbing from injury and making his first-ever appearance with the Cyclones, Jordan Yamamoto 

allowed two runs on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 1.2 innings pitched, and Justin Courtney secured the last four outs for his fourth save this season.

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Withstand Late Wilmington Rally for the Win

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Wilmington vs. Brooklyn; 1-1

I - WIL 12; BKN 5

II - BKN 5; WIL 4

Hunter Parsons Earns Well Deserved Win in Relief; Cyclones Even Series With Blue Rocks

Up from St. Lucie and making his second start for Brooklyn, southpaw Nick Zwack exited on the winning side of a 4-2 game, allowing two runs on two hits, including a home run and one walk, with three strikeouts over four innings pitched.

The Cyclones opened the first inning with three consecutive extra-base hits.  Left fielder Rowdey Jordan led off with a double.  Shortstop Shervyen Newton followed with another two-bagger, scoring Jordan.  Catcher Matt O'Neill then tripled home Newton and scored on JT Schwartz's grounder to second for a 3-0 Brooklyn lead.

Designated hitter Nic Gaddis doubled home JT Schwartz in the third, and with the bases loaded in the fifth, Wilmer Reyes' sac-fly to center scored Schwartz giving the Cyclones a 5-2 lead.

Afterwhich, it was a matter of holding on.  The score remained unchanged through the eighth.  Facing right-hander Justin Courtney in the ninth, the Blue Rocks rallied for two runs on four hits, two for extra bases.  With two outs and the tying run on second base, Courtney struck out Yasel Antuna to end the game.

Right-hander Hunter Parsons threw three scoreless innings in relief of Nick Zwack to earn the victory, and Antuna got the save.

Brooklyn Cyclones Fall to Par After Consecutive Losses Against Bowling Green

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Bowling Green leads Brooklyn; 2-1

I - BK 5; BG 4

II - BG 4; BK 1

III - BG 7; BK 6

Bullpen Provides Little Relief; Late Inning Comeback Falls Short

The Cyclones had scored just one run over their last 16 innings against the Hot Rods before the seventh inning of Thursday night's game when they finally rallied for a pair.  They were already trailing by seven by that point.  But then Wilmer Reyes hit a bases-clearing double in the ninth inning, bringing the Cyclones within a run of Bowling Green.  Unfortunately, the late-inning thrill ended there; game over.  Brooklyn now trails the Hot Rods in the series two games to one.  Wilmer Reyes finished 3 for 5 with two doubles and five runs batted in.  Center fielder Matt Rudick was 2 for 3 with a walk, double, two runs scored, and a run batted in.  With seven strikeouts, the Cyclones four, five, and six hitters batted 0 for 16.  Right-hander Jose Chacin yielded two earned runs on five hits and no walks with six strikeouts over five innings pitched in a losing effort.  But in truth, it's the bullpen that failed to keep the Hot Rods in place.  Three relievers joined together in issuing six walks and allowing five earned runs over the final four innings.

Brooklyn Cyclones Take Series Opener From Bowling Green Hot Rods

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Brooklyn leads Bowling Green; 1-0

I - BK 5; BG 4

Cyclones Stage a Thriller at Coney Island 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's Go Cyclones!

Brooklyn Cyclones: Old Rival Takes Series Opener at Hudson Valley

From the desk: THE CONEY ISLAND NINE

Hudson Valley leads Brooklyn; 1-0

I - HVR 5; BKN 3

One, Two, Three Strikes; You're Out!

The visiting Cyclones promptly take a 1-0 lead to open the game.  But the Renegades rally for two runs while facing Brooklyn right-hander Daison Acosta in the home half of the first.  

Coney Island answered right back in the second.  With one out, catcher Matt O'Neill reaches on an E5 and advances to third on Joe Suozzi's double down the left field line.  O'Neill scored when left fielder 

Rowdy Jordan bounced into a fielder's choice.  Afterwhich, shortstop Wilmer Reyes singled home Suozzi for a 3-2 Cyclones lead.

But that's when the fun ends for Coney Island.  

Hudson Valley knots the game at three against Daison Acosta in the third.  In fact, both starting pitchers exit with no decisions.  

The Renegades score the go-ahead against losing right-hander Nolan Clenney in the sixth and secure an insurance run in the eighth inning against Colby Morris, who pitched the final two innings for Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, three Hudson Valley relievers join together in limiting Brooklyn to no runs on just three hits and one walk with twelve strikeouts over the final six frames.  Overall, the Cyclones fanned 17 times in 33 at-bats, a rate of 51.5 %, during Tuesday's series opener at Dutchess Stadium.

• BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Win Historic Home Opener at Coney Island

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

HISTORY AT CONEY ISLAND

Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at Coney Island, marked the first professional baseball game played by a team representing Brooklyn since April 30, 1957, when the Dodgers defeated the visiting Chicago Cubs sixty-five years ago by a final score of 10-9 in ten innings at Ebbets Field.  In the ninth inning, Sandy Amaros hit a game-tying home run, and Don Zimmer hit a game-winning home run in the tenth.  Gil Hodges also homered in the game, and Roy Campanella hit two home runs.

Bedford & Sullivan Pre-Game: 

Sam and I Speak Live from Coney Island

thirteen minutes

OPENING DAY

Jersey Shore    2

Coney Island    5

FINAL

Cyclones Take Opening Battle of the Beaches

The Brooklyn Cyclones took an early 1-0 lead in the second.  With one out, the offensive star of the game JT Schwartz tripled to right, and with two outs, scored on right fielder Brandon McIlwain's double into the left/center field gap.

Starter Garrison Bryant yielded single runs in the third and fourth innings and exited on the losing side of a 2-1 game after surrendering five hits and one walk with six strikeouts through 3.2 innings pitched.

But Bryant's mates got him off the hook.  The Cyclones loaded the bases in the fifth inning, and with no outs, second baseman Wyatt Young singled home the tying run.  Afterwhich, the go-ahead run scored when third baseman Jose Peroza grounded into a 6-4-3 double play.  With two outs and Wilmer Reyes, the base runner at third, first baseman JT Schwartz lined a home run to right, giving the Cyclones a 5-2 lead and the final margin of victory.  Schwartz ended the night 3 for 4 with a pair of extra-base hits, two runs scored, and two runs batted in. 

Four Brooklyn relievers joined together for 5.1 scoreless innings pitched.  In relief of Bryant, right-hander Hunter Parsons allowed just one hit and one walk with five strikeouts over 2.1 innings to earn the victory.  Righty Sammy Tavarez struck out two batters during a scoreless ninth for the save.  

• Boxscore
• Brooklyn Cyclones
• Jersey Shore Blue Claws

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 Pitchers Twirl Three-Hitter; Take 3-2 Series Lead Over Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

REGULAR-SEASON FINALE

JERSEY SHORE @ BROOKLYN

I - BK 5; JS 2

II - JS 4; BK 3

III - JS 8; BK 6

IV - BK 7; JS 4

VI - BK 9; JS 2

David Griffin Hurls a Coney Island Thriller; Bullpen Joins for a Combined Three-Hitter

Brooklyn's penultimate game of the season is a dandy.  Making his seventh start for the Cyclones, right-hander David Griffin hurls an absolute gem against the Blue Claws, limiting them to just two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over six innings for the win.  

Griffin faces twenty batters, throwing 89 pitches with 53 (59.5%) going for strikes.  He retires his first eight batters before issuing his first base on balls with two outs in the third.  Griffin then sits down the next five batters.  With two outs in the fifth, Jersey Shore finally wields their first base hit.  Griffin issues his second walk in the sixth but induces the next batter into an inning-ending double-play.  The 24-year old improves to 3-1 as a Cyclone with a declining 4.18 ERA.

In relief of Griffin, Evy Ruibal allows no hits over two scoreless innings with four strikeouts.  However, misfortune befalls Colby Morris, who surrenders an inconsequential two-run home run in the ninth.

Meanwhile, the Cyclones plate nine runs on eleven hits in 34 at-bats (.323) and go 3 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  They draw four walks and whiff nine times.  After two scoreless frames, Coney Island scores in every inning to follow.

FIVE HOME RUNS

The Cyclone's home run barrage begins with Jaylen Palmer's solo shot in the third.  In his eighth game with Brooklyn, Oscar Campos connects for a fourth-inning three-run home run.  In the fifth, second baseman Luke Ritter launches his 14th home run with two runners on.  

Far from done, Francisco Alvarez, in the seventh inning, swats his team-leading 22nd home run this season for Brooklyn and his 24th overall.

Lastly, Mr. Excitment himself, Wilmer Reyes, hits a solo shot in the eighth en route to a 9-2 victory over the Jersey Shore Blue Claws.  Reyes, through eight games, is batting .406 (13/32) with a 1.039 OPS.

Brooklyn takes a 3-2 series lead.  The final game of a very intriguing 2021 regular season draws to a close Sunday at Coney Island.

Brooklyn Cyclones 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

J.T. Ginn Twirls a Gem in Brooklyn Cyclones Series Opening Win Over Jersey Shore

From the desk: THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON

REGULAR-SEASON FINALE

JERSEY SHORE @ BROOKLYN

I - BK 5; JS 2

J.T. Ginn Throws Seven Scoreless Innings; Tanner Murphy and Zack Ashford Take Care of the Rest

Making his ninth start for the Cyclones, right-hander J.T. Ginn is opposed by Noah Skirrow for Jersey Shore.  

After dueling through three scoreless innings, Brooklyn strikes for three runs in the fourth; with two outs and the bases loaded, right fielder Tanner Murphy doubles to left field, sending everybody home.

Then again, with two outs in the fifth, left fielder Zack Ashford triples home Wilmer Reyes and Francisco Alvarez for a 5-0- lead.

Meanwhile, J.T. Ginn twirls a gem.  He allows just two hits and one walk with seven strikeouts over seven innings pitched.  He faces 24 batters while throwing 79 pitches, with a stellar (57) 72.1% going for strikes.  

In his third appearance for Brooklyn, right-hander Nolan Clenney checks all the boxes, a walk, single, wild pitch, fielder's choice, and a sacrifice fly resulting in two Jersey Shore runs.  Called upon to pitch the ninth, Hunter Parsons hits a batter and strikeouts out three to close out Brooklyn's series-opening win over the Blue Claws.  J.T. Ginn evens his record at 3-3 and gets his ERA back under four with a 3.42 mark through 47.1 innings pitched.

In support of Ginn, the Cyclones batted 3 for 7 with runners in scoring position while all five runs were driven home with two outs.  And wouldn't you know, Coney Island drew five walks and struck out only six times.  In turn, Cyclone pitchers strike out ten while giving up just two hits and issuing two walks.

As they say in from of the ballpark: Amazin' Starts Here!  BOXSCORE

Brooklyn Cyclones Shut Out at Dutchess Stadium; Hudson Valley Renegades Even Series at Three

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

It's Groundhog Day at Wappingers Falls

The Brooklyn Cyclones have now lost 66 games this season.  I've covered every single one.  So, I know, and dread going back and checking to see just how many times this season the Cyclones have been limited to four hits or less.  I've made it a point of contention throughout.

On Saturday, they escaped my rage by wielding their fifth hit in the ninth inning.

Thank you, Cody Bohanek.

Hudson Valley's Josh Maciejewski hurls a gem, allowing four hits and no walks with eleven strikeouts over seven innings pitched for the win.  Right-hander Freicer Perez yields one hit over two scoreless innings to complete the shutout.

Brooklyn manages to put only one runner into scoring position.  They draw no walks and strike out 13 times.  Catcher Francisco Alvarez, Wilmer Reyes, Luis Gonzalez, and Zack Ashford account for Brooklyn's four other hits, none for extra bases.

After two impressive starts, right-hander Jose Chacin suffers his first loss as a Cyclone.  He allows five runs on three hits, including two home runs in the third and three walks with eight strikeouts through five innings.  In relief of Chacin, Luis Montas yields a run over two innings pitched, and Evy Ruibal 

surrenders a home run in the eighth.

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 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 Clinch Sixth McNamara Division Title

From the desk of:  CONEY ISLAND'S DIVISION CHAMPS!

Cyclones Sweep Yankees 3-0

I - BRK 11; SIY 2

II - BRK 5; SIY 4

III - BRK 4; SIY 1

BROOKLYN CYCLONES

McNAMARA DIVISION CHAMPIONS

2001    2003-2004    2007    2010    2019

Despite being limited to just one run on three hits, the Aberdeen Iron Birds win their season finale in a 1-0 whitewashing of the Hudson Valley Renegades at Dutchess County.  Aberdeen is subsequently eliminated once Brooklyn's victory over the Yankees at Coney Island goes final.  The Renegades appeared on their way towards securing the McNamara Division title with victories over the Ironbirds in games one and two, but fail to execute a sweep.  They finish the season 5-5 over their last ten games and thus end the regular season tied for the division lead with the surging Cyclones.  But Brooklyn owns the tie-breaker and thereby clinch their sixth division title.  More importantly this marks the Cyclones first appearance since 2012 in the New York Penn League playoffs.  The wild card Hudson Valley Renegades will oppose Brooklyn in the first round.  Game one is scheduled for Wednesday at Dutchess County.

LABOR DAY

Yankees    1

Cyclones  4

FINAL

On the last day of the regular season under thundering rain threatening storm clouds, Brooklyn pitchers join together in hurling a gem against the Staten Island Yankees at Coney Island.  Making his eleventh start for the Cyclones Frank Valentino surrenders just one earned run on one hit and two walks with nine strikeouts through 5.1 innings pitched.  He faces 19 batters, throwing 78 pitches with 49 going for strikes en route to his second victory with a 3.41 ERA.  Nick MacDonald throws 1.2 scoreless innings in relief of Valentino with three strikeouts.  Hunter Parsons pitches a scoreless eighth, and Reyson Santos strikeouts out the side in the ninth to earn his first save of the season.  Together they limit Staten Island to one run on just five scattered hits and two walks with 16 strikeouts over nine full innings pitched.

• New York Penn League

Brooklyn breaks out for three runs in the third and never look back.  Jake Ortega and Antoine Duplantis lead-off with consecutive singles against Yankees starter Alex Mejias.  With one out, Wilmer Reyes and Luke Ritter follow with consecutive doubles giving the Cyclones a 3-0 lead.  After trading single runs in the fourth, Brooklyn shuts down Staten Island for good en route to a 4-1 playoff clinching victory.

Tied with a league best 43-32 record, third year manager Edgardo Alfonzo has now guided the Cyclones to two straight 40-plus win seasons.  They also finish with a league best 24-14 record at home, and post a McNamara best 18-12 record within their own division.

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: Tied in Knots With Seven Games Left

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Cyclones lead series 2-0

I - BRK 12; VMT 3

II - BRK 2; VMT 0

Vermont Lake Monsters

vs.

Brooklyn Cyclones

FROM

Coney Island

Make that two straight against the Lake Monsters.  However, Hudson Valley, Aberdeen, and Staten Island, also win on Monday.  Therefore everything remains as it was as of close of business Sunday.  The Cyclones, Renegades, and Ironbirds, will spend another day locked in a three way tie for both first place of the division and the wild card standings, and for the league's best record as well.  That said, the Staten Island Yankees sit a mere 1.5 games back of both the division lead and wild card race.  In fact the league's four best clubs (four top records) all reside in the ultra competitive McNamara Division.  But time is running short as only seven more games remain in the regular season.  It seems apropos the Cyclones and Yankees should play a home and home series to close out the regular season.

• New York Penn League

Game two starter Garrison Bryant, Jared Biddy, and Josh Hejka, join together in limiting Vermont to just five hits and no walks with a combined 14 strikeouts en route to a 2-0 whitewashing of the Lake Monsters Monday night at Coney Island.  Bryant yields just two hits and no walks with nine strikeouts through 6.1 innings.  He throws 73 pitches with 53 (73%) going for strikes en route to his fifth victory against one loss with a declining 2.18 ERA.

Meanwhile Brooklyn batters outlast Lake Monsters starter Michael Murray whom tosses a gem of his own, yielding no runs on just one hit and no walks with five strikeouts.  But once out of the game, Antoine Duplantis and Wilmer Reyes each drive in a run apiece against reliever Jack Cushing.  After which Cyclones relievers Jared Biddy and Josh Hejka take care of the rest.

Brooklyn hosts one more against Vermont before traveling down to Maryland for a three game showdown versus the Aberdeen Ironbirds.  And keep a close eye on Staten Island versus Hudson Valley, as the Yankees can leapfrog em all.

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

Brooklyn Cyclones: And Then There Were Ten

From the desk of:  THE SURF AVENUE SLUGGERS

Cyclones Lead Series 2-1

I - CON 1; BRK 0

II - BRK 4; CON 0

III - BRK 5; CON 0

SATURDAY

Brooklyn Cyclones

vs.

Connecticut Tigers

FROM

THE DODD

With just ten games left in the regular season both the McNamara Division and Wild Card remain up for grabs.  On Thursday Brooklyn bows to the Connecticut Tigers in a rain shortened five inning game.  First baseman Joe Genord records the Cyclones lone hit of the night.  Meanwhile starter Frank Valentino is once again the hard luck loser upon yielding just one earned run on four hits and three walks with three strikeouts through 4.2 innings pitched.  Heavy storms continue through the evening postponing game two of a scheduled double-header (stemming from yet another 7/22 PPD).

On Friday the teams finally play two at the Dodd where pitching wins the day.  Brooklyn hurlers join forces on back to back shutout efforts over the Tigers yielding a mere six total hits through 18 innings pitched.

Michel Otanez starts game one throwing 4.1 innings of scoreless one-hit ball with three walks and three strikeouts.  Mitch Ragan enters in relief of Otanez, allowing no runs on two hits with a strikeout.  Josh Hejka then pitches a scoreless ninth.  Ragan earns his second win of the season to go along with a 2.32 ERA.  Otanez lowers his ERA to a 2.49 mark.  Brooklyn gets runs batted in from Luke Ritter, and Joe Genord, and Wilmer Reyes hits his fifth home run of the season en route to a 4-0 Cyclones final.

• Game one marks Edgardo Alfonzo's 100th victory as manager of the Cyclones.

In game two Brooklyn and Norwich duel through six scoreless innings before the Cyclones finally break through for five runs in the top half of the seventh.  Tigers starter Jack O'Loughlin stymies Cyclones batters through six full, yielding just three hits and two walks while fanning six.  Coming off Wednesday's NYPL all-star game, Brooklyn starter Dan Goggin is limited to a pair of innings during which he allows just one hit, but walks three and fans four.  Hunter Parsons pitches two innings in relief of Goggin allowing just one hit and one walk while fanning six.  Jared Biddy is then tasked with pitching the final three innings.  He faces nine batters, yields one hit, walks none and fans four in completing Brooklyn's second straight whitewashing of the Tigers.  The Cyclones three combine for a three-hit, 14-strikeout effort.  Biddy now sports a stellar 0.40 ERA through eleven appearances and 22.1 innings pitched with 28 strikeouts.  Ranfy Adon is big man on campus going 3 for 3 with a run batted in.  Wilmer Reyes drives in his 25th run of the season.

The Cyclones enter Saturday's McNamara Division race tied with Aberdeen in second place one game behind first place Hudson Valley.  Meanwhile Brooklyn and Aberdeen are now tied for the wild card.  Staten Island loses their second straight to Aberdeen, getting limited to just six hits and no runs against the Ironbirds on Friday.  In fact Aberdeen are winners of three straight.

• New York Penn League