BROOKLYN, N.Y. - LF John Spikerman reached in all four of his plate appearances with a solo home run, two RBI, three runs scored, three steals and two walks, but the Cyclones let a four run lead evaporate as the Keys came from behind to top Brooklyn, 8-5. The visitors plated seven runs in the top of the 8th inning, capped by a go-ahead three-run home run from 1B Yasmil Bucce.
RHP Jose Chirinos was sharp in his final start of the year for Brooklyn. The Venezuela native tossed 4.2 innings of one-run ball, permitting just four hits, while walking only one and striking out seven. Still Brooklyn’s bullpen coughed up seven runs, all of which came in the decisive 8th inning.
The Cyclones got the scoring started in the 2nd. With two outs and the bases empty, Spikerman crushed his third High-A homer to give Brooklyn a 1-0 lead.
The Keys pulled even with a run in the 4th off of Chirinos. 2B Randal Diaz launched a solo shot to start the frame, the first of three times he reached on the night.
Still, Brooklyn showcased a strong response in the bottom of the 4th. With a man on 3rd and one out, Spikerman laced an RBI single to put the ‘Clones in front. Spikerman then stole 2nd and took 3rd on a balk, before scoring moments later on a perfect read on a wild pitch. However, Brooklyn left two men on and settled for just the two runs in the frame.
In the 6th, Brooklyn tacked on some insurance. With a runner on 2nd and two outs, C Alejandro Urías launched his first home run in affiliated ball. The long ball continues the hot start for the backstop, who is 5-for-11 to begin his pro ball career.
The Frederick bats erupted in the 8th. With RHP Hunter Hodges on for his second inning of relief work, Hodges hit a batter and walked one to put two on with one out. After a strikeout, Hodges departed with two outs. RHP Joe Scarborough came on and issued a wild pitch, enabling both runners to advance into scoring position.
CF Braylin Tavera smacked a two-run double to bring the Keys within two. After DH Ty Head singled, SS Jaiden Lo Re pulled the Keys even at 5-5 with a two-run double to center.
Still with two outs, Scarborough issued a walk before Bucce clobbered a three run shot to give the Keys an 8-5 lead which they would not relinquish.
Frederick tacked on another in the 9th on an RBI groundout from 3B Colin Yeaman, pushing the lead to 9-5.
The Cyclones and Keys return to action on Saturday night at 6:00. LHP Daviel Hurtado (5-3, 2.75 ERA) is slated to take the ball for Brooklyn against Frederick’s RHP Christian Rodriguez (2-2, 5.96 ERA)