SAL Brooklyn Cyclones

Brooklyn Bested by Aberdeen in Walk-Off, 3-2

Published on June 17, 2023 under South Atlantic League (SAL)
Brooklyn Cyclones News Release


ABERDEEN, Md. - For the second-straight day and the third time in four games, Brooklyn suffered a defeat on the last pitch of the night. Dylan Beavers came off the bench and delivered a pinch-hit two-run double in the bottom of the ninth, as the Aberdeen IronBirds bested the Cyclones, 3-2, on Friday night from Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium.

Brooklyn (25-35) regained the lead with a rally in the top of the ninth. LF Omar De Los Santos was plunked to start the inning and a fielding error allowed 2B D'Andre Smith to reach behind him. Following a bunt base-hit by RF Scott Ota, DH Chase Estep powered a sacrifice fly to center, giving the Cyclones a 2-1 advantage.

However, with men at second and third and one out, Brooklyn could not add more to their ledger. RHP Dan Hammer (2-2) entered out of the bullpen and struck out both batters faced to keep a one-run affair entering the bottom of the frame.

SS Frederick Bencosme reached on a soft infield single to second to start Aberdeen (31-29) half of the ninth. Following a failed sacrifice bunt attempt that turned into a pop-out, Jackson Holliday came up to pinch-hit and hit a tapper back to the mound. The throw to second was wild and everyone was safe, placing the tying and winning runs on.

Following a walk to DH Maxwell Costes and a pitching change, Beavers was summoned to the dish as a pinch-hitter.

Despite falling behind in the count 1-2, the 2022 supplemental first-round pick roped a line drive into left-center field. Bencosme and Holliday each scampered home to score without a throw, providing the IronBirds a 3-2 walk-off win.

Brooklyn opened the scoring in the top half of the first. CF Alex Ramírez started the game with a single and promptly swiped second base. Following a strikeout and a single from 3B William Lugo that advanced him to third, De Los Santos brought him in on a fielder's choice ground out.

The Cyclones' 1-0 advantage lasted until the bottom of the second. 1B Jacob Teter started the frame for Aberdeen with a long solo home run to right-center field. His second long ball of the campaign knotted the contest at one.

Neither starter received a decision on Friday. RHP Tyler Stuart continued to shine for Brooklyn, hurling six innings of one-run ball keeping his ERA at a Minor League-best 1.47. RHP Ryan Long punched out five and yielded one tally over five innings for the 'Birds.

Hammer (2-2) garnered his second win in relief for Aberdeen. RHP Michael Krauza (0-2) was charged with the final two runs in the ninth and was saddled with his second defeat.

Brooklyn looks to return to the win column on Saturday evening. RHP Blade Tidwell (1-0, 1.47) - the Mets' No. 7 prospect per Baseball America - is expected to take the hill for the Cyclones. The IronBirds are projected to give the ball to the reigning South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Month, RHP Alex Pham (3-2, 2.58). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Brooklyn Cyclones Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from June 17, 2023


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