WAPPINGERS FALLS (Wednesday, July 19): The Hudson Valley Renegades couldn't earn a share of first place Wednesday night, falling 7-3 to the visiting Brooklyn Cyclones at Dutchess Stadium.

The Renegades (17-13) were within one run heading to the top of the ninth, but allowed three runs in that frame to expand the Cyclones' (19-11) lead and put the game out of reach. The loss dropped Hudson Valley two games back of Brooklyn in the McNamara Division of the New York-Penn League.

The Cyclones opened the scoring with the first batter of the game. Leadoff hitter Jeff Reynolds took a 2-1 fastball from Renegades starter Matt Spann (1-3) and deposited it over the left-field fence for a solo homer, the first Reynolds had hit in the professional ranks. The round-tripper made it 1-0 Cyclones in the early going.

Brooklyn extended their lead in the top of the fourth. With two outs, Dimas Ponce dropped a single into shallow left field, bringing up Eudy Piña. The Brooklyn right fielder lashed his own homer to left field, stretching the lead to 3-0 Brooklyn.

The Renegades struck back in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, second baseman Tommy Coyle ripped a fastball from Brooklyn starter Rainy Lara (4-1) over the right field fence for a solo blast. The homer cut the Brooklyn lead to 3-1.

The Cyclones took back that run in the top of the fifth. With one out, Phillip Evans drew a walk, and designated hitter Kevin Plawecki lined a double to left to score Evans and run the lead up to 4-1 in favor of the Cyclones.

The Renegades plated more runs in the fifth and sixth innings, drawing closer. Catcher Michael Williams and third baseman Leonardo Reginatto socked back-to-back doubles in the fifth, scoring a run and cutting the lead to two. Then, in the sixth, designated hitter Justin O'Conner lined a single to right field. A passed ball moved him to second base, and Coyle singled him home, cutting the score to 4-3.

Brooklyn put the game out of reach in the top of the ninth. With two outs, Piña blooped a single to right field. Reynolds drew a walk to put runners on first and second for Brandon Nimmo. The Cyclones center fielder lined a double to left that scored both runners. Renegades shortstop Ryan Dunn tried to double Nimmo off second base, but his throw sailed over the head of right fielder Charles Epperson, and the error allowed Nimmo to come around and score, achieving the final 7-3 lead.

Spann took the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out one across four innings of work. Brandon Henderson gave up a run on a hit and a walk in three innings, striking out three. Dylan Floro gave up three runs (two earned) on a walk and three hits over two innings, striking out three batters.

Lara earned the victory with five strong innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits; he struck out seven. David Wynn tossed three scoreless frames, giving up just one hit and fanning one. Tyler Vanderheiden tossed a scoreless ninth to end the ballgame.

The Renegades return to action Thursday against the Aberdeen IronBirds, with lefty Sean Bierman on the hill for Hudson Valley against righty David Richardson for Aberdeen. It's German Night at the Dutch, presented by Spaten Beer! Game-time is at 7:05 p.m., with Ben Gellman's pregame show beginning at 6:50 p.m. on 1450 and 1370 WKIP, as well as online at HVRenegades.com.