CYCLONES TAME TOROS
'Clones win 2 in a row for first time since April 8.

May 11, 2018 - Tied at 1 after 1, the Cyclones jumped to a 6-1 lead in the top of the 3d inning that was highlighted by a 2 run double from Joselito Paniagua and capped with a sacrifice fly from Roberto Ramos.  But the Toros would slowly climb back into the game as starting pitcher Dean Cosme struggled to keep runners off base. Cosme had runners on base every inning of the game and had at least 2 runners on in 4 of the 7 innings he pitched. Cosme completed the game but not before allowing another run to score that would have been the game tying run had it not been for Ed Hurta's RBI double in the top of the 7th to add an insurance run and make the score at the time 7-5.

Joselito Paniagua about to smack a 2 RBI double vs.Toros May 16, 2018

CAT KILLERS
Cosme allows 1 ER, K's 9 as offense explodes for 17 runs, drop Panthers 17-1

May 11, 2018 - It's been a tough and rough season for many of the Cyclones players especially for Dean Cosme as he's going to finish the season with his first losing season as a pitcher since the Fall 2015 season.  Being 0-3 going into last night's game, Cosme was looking for ray of hope to brighten up his season.  Luckily for him, this game came along. Cosme pitched his best game of the season, going 6 innings, allowing only 1 earned run, on 4 hits, 1 walk and 9 strikeouts earning himself his first won of the season. But that wasn't the whole story.

The offense, which has been Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde most of the season, exploded for 17 runs on 13 hits and 8 walks, getting 13 of those runs on the 2nd inning as they batted around 2 complete times.  All 9 batters had at least 1 hit, and 8 batters had at least 1 RBI and/or 1 run scored. Players of the Game were Andy Perez (3-5, 2 2B, 1 BB, 2 R, 4 RBI), Delvin Hudson (3-5, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 RBI) and newcomer Priamo Reyes (5-5, 1 2B, 4 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SB).

Priamo Reyes rips a double down the left field line vs. Panthers May 10, 2018

PICKED OFF!!!
Morua nabs 2 base runners in final inning to finish off Generals

April 30, 2018 - It should have been 4, but JR Morua and the Cyclones will settle for 2.  That's how many base runners JR picked off yesterday during the Cyclones come from behind 6-4 win over the Generals at Cougar Baseball Stadium. The first 2 that were not successful happened in the 2nd inning after JR allowed a 1 out single.  Although the stolen base was successful, JR had thrown to first base but the play was not made.  The 2nd one happened 1 batter later and again the play was not made.

But in the bottom of the seventh, protecting a 2 run lead, the pickoffs were executed. After allowing a leadoff HBP, JR promptly picked off the runner at first.  The next batter singled and reached once again where, once again, JR picked him off attempting to steal 2nd. JR struck out the next batter to seal the win for the Cyclones.

The Cyclones, for their part, showed why they can be dangerous. The lineup is filled with good hitters virtually top to bottom and are never out of it until the game is officially over.  In Sunday's win, the Cyclones jumped on the Generals starting pitcher and tagged him with 3 runs on 4 hits to start the game.  After changing pitchers in the 2nd innings, the Generals kept the Cyclones quiet for the rest of the game until the 7th inning. After chipping away at the lead, the Generals went up 4-3 in the 6th inning but in the 7th, the Cyclones struck for another 3 runs as the middle of the lineup reached base and the final 2 runs scored on a 2-RBI single from veteran 3rd baseman Mark McDowell to put the Cyclones ahead for good 6-4.

Priamo Reyes grounds into a fielder's choice but would come around to score vs. Generals April 29, 2018

Luis Garcia III ropes one of his 2 single on the day vs. Generals April 29, 2018

DEFENSE, WHERE ARE YOU?
Cosme struggles again as defense offers no relief

April 26, 2018 - The Cyclones have been the tale of two teams.  In their victories, they have averaged over 9 runs per game while allowing just over 3 runs.  Quite impressive.  However, in their losses, while averaging a strong 5 runs per game they have allowed an average of 9 runs per game to their opponents.  Not a good recipe for victory.  In men's league baseball, it's accepted that errors are going to happen frequently. The better teams are the ones that limit the damage.  The lesser teams are the ones that fall apart after an error happens.  In the case of the Cyclones, it's been a mixed bag.  I little bit of both limiting the damage and falling apart at the seams. 

Wednesday night, the latter reared its ugly head. After falling behind 4-0 early in the game, Mgr. Dean Cosme was able keep the Texas Thunder at bay while the offense attempted to scratch and crawl back into the game.  The Cyclones scored 2 runs after the Thunder changed their starting pitcher.  Bam! Right back in the game.  The excitement wouldn't last however.  The next half inning, after getting the first 2 outs of the inning and inducing what should have been an inning ending fly ball, the defense made an error and the rout was on.  When all was said and done, 8 runs crossed the plate and Cosme suffered a 12-4 loss to the Thunder. His 3rd loss of the season and the Cyclones their 4th.

The Spring Cyclones search for answers during this Spring 2018 Season

DRILLED!!!
Cyclones rally with 4 runs in bottom of 8th to Walk-Off Drillers 9-8

April 19, 2018 - The Spring Cyclones led 5-0 after 5 innings, 5-4 after 6 inning and then trailed 8-5 after 7-1/2 innings.  But on this night, the Cyclones were not to be denied.  The bottom of the 8th inning started with a lead off walk by Thomas Ramirez, but he was quickly erased by a fielder's choice being replaced on the base paths by John Richardson.  Next, Jorge Atencio stroked his 2nd single of the night to give the Cyclones 2 runners on base.  Next batter, newcomer Priamo Reyes, walked to load the bases for the other worldly Andy Perez, who began the season red hot and has not let off the gas pedal. Andy promptly smacked a game tying 3 run double over the left fielder's head giving him another 2 hits and 4 more RBI.  With Ed Hurta now up, the Drillers, already having given up an RBI double to Hurta in the 1st inning, were not going to take any chances with Ed and intentionally walked him. After inducing a flyout for the 2nd out of the inning, the Drillers were 1 out away from keeping the game tied.  Next up at the plate was Luis Garcia III.  Brought in as a free agent,  Luis has found a home in the Cyclones outfield and on this night would find his place in Cyclones lore as he roped a single deep into the left center field gap to drive in Andy from 2nd with the game winning run. After allowing 4 runs in the top of the 8th inning, the Cyclones answered back with 4 of their own to walk-off the Drillers 9-8.

After an embarrassing loss just 1 week ago, the Cyclones looked much better than their previous effort.  Even though this one had it's defensive challenges, overall the Cyclones pulled off the comeback and went home happy winners.

Ray Mariano holds the runner at first vs. Drillers April 18, 2018

Thomas Ramirez looks to get the runner at 2nd vs. Drillers April 18, 2018

NIGHT OF ERRORS

April 12, 2018 - For Andy Perez it was an unforgettable night.  Andy smacked a 3 run HR in bottom of the 3rd inning to keep his insane hot streak going.  He also relieved starting pitcher Dean Cosme, who was felled by the lack of defense on the Cyclones part.

But the big story of the night was the forgettable performances of practically everyone else on defense.  It was probably one of the worst nights in terms of defense that the Cyclones have played in their 9 year history.  Yes, the game was played at Schwartz Park.  But the other team shared the same field.  Yes, the Cyclones were missing some regulars, but it's next man up and the next man is just as capable as the other one.  It wasn't a full moon, but it should have been.  At least then the wolves would have been howling at the moon instead of the pathetic display of baseball offered by the Cyclones.  Oddly enough the Cyclones came close to winning the game as they battled back from a 9-2 deficit to make it 9-5 on Andy's 3 run HR.  Then in the 4th, they added another 2 runs to get within 2 of tying the game.  But the Diablos would score twice in the top of the 5th inning to extend their lead back to 4 runs.  The Cyclones tried to answer back immediately in the bottom of the 5th as they worked the bases loaded with no outs but failed the score any runs and even though they scored 2 more in the bottom of the last inning, it was too little too late and the book was closed for an 11-9 loss.

Joselito Paniagua prepares for the pitch vs. Diablos April 11, 2018

HUDSON SHINES
Infielder Drives In 4 In Cyclones Rout of Astros 11-2

April 9, 2018 - After a sluggish start to the season, the Spring Cyclones are finally getting into the swing of things.  One of those players getting his swing back is Delvin Hudson.  Yesterday afternoon, Hudson went 3-5 with a double and a HR, drove in 4 and scored twice. It appears as though Hudson's finally shaken off the cobwebs from a long offseason. 

As for the rest of the team, it was a complete effort as each regular reached base at least once while 6 players had at least 1 RBI, and 7 players got at least 1 hit and scored at least once.  On the defensive side of the ball, the pitching was outstanding yesterday allowing only 2 runs, 1 earned on 4 hits while striking out 13 Astros.

Delvin Hudson follows through on swing vs. Astros April 8, 2018

Jorge Atencio slides safely into 3rd vs. Astros April 8, 2018

Morua Slices Thru Marauders, Cyclones Win 8-1

March 26, 2018 - Making his 2nd start of the young season, JR Morua made sure he wasn't going to walk away empty handed this time. Putting up a 6 inning, 9 strikeout performance, JR keep the Marauders at bay only allowing 1 unearned run to score as JR bobbed and weaved his way out of trouble while finishing his performance with a strong inning striking out the side to finish his afternoon.  Andy Perez finished off the game with a scoreless 7th inning.

Speaking of Andy Perez, he continued his hot streak with another 2 hits and scoring another run.  His 2 hits were part of a 6 run 4th inning that saw Delvin Hudson and Joselito Paniagua both get 2 RBI hits, of which Joselito's was a triple.

JR Morua looks in for the pitch vs. Generals March 18, 2018
 

Oilers Can Cyclones

Andy Perez has been on of the few bright spots on the Cyclones so far this season March 20, 2018

Mar 21, 2018 -  If Opening Day didn't go as planned, neither did game #2 for the Cyclones. With an anemic offense and a questionable defense, the Cyclones are off to a bad start this Spring 2018 season.  Mgr Dean Cosme took the hill this game and uncharacteristically began the game with a walk ("Oh those base on balls"). He promptly loaded the bases without allowing the ball to leave the infield (infield hit and an error) before giving up a 3 run double that really should have been a triple but the Oilers batter pulled a hamstring rounding 2nd base.  And just like that, it was 3-0 and 1 out.

Things didn't get better in the 3rd inning when Cosme gave up 5 runs.  After giving up back to back hits, one of the infield variety, luck disappeared for Cosme as a fielder's choice loaded the bases and then consecutive walks allowed 2 runners to score. An error and 2 groundouts later and the score is now 8-0.

The following innings began promisingly enough for the Cyclones as Andy Perez (pictured above) led off the inning with a towering HR to deep left-center field followed by a single by Gabe Medina.  After that, the Oilers settled in again and retired the side without allowing another run.  It would stay 8-1 until the top of the 7th inning when the Cyclones began their customary late inning comeback, Once again, Andy Perez led off with a single followed by Gabe and a deep shot to left that appeared at first to have HR distance but fell in front of the fence for a deep single. After a few more hits, an error and a wild pitch, the game came to a close with the Cyclones only scoring 3 runs in the inning for a final of 8-4

OPENING DAY DUD!

Mar 18, 2018 -  Opening Day for the Spring Cyclones didn't go as planned.  The plan was as follows: Pitching dominates, hitting batters other pitching and go home with a win...Well, it doesn't always happen that way and today, it didn't happen as planned.  JR Morua started on the bump for the Cyclones today and pitched well enough to win but had 2 unlucky innings.  In the 3rd inning, JR loaded the bases on a couple of singles and a walk, and looked to escape the inning when a grounder was hit to 2nd but the subsequent throw to first was in the dirt and Dean Cosme playing first base couldn't handle the throw allowing 2 runs to score as the ball went into the dugout.

In the 5th inning, JR allowed the first 3 batters to reach base and in turn all 3 runners scored with the 3rd runner scoring on a deep sacrifice fly hauled down by Ed Hurta, who made an incredible reaching grab to haul in the fly ball and get an out.  That was all the scoring the Generals needed.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Cyclones had early opportunities but failed to capitalize when they had the chance. The Cyclones finally broke through in the 5th inning as newcomer Priamo Reyes drew a walk and inexplicably, the Generals pitcher attempted to "pick" off the runner rounding the base on a walk.  Seeing the ball thrown away, Reyes was able to make it all the way to 3rd.  Priamo scored on an infield single by another newcomer Luis Garcia III. After reaching on a fielder's choice, John Richardson scored from 1st on a RBI triple by Jorge Atencio.

In the 6th inning, Ed Hurta, smacked a lead off triple to deep left center field to cap a 3-3 day.  Hurta scored on an RBI groundout by Gabe Medina.  In the same inning, Andy Perez would also get his 3rd hit of the day but was left stranded on 1st.

Spring Cyclones Spring Season Begins March 18th

Mar 8, 2017 -  MLB Spring Training is in full swing, the weather in Houston has begun to warm up, the sky is shining and all that means that it must be time for the Houston Hardball League Spring 2018 Season. The Spring Cyclones once again will compete in the 30+ Division of the HHL  This season's division will consist of 10 teams all of which seem to have vastly improved over the off season and will more than likely be one of the most competitive seasons so far for the Cyclones and the league.

The season kicks off March 18 for the Cyclones as they take on the Generals with which they have a long storied history with dating back to when both teams played in the North Houston Wood Bat League in he early 2010's. Both teams have been perennial playoff teams with the Generals winning their Championship being the most recent to with their respective championships, which the Generals won the Fall 2016. The Cyclones last championship came 6 years ago at the conclusion of the Spring 2012 Season. Who will come out on top this season is yet to be determined, but if history is any indicator, both the Generals and the Cyclones will be in the thick of things.