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NYPL Brooklyn Cyclones

Blackham, Blanks 'Em, Cyclones Win 2-0

July 5, 2015 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Brooklyn Cyclones News Release


BROOKLYN,NY - July 4, 2015 - On Independence Day neither teams' bats provided much fireworks, but Cyclones starter Matt Blackham lowered the boom on the Crosscutters. The righthander was nearly flawless over his 7.0 innings as Brooklyn defeated Williamsport 2-0. The Cyclones improved to 10-5 with their victory and handed Williamsport (13-2) just their second loss of the season.

The Cyclones and Crosscutters matched zeroes through the first three innings as Brooklyn starter Matt Blackham and 'Cutters hurler Jose Taveras mowed through the opposing lineups. Neither team got a runner past first base until the bottom of the fourth when the Cyclones were able to give the scoreboard some company. Vinny Siena started the two out threat with a line drive single to left before back-to-back walks of David Thompson and Jeff Diehl loaded the bases. With Zach Mathieu behind in the count 0-2, Taveras uncorked a wild pitch that allowed Siena to score and gave Brooklyn the early 1-0 lead.

It looked like that lead might be short-lived, because in the top of the fifth the Crosscutters threatened after Josh Tobias singled to centerfield to snap a string of seven consecutive batters retired by Blackham. The Crosscutters second baseman stole second and then advanced to third on a groundout. With Grenny Cumana batting for the 'Cutters, Blackham's first pitch was a ball in the dirt that was blocked nicely by Brooklyn backstop Brandon Brosher. Tobias tried to score from third but Brosher was able to corral the deflection and relay it over to Blackham in time to tag out the sliding runner and keep the Cyclones in front 1-0.

Blackham departed after 7.0 shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while, for the second consecutive start, striking out nine. PJ Conlon was first out of the pen for the Cyclones and immediately found himself in trouble. The southpaw allowed a lead-off double to Josh Tobias, who advanced to third on a passed ball. Conlon was then able to induce a pair of grounders to third, which led to a pair of outs, while keeping Tobias 90-feet away, setting up a showdown with Zachary Coppola. The University of San Diego product was able to finish the escape act with a strikeout of the Williamsport leftfielder, and keep Brooklyn ahead 1-0.

In the bottom of the frame Brandon Brosher, who earlier saved a run with a nice defensive play behind the plate, contributed a run in another way as the Cyclones catcher blasted a solo home run over the left field wall to tack on an insurance run and expand the Brooklyn lead to 2-0. Carlos Valdez tossed a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to close out the win and pick up his first save of the season.

The Cyclones and Crosscutters will square off again on Sunday evening at MCU Park for the middle game of the three-game series. It will be the 2nd Annual Salute to Seinfeld Night at the ballpark with the first 2,500 fans in attendance going home with a Little Jerry BobbleBeak. Tickets, which start at just $10, are still available by calling 718-507-TIXX, logging on to BrooklynCyclones.com or in person at the MCU Park box office.

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