Tri-City ValleyCats Drop Series Finale Against Cyclones

TROY — It was a very strange series to say the least.

One night after setting the franchise record scoring 18 runs, the Tri-City ValleyCats would get to witness another offensive showcase. For the other team, that is.

The visiting Brooklyn Cyclones posted 14 runs on 17 hits. Making it a very unpleasant showing in front of the large crowd on “Uncle Sam bobble head night.”

Brooklyn pounced on ValleyCats starter Austin Nicely very quickly. After posting 4 runs through 2 innings, Nicely went out to try and make up for his slow start in the 3rd. It didn’t get any better, as he allowed a 2-run homer to the Cyclones’ Peter Alonzo.

A few more extra base hits later, and it was an 11-2 lead for the Cyclones after just 3 innings. Nicely went 2+ innings pitched giving up 7 hits and 7 runs. He takes the loss and drops to 5-2 on the season.

Despite the misleading score, the bats weren’t quiet for Tri-City. They collected 12 hits themselves, but in the end they were only able to plate 3 the entire game.

Spencer Johnson was responsible for 2 of those 3, hitting his 5th homer of the season back in the 2nd inning. But of course, it wasn’t nearly enough as the ‘Cats would fall by a final score of 11-3.

Some good news for a few ValleyCats today came with the announcement of the 2016 New York-Penn League All-Star team. Five ValleyCats were selected, and three will play.

“I’m excited to go and get to play with some of these knuckleheads” said Taylor Jones jokingly after the game.

Arguably the biggest series of the season begins tomorrow night in Lowell for the ValleyCats as they will look to gain ground on the division leading Spinners. And after 50 games, it’s safe to say that it’s crunch time for the ‘Cats.