The Brooklyn Cyclones are running away with their division. The team has a juggernaut offense, but let’s take a moment to give credit where credit is due — to the starting rotation, which has powered the Clones to its 16–3 record.
In fact, the four starters are undefeated this year.
Southpaw Mark Cohoon is 4–0 after another strong performance on Tuesday night, striking out six and allowing two runs through seven innings. Jim Fuller (3-0) hasn’t given up an earned run this year in 19 innings. Brandon Moore (2-0) has been only slightly more hittable, with his microscopic 0.82 ERA in three starts. Collin McHugh (3-0) has rounded out the crew with a string of gutsy wins.
And they know they’re on fire.
“We’ve all pitched outstanding,” said Cohoon in the boisterous Cyclone locker room on Tuesday night. “We know we’re not invincible, but we are doing the small things right.”
Take note, Cloneheads, the world of professional baseball has not seen a quartet so thoroughly dominate its competition since the 1971 Baltimore Orioles sported that ultimate trivia question rotation of four 20-game winners: Hall-of-Famer Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, Pat Dobson and Dave McNally.
Cyclone manager Pedro Lopez didn’t even try to bluff, saying he was dealt “four aces.”
“It’s to the point where I expect these guys to have a good game,” the skipper said.
The four masters of the mound are usually in a comfortable position. They know the bullpen has been reliable and the offense has been on a tear since opening day, often giving them a cushion, allowing them to pitch aggressively.
Lopez praised pitching coach Rick Tomlin, who’s drilled the starting four to throw early strikes to opposing batters.
“He’s done an outstanding job with these guys,” Lopez told Brooklyn’s elite sporting press corps. “We preach getting ahead in the count to them.”
They also have the stamina to go late into the game.
“Some of them are ready to go to 100 pitches and that’s rare,” said the manager.
One starter, lefty Angel Cuan, didn’t make the cut. In fact, Cuan got the “L” in both the Cyclones’ losses — and suddenly found himself demoted to Kingsport in the rookie league.
After he left, the team began a 10-game win streak that finally ended on Wednesday.
“It’s fun to watch,” said Lopez.
