|
Lutz, Cyclones Start Season On Right Foot |
|
|
|
|
Written by Linda Berardelli
|
|
Thursday, 19 June 2008 |
 Opening days are always exciting, but the ultimate opening day experience in Brooklyn is the Ferry Series.
The Cyclones took on their rivals the Staten Island Yankees and earned their first win, beating the Baby Bombers 3-1 to the delight of the thousands of Brooklyn fans in attendance.
The starting pitcher of the 2008 season was Pedro Martinez. No, not that Pedro Martinez -- Pedro P. Martinez, a 22-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. To further confuse things, his uniform number is, you guessed it, 45. Martinez started the game out a little rocky by walking the first two batters, but finished the inning strong with two strikeouts and a ground out to shortstop. Martinez left the game in the fifth inning recording 4.1 innings pitched; giving up one unearned run and 4 hits. He walked three batters and also struck out three.
“Martinez is a ground ball pitcher,” manager Edgar Alfonzo said in a pre-game interview. “He has a good fastball and a very good sinker and good control.”
Reliever Jimmy Johnson, a 28th pick from Biola University, got the first win of the season. He pitched one inning where he gave up one hit while walking one and striking out two. Yury Santana, a converted infielder from the Cyclones' 2005 season, got the save thanks to a hitless ninth,striking out two batters.
The pitchers weren’t the only shining stars in this home opener, as the ‘Clones offense did their part as well. Doubles were a dime a dozen thanks to returnees Brandon Kawal (1-for-3 with a double), and Zach Lutz (1-for-3 with an RBI double). While the returnees pulled their weight, rookie John Servidio (1-for-3 with a double) had a fine debut in pro baseball. Cesar Cordido, another 2007 alum, went 2-for-3 while newbie Kirk Nieuwenhuis (pronounced "new-wen-hise")went 1-for-4 with two runs scored. First round pick Reese Havens was not in the starting lineup due to arm discomfort. "Fonzie" decided to err on the side of caution and sit him for the week, fearing any injury.
***
 Speaking of opening day injuries. Zach Lutz is no stranger to such misfortune, as he was taken out of the 2007 home opener with an injured foot that ended up being a season-ending break. Lutz returned late in spring training only getting about two weeks of practice before joining the Brooklyn squad. A season-ending injury like the third baseman’s on opening day may make a regular player’s first day back a little scary, but not for Lutz.
“I’m pumped,” Lutz exclaimed. “I’ve been waiting all year for this and I’m more than ready to go.”
Lutz and the Cyclones were obviously ready to go in the second game of the 2008 Ferry Series. Brooklyn entered Staten Island and emerged victorious as they took the second game of the three game home-and-home-and-home series with a 9-4 score.
Shortstop and former NYPL All-Star Matt Bouchard returned to the Cyclones, presumably to help out the team while Havens' arm heals. The team put up 10 hits while the Yankees were held to seven. Tim Stronach, another 2007 alum, started the game, and pitched five innings giving up four hits, one unearned run and four hits, while walking one and striking out four.
The offense collectively did a good job. Lutz and designated hitter Eric Campbell went 2-for-3 and 2-for-4 respectfully, with Lutz smashing two doubles and driving in two runs and Campbell driving in one run. Nieuwenhuis had another multi-hit game while 2007 backup catcher Jefferies Tatford went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
Right handed reliever Montero Cruz got the save, pitching two innings, giving up one hit and one unearned run while walking two batters and striking out one.
***
The Cyclones take on their rivals in the last game of the series in Brooklyn at 7p.m. Mike Schmidt will be on hand signing autographs before the game for the first 2,000 fans who have the promotional baseball cards. Front gate replicas will also be given out to the first 2,500 fans. The defending McNamara Division champs will then be on the road this weekend taking on the Aberdeen Ironbirds.
|
