McLean Homers But Cyclones Fall 7-1 on Friday Night

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - DH Nolan McLean, the first two-way player in Cyclones franchise history, clobbered his first home run of the 2024 campaign, but that was about the only offense the Brooklyn Cyclones could muster in a 7-1 loss to the Asheville Tourists at Maimonides Park. The loss drops Brooklyn’s skid to two games. RHP Edinson Batista kept the ‘Clones bats at bay night, tossing five shutout innings with just two hits allowed en route to earning the win for Asheville.

McLean was not the only Cyclone to piece together a strong performance on Friday night. In need of serious length with Saturday’s doubleheader and RHP Noah Hall’s early departure, RHP Douglas Orellana was stellar in relief. Orellana hurled four hitless innings, while striking out six Asheville batters.

The Tourists entered the day with the highest scoring offense in the South Atlantic League - with 36 runs checking it at nine more than anyone else in the SAL prior to Friday’s games. It did not take Asheville very long to add to their total. After Hall struck out the first two batters of the game, the Tourists notched a single followed by consecutive walks to load the bases, SS Ryan Johnson clobbered a grand slam to put Asheville in front. Hall would go on to surrender two more hits, prompting his early departure.

RHP Jeffrey Colon took Hall’s place, and allowed a two run double to begin his evening, courtesy of 2B Jeron Williams. That extra-base knock pushed the Asheville lead to 6-0.

The Tourists proceeded to add another in the third. With two out and one on, CF Tyler Whitaker laced a double to deep right field to give Asheville more breathing room.

The ‘Clones bats did not answer until the 7th, when McLean crushed a ball over the left field fence to spoil the shutout bid. The four-bagger marks McLean’s second career long ball, and first base hit of 2024. Brooklyn did not scratch across anything over the final two frames.

The loss marks the fourth time this season Brooklyn has been held to two runs or fewer.

Brooklyn and Asheville resume action Saturday afternoon from Maimonides Park. The Mets and Astros affiliates will play a doubleheader as a result of Thursday’s postponement. First pitch of the first game is slated for 1:00 p.m. from Coney Island.