'Clones Clip 'Gades in Series Opener, 7-4

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WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (July 18, 2023) — 1B Mateo Gil and LF Rhylan Thomas each powered two-run home runs in the top of the second, as the Brooklyn Cyclones used the four-run frame to usurp the Hudson Valley Renegades, 7-4, on Tuesday night from Heritage Financial Park.

Down by a run entering the second thanks to a CF Spencer Jones home run, Brooklyn (14-5, 42-42) answered with a pair of long balls.

With one on and one out in the frame, Gil whacked a two-run shot beyond the fence in left-center field. The 22-year-old’s eighth blast of the campaign put the Cyclones in front, 2-1.

Something about Mateo Gil against Hudson Valley... 🔥

Make that his third long ball in eight games against the Renegades 👀 It's also the @nationalgridus Safe at Home Run of the Game.#AmazinStartsHere #LGM pic.twitter.com/gFf4CDV2nK

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) July 18, 2023

Two batters later, following a walk to SS César Berbesi, Thomas powered another two-run homer down the right-field line. The former USC Trojans’ first long ball as a Cyclone — and second of the season — put Brooklyn in charge by three, 4-1.

Rhylan Thomas ate his Wheaties this morning 💪

It's our second home run of the inning, as we lead Hudson Valley, 4-1, in the 3rd.#AmazinStartsHere #LGM pic.twitter.com/bT2sQOz7s8

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) July 18, 2023

In the fourth, the ‘Clones continued to create separation. Gil started the frame with a double down the line in left and quickly scampered in on a two-bagger to right-center off the bat of Berbesi.

Following a line out to right, Berbesi broke to steal third with CF Alex Ramírez at the plate. The throw down by the catcher sailed into left field, allowing Berbesi to get up and score without a play, expanding Brooklyn’s lead to five, 6-1.

After Ramírez reached on catcher’s interference, C Kevin Parada smashed an extra-base knock into the left-center field alleyway. The 20-year-old shuffled all the way around from first to score, as Parada cruised into second with a double, giving the Cyclones a 7-1 edge.

Kevin Parada caps a three run 4th inning with a @TDBank_US double! ⚾️

It's the 2022 Mets first-rounder's 35th RBI of the season.#AmazinStartsHere #LGM pic.twitter.com/rzLtqiO2lq

— Brooklyn Cyclones (@BKCyclones) July 19, 2023

Hudson Valley (9-10, 48-37) had an answer in the bottom of the inning. SS Alexander Vargas tripled with one out and promptly crossed home on a looping single to right by 1B Spencer Henson.

RF Grant Richardson followed by powering a liner that split the outfielders in right-center field. Henson raced around to score, but the throw to third to try and nab the former Indiana Hoosier bounced into Brooklyn’s third-base dugout. Richardson dusted himself off and scored — on a triple and throwing error – to pull the Renegades within three, 7-4.

That was as close as Hudson Valley would get the rest of the night. RHP Cameron Foster (4-4) retired the final 11 batters he faced from that point forward, tossing a career-high seven innings. The 24-year-old struck out seven en route to his fourth victory.

LHP Eli Ankeney punched out three in a scoreless eighth, while RHP Paul Gervase retired the side in order in the ninth to collect his fourth save.

After tossing seven hitless innings in his last start against Brooklyn on June 20, RHP Tyrone Yulie (4-6) was unable to find similar success on Tuesday night. The right-hander was charged with seven runs (six earned) over five innings, suffering his sixth defeat.

The Cyclones will go for their 10^th win in 12 games in a matinee on Wednesday afternoon. RHP Robert Colina (2-2, 3.58 ERA) is expected to make his second start of the season for Brooklyn. RHP Brendan Beck (0-0, 0.00 ERA) — the Yankees’ No. 23 prospect per MLB Pipeline — anticipates taking the hill for Hudson Valley. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:05 a.m.