Cyclones 2
Mahoning Valley 1
11 innings
August 23 at MCU Park
The Cyclones staged a dramatic homecoming on Tuesday night, coming back to pick up a 2–1 victory over Mahoning Valley at MCU Park. Anthony Dimino played hero, connecting on the walk-off hit in the 11th inning as Brooklyn returned home after six straight games on the road.
“It starts with the pitching which was terrific,” Cyclones skipper Tom Gamboa said. “I thought everybody out there had great tempo.”
Todd Isaacs began the game for the Scrappers with a bunt to third – that Blake Tiberi couldn’t handle – reaching first on the error. Isaacs stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on an Andrew Calica sacrifice fly.
It was the only run Raul Jacobson gave up in six innings of work. The righty allowed two hits and struck out eight without walking a batter.
Mahoning Valley starter Shane Bieber pitched three no-hit innings against the Cyclones.
Luis Jimenez pitched three shutout innings of his own before Brooklyn tied the game in the seventh. Jay Jabs worked a one-out walk and moved to second on a passed ball. Franklin Correra then came to the plate with two on and two out and blooped a single to short left – just out of the reach of shortstop Alexis Pantoja – to score Jabs.
“It was a flared single but it counts in the book and it drove in a key run in the seventh to tie the game,” Gamboa said.
The Cyclones weren’t able to bring Correra home, however, as Gene Cone grounded out to end the inning.
Brooklyn’s bullpen – Ty Williams, Adam Atkins, Joseph Zanghi and Taylor Henry – combined to pitch five scoreless innings.
The score remained tied until the 11th when Jabs got the Clones offense started with a one-out single. Dan Rizzie hit a hot shot to third which got past Gavin Collins as Jabs went to third. Dimino then lined the first pitch of his at-bat to center for the game-winning hit.
Gamboa was happy to see his squad pull off the win, but also thankful the game ended since he knew his bullpen was short on pitchers.
“I’m glad for our team because we had one pitcher left, Castro, and we were going to be out of bullets,” Gamboa said.
The 32–31 Cyclones are back in action against Mahoning Valley on Wednesday at 7 pm.
UPS AND DOWNS
Former Cyclone Wilmer Flores hit a three-run homer in the first inning against the Cardinals.
Brooklyn is looking to get Thomas Szapucki back as the talented southpaw is dealing with back spasms.
