Brooklyn 10, Vermont 2

The Cyclones came into tonight’s game having scored just one run over their last 15 innings, but on Friday night the Brooklyn bats awoke from their slumber in a big way. The ‘Clones scored a season-high 10 runs and knocked off the Vermont Lake Monsters, 10-2, to move within 0.5 game of the Aberdeen IronBirds in the race for the McNamara Division title.

For the second night in a row, the Cyclones got off to a quick start, scoring in the first innings. Jonathan Clark started the game with a leadoff single and moved to third on a single from Gavin Cecchini. With runners on the corners, L.J. Mazzilli opened the scoring with a single down the third-base line that plated Clark and gave the Cyclones a 1-0 edge. After Jared King singled to load the bases, James Roche reached on a fielding error by Vermont third baseman Ryon Healy, which allowed Cecchini to score with the second run of the frame. After Alex Sanchez was retired for the first out of the frame, Eris Peguero grounded out to second base, but the speedy outfielder was able to beat out the relay throw on an attempted double play, which gave Brooklyn their third run of the game and a 3-0 lead.

After a scoreless second inning, the Cyclones tacked on some more runs in the third.Jared King walked to start the frame and moved into scoring position on a fielder’s choice. Eris Peguero followed with an RBI single to score King, and later in the frame,Juan Gamboa’s RBI groundout pushed across another run to extend Brooklyn’s lead to 5-0.

While Brooklyn starter Miller Diaz(5-3) continued to mow down Vermont batters, the Cyclones blew the game open in the top of the fourth. Cecchini worked a one out walk before Jared King singled and James Roche walked to load the bags for Alex Sanchez. The Brooklyn first baseman launched a 1-2 offering over the left field for his third home run of the season, and Brooklyn’s first grand slam of the year.

Cyclones hurler Miller Diaz tossed 7.0 shutout frames, allowing just three hits and three walks while striking out 11, in what was his best start of the season. In the top of the eighth, the Cyclones tacked on another insurance run to push their advantage to 10-0.

With Diaz out of the game after seven innings, the Lake Monsters were finally able to manufacture a rally. Juan Urbina allowed a two-out, two-RBI double to B.J. Boyd for Vermont’s only offensive tallies on the night, as the southpaw was able to toss a scoreless ninth and close out Brooklyn’s 10-2 victory.

The Cyclones will take on the Lake Monsters in the middle game of a three-game set tomorrow evening at 6:05 PM. Rob Gsellman will toe the rubber for Brooklyn, looking to lower his 1.82 ERA.

Key Stats

Jonathan Clark: 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 R

Jared King: 2-for-3, 2 BB, 2 R

Alex Sanchez: 1-for-5, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

Miller Diaz: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 0 ER, 11 K

Juan Urbina: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 ER, 3 K

(Cyclones’ Team Report)