Cyclones Clip Emperors, 2-1, For 1,000th Win In Franchise History

• BOX SCORE

ROME, Ga. (May 11, 2024) — RHP Douglas Orellana punched out a season-high 10 batters over four innings, while DH Wilfredo Lara provided a go-ahead knock in the seventh, as the Brooklyn Cyclones picked up their 1,000^th victory in a 2-1 triumph over the Rome Emperors on Saturday afternoon at AdventHealth Stadium.

With the contest even at one after six, Brooklyn (18-14) took advantage of Rome’s (16-14) miscue in the seventh.

LF Nick Morabito started the inning with a walk but remained static at first base following a fly out to left and a pop-up to short. The inning appeared to end when 1B William Lugo struck out, but the ball squirted away from the catcher. The 23-year-old would reach on the dropped third strike wild pitch, to keep the inning going.

Lara delivered two pitches later, smacking a line drive into right-center field for a knock. Morabito hustled in to score from second to provide the Cyclones a 2-1 advantage.

Rome put the tying and go-ahead runs about in the seventh and eighth but could not even the score against RHP Josh Hejka.

In the ninth, RHP Joshua Cornielly worked a perfect frame to secure his team-high-tying fourth save of the year and Brooklyn’s 2-1 victory.

The Cyclones took an early lead in the first inning after Morabito walked, stole second, and scored on an infield single by Lugo.

Rome managed to draw even in the bottom of the sixth. A walk to DH E.J. Exposito and a single by LF Ethan Workinger proceeded a double steal to put the tying and go-ahead runs at second and third. RF Stephen Paolini tied it at one two batters later on a double over the left fielder’s head.

Orellana took a no-decision despite his stellar start on Saturday. The 22-year-old registered 10 of his 12 outs via strikeouts and seven straight outs through whiffs from the first inning into the third.

Also taking a no-decision was RHP Jhancarlos Lara who walked four and plunked two batters yet permitted only one run in 3.2 innings for the Emperors.

RHP Jake Stevenson (1-0) earned his first victory as a Cyclone and a member of the New York Mets organization, pitching a scoreless inning of relief.

RHP Landon Harper (2-1) provided 4.1 innings of strong relief for Rome but was saddled with his first after yielding the go-ahead tally in the seventh.

The Cyclones will try and secure their third-straight series victory in the finale on Sunday. LHP Felipe De La Cruz (1-3, 2.36 ERA) is scheduled to make his second start of the week for Brooklyn. Rome is scheduled to counter with the Atlanta Braves’ No. 16 prospect per Baseball America, RHP Lucas Braun (1-1, 7.15 ERA). The first pitch is slated for 1 p.m.