Hudson Valley Renegades sweep Brooklyn Cyclones

The Game: The Hudson Valley Renegades swept the Brooklyn Cyclones with a 5-4 win on Thursday night at Dutchess Stadium. The Renegades scored first in the bottom of the first inning. Dustin Biell singled to center to get the inning started. Biell advanced to second on a wild pitch and then later stole third. Mark Thomas followed with an RBI single to score Biell and give the Renegades a 1-0 lead.

Brooklyn tied the game in the third inning on a solo home run by Scott Grimes. Then the Cyclones homered again in the fourth inning, this time it was Sam Honeck that hit a home run to right to take the lead 2-1.

The Renegades regained the lead in the seventh inning. Bennett Davis reached on error to lead off the inning. Elias Otero followed with an RBI triple to score Davis. Otero later scored on an RBI single by Chris Murrill to give the Renegades a 3-2 lead.

Brooklyn battled back to tie the game in the eighth. Matthew Gaski hit a lead off single and later stole second. John Servidio was hit by a pitch and then Ralph Henriquez singled to load the bases. Sam Honeck delivered a sac fly to score Gaski and tie the game.

The Cyclones regained the lead in the ninth inning. Nicholas Santomauro singled to left and then advanced to second on a sac bunt by Scott Grimes. Jordany Valdespin then tripled to right, scoring Santomauro and giving Brooklyn the lead 4-3

But the Renegades battled back to win the game in the bottom of the ninth. Chris Murrill singled and Dustin Biell drew a walk to put the tying and winning run on base for the Renegades. Mark Thomas drove home the tying run with an RBI single to center to score Murrill and tie the game. Eli Sonoqui then hit a sac fly to score the game winning run and give the Renegades the 5-4 win.

Kevin Chavez made the start, pitching 6 innings and allowing 2 runs on 2 hits with 3 strikeouts and 2 walks. Angel Chapa followed with 1 1/3 innings and allowed a run on 1 hit with 2 strikeouts. Doug Salinas picked up the win by pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing a run on 3 hits. Michael Powers was the losing pitcher for Brooklyn.

What Went Right: Mark Thomas; 2 for 3 with 2 RBI’s and drew 2 walks.

What Went Wrong: Stranding runners; 9 runners left on base.

A Look Ahead: The Renegades wrap up the 2009 season at home with a three game series against the Oneonta Tigers.