Photo Credit: Mark Carosiello

BlueClaws ninth inning rally falls short in loss to Cyclones

The Jersey Shore BlueClaws lose another tough game against Brooklyn Cyclones last night 6-4 as they tried to come back in the ninth inning but fall short. This team continues to struggle with runners in scoring position wasting great opportunities to score. The BlueClaws were wearing the yellow jerseys today trying to change things up.

Brooklyn Cyclones had fans in attendance as well balancing the stadium. It was the hottest day during the game with most of the people standing underneath the concourse.

The pitching was good for the BlueClaws until the fourth inning where starter Dominic Pipkin gave up 4 runs but none of them earned. He pitched 3.2 innings and allowed three hits, four runs (zero earned), three walks and three strikeouts in the loss. Carlos A Francisco was first out of the bullpen, pitching 0.1 innings and allowing one walk.

Taylor Lehman pitched 1.0 innings and allowed only one hit. Brett Schulze, who they just added to the roster went one inning allowing three hits and two run. Albertus Barber went 1 2/3 innings and only allowed one walk and one strikeout. Jonathan Hughes closed the game with a perfect 1.1 innings and a strikeout. Here are the final totals for the pitching, 9.0 innings, seven hits, six runs (two earned), five walks and six strikeouts. They still need to do a better job of cutting down the walks, make better pitchers and have a game plan prepared.

The Jersey Shore BlueClaws offense scored four runs today, continuing to struggle putting more up in big situations. Ethan Wilson had two hits and two RBIs, while Uziel Viloria had one RBI. The other run was scored in a different situation. The BlueClaws made a late comeback in the ninth, but eventually fell short by two runs losing 6-4.

Right now, this offense is not balanced having limited opportunities to score. The BlueClaws have been trying to find different ways to score runs by stealing bases and playing small ball but are still not getting the big hit when needed. Also, this offense had opportunities with forcing walks, some hit by pitches but did not work.

At 31-58 the Jersey Shore BlueClaws has to stay positive, try to finish the season strong, continue to keep the fans engaged and making sure these players don't get injured. The defense is playing much better as of late with the unbelievable catch from Jared Carr and other great plays in recent games. Some of these players will take time to develop as the BlueClaws are a young team still trying to grow and looking to see who will get called up soon.

Before the game today, Jersey Sporting News interviewed Jersey Shore BlueClaws Center Fielder Carr after he made that amazing diving catch on Friday, which made it to number one on SportsCenter Top 10 plays. Jersey Sporting News asked him about the play, being on SportsCenter, who reached out to him, how he gets ready to make those type of catches, what he is working on and advice to the younger baseball players. Carr is a great player, all about the team, a fantastic personality and an awesome story.

The Jersey Shore BlueClaws will have a much-needed day off tomorrow and attempt to regroup for their next series.