BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Despite 5.0 shutout frames from RHP Emilio Obispo in just his third High-A start, the Cyclones were topped by the BlueClaws, 4-3, in 11 innings. Obispo surrendered just four hits and walked a pair, while striking out three.
Brooklyn’s defense proved to be costly, as three Brooklyn errors all committed to Jersey Shore runs late in the game. The ‘Clones also struggled to come through with the big hit, finishing just 2-for-15 with men in scoring position on the night. Jersey Shore snapped their seven-game skid with their victory.
Still, C Daiverson Gutierrez finished with a three-hit day with a pair of RBI, including a game-tying RBI double on the first pitch of the bottom of the 10th. Gutierrez’s three knocks ended an 0-for-24 skid for him at the plate.
The two squads traded zeroes throughout the first four innings, as both starting pitchers got off to tremendous starts. In the 5th, Gutierrez drove home the first run of the game - an RBI single to right field scoring DH Ronald Hernandez. That would be the only run surrendered by Jersey Shore’s RHP Cody Bowker, who logged 5.0 frames of one-run ball.
It took the BlueClaws until the 8th to pull even. With RHP Josh Blum on in relief, TJayy Walton reached on an infield single. He’d wind up all the way at 3rd after a passed ball and a balk, before scoring on an RBI single from C Kodey Shojinaga to tie the game.
Jersey Shore kept its foot on the gas pedal in the 9th. With men on 1st and 2nd with two outs, CF Griffin Burkholder reached on a fielding error by 1B Chase Meggers. The ball kicked to his right, and with 2B Eddinson Paulino backing up, the ‘Clones committed a second error on the play as Paulino’s throw was wide of first, enabling Jersey Shore to tie the game. Still, with two in scoring position, a lineout thwarted the threat with Brooklyn down by just one.
The ‘Clones pulled even in the 9th to force extras. With men on 2nd and 3rd and one down, LF Yonatan Henríquez launched a sac fly to center to tie the game. Still, with the winning run in scoring position, a fly out ended the inning, sending the game to extras.
Both teams scored just one run in the 10th. Jersey Shore did so immediately on an RBI single from RF Devin Saltiban to take a 3-2 lead, though Saltiban would try to catch the Brooklyn defense napping after the play and take 2nd on a live ball, but was promptly thrown out. No one else would reach.
In the home half, Gutierrez laced an RBI double down the left field line to tie the game. Still, the next three batters were retired as Gutierrez was stranded at 2nd.
In the 11th, Jersey Shore would load the bases with two outs. Burkholder grounded a ball to Houck at 3rd base, which he could not handle cleanly. Houck was given an error, while Burkholder logged an RBI fielder’s choice, putting the BlueClaws in front, 4-3.
Brooklyn could not scratch anything across in the home half of the 11th, despite having the tying and winning runs on base.
The Cyclones and BlueClaws continue their series on Thursday night at Maimonides Park. First pitch is slated for 6:40, with live coverage on SNY beginning at 6:30. RHP Joel Díaz (0-6, 7.22) is slated to take the ball for Brooklyn, against RHP Brandon Beckel (2-5, 4.53 ERA).