It takes more than two…
The Cyclones haven’t been able to put together a good win streak the entire season with the team’s longest a pitiful three games in early July. ON top of that, the boys are yet to record a series sweep — although they have been swept.
Still, they don’t stay too long in the loss column. Their longest losing streak of the season is at four games, which they also did once at the end of June, losing two each to Hudson Valley and the hated Staten Island Yankees.
The King of hits
Jared King has thrived in his new cleanup spot in the Cyclones’ lineup. In his last seven games, King has gone 12 for 24 with six runs and two RBIs. With his .500 average in the last week, he has taken the lead on batting average for the team, hitting .301 for the year. His 17 runs, 10 doubles and 17 walks also lead the team.
Playoff push
The Cyclones are reaching the middle of the season and are still in the cellar of the McNamara Division. Miraculously, the team is still only four and a half games back of the division-leading Hudson Valley Renegades. With a crucial two-game set against the rival Staten Island Yankees coming up this week, the Cyclones could push all the way up to second place with just a couple of wins.
Although the drive for 53 has all but diminished, the Clones still have the redeemable goal of finishing the season above .500 for the 13th straight year still in their sights. They currently stand at 15–19, and will need to go 23–18 the rest of the way to keep the streak in tact.
Difficult? You betcha. But certainly doable.
Taste of the bigs
Justin “The Machine” Turner spent three games with the Cyclones this week, even scoring the winning run in walk-off fashion against the Batavia Muckdogs on Sunday. Turner spent the last three seasons with the New York Mets in significant playing time. Turner did not go through the Mets’ farm system, as he played in Cincinnati Reds’ affiliates before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles and then finally landing with the Mets. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a rib injury, but returned to the Mets’ dugout for Monday’s home game against the Atlanta Braves.
Search for Cecchini
Cyclones’ shortstop Gavin Cecchini is expected to return to action soon, as the boot on his ankle came off this weekend. According to manager Rich Donnelly, it is now up to Cecchini and the trainers as to when Cecchini can return to the field and help the team. Cecchini sprained his ankle on a slide into third base two weeks ago and has not seen action since.
Cecchini has not Tweeted the date he expects to return.
