Cyclones 3
Ironbirds 0
Thusday night at MCU Park
Safe at home!
The Cyclones finally picked up at win this season during an Opening Night that featured solid pitching — and sloppy play by the not-so-fancy-fielding Aberdeen IronBirds — that led to a 3–0.
The scoring began in the third when shortstop Gavin Cecchini singled and stole second before left-fielder Jared King doubled him home. King then scored when designated hitter Julio Concepcion’s pop fly was dropped by right-fielder Manny Hernandez.
In the bottom fifth, King reached first on a fielder’s choice. An error by first-baseman Trey Mancini on a ball hit by Matt “Bright Eyes” Oberste that allowed King to reach third. Finally, with James Roche at the plate, a passed ball by Aberdeen catcher Tanner Murphy allowed King to waltz home.
King went 3–4 at the plate, scoring two runs and another RBI in a sensational professional debut, but the modest ballplayer said he was just doing his job.
“Every level you go up at, it’s still the same game, just sped up a little bit,” King said. “So if you can keep yourself under control, you usually can handle it.”
Clones starting pitcher John Gant threw five solid innings to earn the win, striking out six. Tim Peterson struck out three in three innings of work, and closer John Mincone picked up the save during a shaky ninth, where he allowed the tying run to step into the batters box.
In all, Cyclones pitcher struck out 10 IronBirds, and the sqaud’s skipper said that that, along with slick fielding and scoring first, is a recipe for wins.
“It was a clean game ,” said manager Rich Donnelly. “It was good to be able to play with the lead.”
The win was the first for the Clones, who dropped two games to the hated Staten Island Yankees on the Rock earlier in the week.
The Cyclones will play the IronBirds tonight at MCU Field at 7 pm.
Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park (Surk Avenue and W. 16th Street in Coney Island, www.brooklyncyclones.com) on June 20 at 7 p.m.
