NYPL Hudson Valley Renegades

'Gades Douse Cyclones 3-1 for Playoff Berth

Published on August 30, 2012 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Hudson Valley Renegades News Release


BROOKLYN - The Hudson Valley Renegades used a late homer from shortstop Leonardo Reginatto to best the Brooklyn Cyclones 3-1 and clinch a postseason berth Thursday night in front of 7,488 fans at MCU Park. Hudson Valley (47-23) is heading to the New York-Penn League playoffs for the first time since 1999, when they won the league championship with a team featuring future MLB stars Josh Hamilton, Matt Diaz and Jorge Cantu. The win cut the magic number for the Renegades to two in the McNamara Division, and trimmed the Cyclones' (42-28) lead in the wild card race to just one game over Batavia.

Brooklyn opened the scoring in the bottom of the second against Renegades starter Eduar Quiñonez. Richie Rodriguez notched a one-out single, and moved to third when Maikis De La Cruz followed up with a single of his own. Brandon Nimmo hit a bouncer to second that the Renegades couldn't turn into a double play; De La Cruz was retired on a force out, but Rodriguez came home to score the first run of the game and give Brooklyn a 1-0 lead.

The Renegades answered against Cyclones ace Luis Mateo in the top of the fourth, after the righty had been perfect through the first three innings. Mateo hit center fielder Joey Rickard with a pitch to put the leadoff man aboard. Rickard advanced to second on a groundout by second baseman Tommy Coyle, and moved up to third when catcher Nelfi Zapata allowed a passed ball. Third baseman Richie Shaffer struck out, and first baseman Ryan Dunn walked to bring up designated hitter Justin O'Conner with two outs and runners on the corners. O'Conner pounded a single through the right side of the infield to plate Rickard and tie the game 1-1. It was the first run the Renegades had scored off Mateo in three starts.

Both teams squandered multiple opportunities between the fifth and eighth innings, with runners on base in every inning but no scoring. It was the top of the ninth when the Renegades finally took the lead. Dunn led off the inning with a single up the middle off reliever Paul Sewald (0-1). O'Conner struck out swinging to bring up Reginatto, who had already singled in the ballgame. Reginatto worked a 3-1 count and then lofted a fly ball deep to left, hooking it just inside the foul pole for a two-run homer. It was his first homer of 2012, and it gave the Renegades the 3-1 lead. Ryan Garton (4-0) allowed a one-out walk in the ninth, but struck out Dimas Ponce and got Phillip Evans to bounce out to Reginatto to end the game and begin the party for the Renegades.

Quiñonez pitched six sterling innings, allowing a run on five hits and three walks against three strikeouts. Jose Molina allowed two hits and one walk in 1.2 innings, whiffing one. Garton took the win, having entered with two outs in the eighth; he walked one and struck out one.

Mateo took a no-decision in a fantastic effort, allowing a run on four hits and a walk while striking out eight. Sewald earned the loss, allowing two runs on four hits and three strikeouts.

The Renegades head down to Aberdeen Friday to begin a three-game set against the IronBirds, with Hudson Valley righty Jesse Hahn getting the start against Aberdeen right-hander Brady Wager. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m., with Ben Gellman's pregame show beginning at 6:50 p.m. on 1450 and 1370 AM WKIP, as well as online at HVRenegades.com.

Great seats are still available for the playoffs at Dutchess Stadium. Call the ticket office 845-838-0094 for information, or go to www.hvrenegades.com to order yours now!

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New York-Penn League Stories from August 30, 2012


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