Lake Monsters 5
Cyclones 4 (Game 1)
Cyclones 4
Lake Monsters 1 (Game 2)
July 31 at Vermont
The Cyclones split a double-header that they should have swept, winning the nightcap in dominating fashion after blowing Game 1.
The Cyclones fell behind 2–0 after an error and a passed ball in the second, but stormed back for three runs in the fifth, thanks to Travis Taijeron’s RBI double and Nelfi Zapata’s two-run single.
But in the bottom of the sixth, reliever Jeremy Gould came in with one out and the tying run on third — and promptly mishandled the squeeze bunt, throwing it away. He loaded the bases with a walk and then gave up a two-run double.
In the nightcap, with the Cyclones batting as the home team, despite the venue, the Clones didn’t waste any time, scoring three in the first, thanks to three Lake Monster errors.
Travis Taijeron added a solo shot in the sixth to end the scoring, making him 4-for-7 on the day with two RBIs.
Starter Cory Mazzoni was pulled after a clean first inning, so everyone will be watching whether he returns. The bullpen was solid over the remaining six innings, as double-headers are only seven in the New York–Penn League.
The Cyclones return home to MCU Park [1904 Surf Ave. at W. 17th Street in Coney Island, (718) 449-8497] on Aug. 2 at 7 pm. For info, visit www.brooklyncyclones.com.
