Brooklyn 2, Connecticut 1
The Cyclones were looking for run production and Anthony Chavez provided it in the top of the ninth inning on an RBI double that gave the Cyclones a 2-1 win over the Connecticut Tigers on Saturday night.Chavez’s sixth double of the season was long enough to score James Roche from first. Roche pinch ran for Eris Peguero afterPeguero got things going with a one out single. John Mincone closed things out in the bottom of the ninth to secure the win for the Cyclones and record his fourth save.
Miller Diaz had his second consecutive exceptional start for the Cyclones. After striking out a season high eight batters in five innings in his last start against Lowell,Diaz didn’t miss a beat striking out seven Connecticut batters. Diaz tossed six innings allowing just two hits and one earned run, as his ERA drops to 2.84.
The Cyclones got off to quick a start, thanks to a leadoff triple by center fielder Patrick Biondi. Juan Gamboa then did his part to put the Cyclones on the board, hitting a groundball out to second but scoring Biondi from third, giving Brooklyn an early 1-0 lead.
Diaz gave up his only run in the bottom of the third inning. Tigers center fielder Austin Schotts started the inning with a line drive single to left field. The Tigers wouldn’t need another hit to score Schotts from first. With no outs, Schotts stole second and then advanced to third on a groundout to second base. The next batter, Raphael Rhymes, also hit a groundball out to the right side of the infield, driving in Schotts and tying the game, 1-1.
The Cyclones would not get many more scoring opportunities after Gamboa’s RBI groundout in the top of the first. However, the RBI double by Chavez was enough run support for the Cyclones bullpen. Cristian Chivilli got the win and is now 3-0 coming in relief. Chivilli finished with 2.1 IP and two strikeouts. Mincone replaced Chivilli and struck out the only two batters he faced.
Key Stats
Patrick Biondi: 2-for-5, 1 3B, 1 R
L.J. Mazzilli: 2-for-4
Alex Sanchez: 2-for-4, 1 2B
Anthony Chavez: 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI
Miller Diaz: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 7 K
Cristian Chivilli: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 2 K
John Mincone: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K
(Team Report)