Connecticut 7
Cyclones 3
Aug. 8 at MCU Park
Connecticut scored five runs in the first two innings and the Cyclones never recovered on the way to a disheartening loss.
New starting pitcher Ricky Knapp, taking the place of Seth Lugo, who was optioned to Savannah, got off to a shaky start by allowing hits to the first three batters he saw, including an RBI single by Dominic Ficociello. The Tigers went on to score two more runs in the same inning and two more in the second.
The Cyclones’ offense responded to the Tigers in the first three innings — albeit in less powerful fashion — by scoring a run in each inning. Patrick “To Infinity and” Biondi scored two runs on two RBIs singles by L.J. “Mini-Maz” Mazzilli in the first and third, and Jonathan Clark added a run in the second off an center-field shot by Eddie Rohan.
Manager Rich Donnelly said Cyclones hurlers were simply one-upped by a tough Connecticut offense.
“It was the first time all year our pitchers got knocked around,” Donnelly said. “You got to get them credit. They swung the bat well.”
The Cyclones take on the State College Spikes in a three game set starting tonight at 7 pm.
Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park (Surf Avenue and W. 16th Street in Coney Island, www.brooklyncyclones.com) on Aug. 9 at 7 pm.
Follow the Cyclones all season long at brooklynpaper.com/sections/sports/cyclones/
