'Cats fall 2-1 to the Brooklyn Cyclones

BROOKLYN, NY - The ValleyCats (1-2) had plenty of opportunities at the plate on Sunday, but couldn't capitalize, falling to the Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park in a tight match-up by the final score of 2-1.

The two teams were scoreless into the 7th inning, when the 'Cats struck first. Catcher Chuckie Robinson, the Astros 21st round selection, picked up his first professional hit and RBI, driving in Carmen Benedetti to put the ValleyCats on top 1-0.

That ended up being the lone run of the ballgame for Tri-City. In the bottom half of the inning, three consecutive singles by Cyclones batters gave them a 2-1 advantage and a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Benedetti, the Astros 12th round pick, was the only 'Cat with a multi-hit game, going 3-for-4 on the evening. The first four batters in the Tri-City lineup were a combined 1-for-15. Ronnie Dawson, the Astros 2nd rounder from Ohio State, made his professional debut batting third as the designated hitter.

Tri-City Southpaw Austin Nicely started the ballgame for the 'Cats, and cruised through the first four innings only allowing one hit while walking one. Erasmo Pinales came on in relief of Nicely and worked a scoreless two innings before surrendering the two runs in the seventh.

In the top of the ninth the 'Cats had some opportunities to rally, however things didn't go quite their way.

Benedetti led off the inning with a base hit to left field, but was erased trying to advance to second base on a ball misplayed by left fielder Enmanuel Zabala.

The next batter, Alex DeGoti, reached base on an error by the Cyclones third baseman Jay Jabs, but was picked off trying to steal second base.

With two outs, Randy Cesar drew a walk to put the tying run on base yet again, but the 'Cats couldn't take advantage as Chuckie Robinson grounded out to end the ballgame.

The ValleyCats and Cyclones will meet again tomorrow night in Brooklyn, a game that will be televised live on SNY. LHP Brett Adcock, the Astros 4th round selection this year out of Michigan, will make his professional debut on the bump for the 'Cats. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.