Baby Bombers Drop Opener

Cyclones Take Game 1 with a 3-Run Homer in the Sixth

By: Robert Pimpsner

June 19, 2007 - It was a fun filled atmosphere at Keyspan Park for the first game of the 2007 regular season as the Staten Island Yankees took on the Brooklyn Cyclones.  Gabriel Medina was on the hill for the baby bombers and did a terrific job, pitching five shutout innings of two hit ball.

            The game started off well for the defending NY-Penn League champions as lead off man and designated hitter DJ Hollingsworth beat out a ground ball to second for the first hit of the 2007 season.  After a fly out to right by Luis Nunez, New York native Andres Perez drew a walk to put two men on base.  Both runners would advance on a passed ball, but the Yankees could not capitalize with two men in scoring position due to a strike out and a ground out to third.  That would be the story all night for the Yankees as they left ten men on base.

            Nick Chigges came in the sixth inning to relieve Medina.  After getting the first two batters he faced to ground out, Chigges allowed two singles and then a monster shot over the left field wall to give the Cyclones the lead.  The ‘Clones did not look back after that as their pitching held the Yankees in check only allowing one hit after the sixth.

            In the ninth inning, Justin Snyder led off for the SI Yankees and belted a fly ball to center field.  Snyder hustled on the base paths, legging out a triple to put one on with no outs.  A passed ball by the Cyclones catcher allowed Snyder to come in to score for the first Yankees run of 2007.

            Tonight the Cyclones and Yankees battle it out again, this time at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark.  Brooklyn native Dellin Betances will be on the hill for the bombers in front of a sold out crowd.