Yankees win in extras on walk-off balk, 3-2

The second series between the Staten Island Yankees (14-10) and Brooklyn Cyclones (15-9) got off to a wild start as the Baby Bombers win in bizarre fashion, 3-2, as the Cyclones balked home the winning run while attempting to intentionally walk the bases loaded in the bottom of the tenth inning.

In the bottom of the first inning, Kyle Holder collected his first of two hits on the evening with a single to center field. Jhalan Jackson, who had a stellar night going 4-for-5, drove home the first run of the game with a single to third base, giving Staten Island a 1-0 lead.

Staten Island pitching held strong throughout the game, allowing only four hits in ten innings. Yankees starter Yoel Espinal tossed four scoreless innings, while Cody Hamlin and Michael Schaub (W, 1-0) combined four shutout innings.

Brooklyn plated its only runs in the contest in the sixth inning. Brooklyn's Brandon Brosher was hit by a pitch, directly followed by a David Thompson double to center. With two runners in scoring position, Jeff Diehl drew a walk. Designated hitter Zach Mathieu hit a tailor-made double play ball to first baseman Jake Hernandez, but Diehl broke up the play at second, causing a Holder throwing error, bringing home two runs to put the Cyclones on top, 2-1.

The Baby Bombers answered right back in the bottom half of the inning. Thairo Estrada singled, then scored on a Jackson double down the left field line that tied the game, 2-2.

With both teams failing to score again in regulation, the Cyclones gave the Yankees a dramatic bottom of the tenth inning. Kyle Holder laid down a drag bunt down the first base line for an infield single, then advanced to third on Jackson's fourth hit of the game. Brooklyn reliever Carlos Valdez (L, 1-1) tried to intentionally walk Staten Island's Jake Hernandez, but balked to bring home Estrada for the bizarre game-winning run.

The two teams go at it again Thursday night in Brooklyn before returning to Staten Island Friday night for #beatBKLYN Night. The first 2,500 fans in the ballpark will receive a free #beatBKLYN rally cap, courtesy of Rossi Paints.