CYCLONES WIN IT ALL!!!
Cyclones top Thunder to win HHL 30+ Championship.

Standing (L-R): Jusef Frias, Pete Ulloa, Ray Mariano, Oswar Monsalve, Juan Cantu, Choice Johnson, Dean Cosme
Kneeling (L-R): Pete Rivera, Andrew Picos, Priamo Reyes, Pete Murillo, Delvin Hudson, Luis Garcia

July 26, 2019 - For 7 innings it was a tightly contested battle.  With no score after 2, the Cyclones pushed across a run with 2 outs in the 3rd on an RBI double by Juan Cantu with 2 outs to plate the game's first run.  The score would stand for 2 more innings until Cyclones starting pitcher Jusef Frias, the league's best pitcher, walked the leadoff batter Jimmy Rivera.  Rivera would eventually score on a 3 error stolen base, tying the game at 1.

A 1-1 game through 6, the Thunder would strike again in the 7th inning when Jimmy Rivera struck again.  This time lining a 2 out double off the fence in right field and scoring on a single to the next batter.  But that was all the Frias would allow as he was his typical dominant self, striking out 15 while only allowing 4 hits, walking 1 and hitting 2 batters in the complete game victory. 

With the score tied 2-2, the Cyclones knew their best chance to win the game would come in the 8th inning, as the heart of the order was coming to bat.  Juan Cantu led off the inning with a single and would eventually score the go ahead run when Jusef was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.  After 1 out, Pete Murillo, a former Thunder player, singled to get 2 men on with only 1 out.  Oswar Monslave walked to load the bases after an incredible at bat that saw him foul off 6 consecutive pitches and earn a walk after being down 0-2 in the count.

Next batter, Jusef Frias would earn an RBI on the aforementioned HBP, to put the Cyclones up 3-2.  It would be all they need, but not all they would get.  After Rivera struck out the next batter to get the 2nd out of the inning, Luis Garcia III, who tied the game an inning earlier, dropped a single over the infield to plate 2 more runs and open the game to 5-2. But the Cyclones were not done yet. Next batter, Andrew Picos got hit by a pitch to get on base and reload the bases for Priamo Reyes, who has been as clutch as they come this season. And clutch he was as he smacked a 2 out, 2 run single to make the score 7-2 where it would stay.

Jusef Frias completed the game in the 9th to give the Cyclones their 3rd overall Championship and first in the HHL 30+ Division. Congratulations to Ray Mariano and Delvin Hudson, who are the longest tenured Cyclones, have begun with the Cyclones in the Spring 2017 season.  Congratulations to Luis Garcia III and Priamo Reyes, who both joined the Cyclones in the Spring 2018 season. Congratulations to Hector Espinoza and Andrew Picos, who both joined this year after having gone through the HHL draft. Congratulations to Pete Ulloa, who joined the team at the recommendation of his long time friend and teammate, Ray Mariano.  Congratulations to Pete Murillo and Choice Johnson who came to the Cyclones after having won the Fall 2018 Championship with the Texas Thunder just months earlier.  Congratulations to Pete Rivera, Jr., Jusef Frias, Juan Cantu and Oswar Monsalve who all joined the Cyclones on Pete Rivera's recommendation. And last but not least, congratulations to Mgr. Dean Cosme who put this all together and made it all work.  Congratulations Cyclones, you are the Houston Hardball League 30+ Division Spring 2019 Champions!

3 WINS DOWN, 1 TO GO
Cyclones cruise past Marauders 10-0 to make it to the HHL 30+ Championship.

Top: Oswar Monsalve sets the target during playoff game vs Marauders June 20, 2019
Bottom: Hector Espinoza strokes an RBI single during playoff game vs Marauders June 20, 2019

June 21, 2019 - The Spring Cyclones continued their quest for the title last night and the Marauders were the latest team to stand in their way.  After a tense and brawl filled previous game, the Cyclones welcomed the relaxed loose atmosphere of playing a team that in many ways is or maybe was like them.  The Marauders and the Cyclones have met 15 times over the course of 9 seasons, including a split series this season, and the Cyclones lead the all-time series 9-6.  But this was the first time they've met during the playoffs.  This game would determine the right to go to the Championship.

Jusef Frias once again started on the mound for the Cyclones.  Jusef was once again his dominant self, showing why he was the best pitcher in the league this season, going all 9 innings while allowing 0 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 15.

Big games from several players including Delvin Hudson and Priamo Reyes helped set the table for a big win by the Cyclones.  Delvin went 3-4, with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.  Priamo went 2-3, smacking 2 doubles and scoring twice.  The big blows coming in the 3rd inning as the Cyclones scored 5 runs started by Priamo's lead off double and RBI singles by Hector Espinoza, Pete Murillo and Luis Garcia III. When all was said and done, the Cyclones had a 10-0 victory and a spot in the HHL 30+ Championship.  3 wins down, 1 win to go!

2 DOWN, 2 TO GO
Brawl marred game goes the way of the Cyclones as they take down the Thunder 5-4

Pete Murillo swings during playoff game vs Texas Thunder June 13, 2019

June 14, 2019 - The third time is a charm.  The Texas Thunder defeated the Cyclones on their Opening Day game.  Their second match up of the season ended in a 3-3 tie.  But the one that mattered the most went to the Cyclones as they held off the Thunder 5-4 Thursday night to send them into the loser's bracket and move on to the semi-final round of the winner's bracket. 

As complete a team effort as can be, the Cyclones had 5 different players score their runs over 4 different innings.  Even starting pitcher Jusef Frias got into the hitting act as he blooped a single to right to drive in the 5th and decisive run of the game.  But the player of the game was Pedro Rivera, Jr, who went 3-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. 

Another event happened during the game that was a little less fortunate for a few reasons.  In the bottom of the 3rd inning, with the Cyclones leading 2-0 and looking for more, Cyclones starting shortstop CJ Johnson, stole 2nd base but attempted to go to 3rd base when the ball got away from the 2nd baseman and trickled into short left field.  Quickly recovering, the Thunder shortstop made an accurate throw to third to get CJ as he slid hard into the Thunder third baseman.  As CJ began to walk away however, that where things got a little out of hand.  Thunder manager Carlos Ramon, left the confines of the dugout to taunt CJ and was quickly greeted with a fist to the face.  Benches emptied and order took some time to be restored as both Carlos and CJ were ejected from the game.  From there, the Cyclones took command of the game and downed the Thunder 5-4.

1 DOWN, 3 TO GO
Picos, Cantu set pace for Cyclones as they take Playoff Game #1 5-3 over the Diablos

Andrew Picos delivers the pitch vs Diablos June 11, 2019

June 12, 2019 - It's cliché to say "you play as a team, you win as a team."  There are other variations of that phrase but this one is the Cyclones mantra this season.  For the good of the team.  Team first.  There is no "I" in team.  Pick whichever one you want but this Cyclones team has played like a team all season. Tuesday night was no different.  4 different players scored the 5 runs, and 3 different pitchers kept the Diablos at bay as the Cyclones took the first playoff game 5-3 over the Diablos.  It was there 3rd win over the Diablos this season.

Started by Andrew Picos, Andrew pitched a solid 4 innings, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits, walking 2 while striking out 3.  Picos was relieved by Oswar Monsalve, who is  the Cyclones regular catcher, but the plan was to use Oswar as bridge to Jusef Frias, the Cyclones star pitcher who was saving bullets for the Cyclones 2nd playoff game.  Oswar struck out 3 in his 1 inning of work, but also allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits and 1 HBP.

But with the game getting too close for comfort, the Cyclones turned to Jusef to shut the game down.  And although he did ot allow a run, it got a little tense in the final innings as the bases were loaded with the tying and go-ahead runs on base.  But a flyh ball to centerfield ended the game and secured the victory. 1 down, 3 to go...

0 RUNS, 0 HITS
Jusef Frias throws Cyclones first Individual No Hitter

May 31, 2019 - What does one do for an encore after breaking several team pitching records?  Why throw a no-hitter of course.  Jusef Frias hurled the teams first individual no-hitter in their 20 season history. Firing a 7 inning, 17 strikeout, complete game no hit shutout against the 18+ Panthers in the final game of the regular season, it was quite the icing on the cake to such an incredible season.

DUD!
Cosme, Cyclones falter against the Marauders

May 29, 2019 - The Cyclones started off hot vs. the Marauders, scoring 3 runs in the first 2 innings.  But then the Cyclones let off the pedal and allowed the Marauders to get back in the game as the Marauders kept the Cyclones in check for the next 6 innings, working in and out of trouble including the final inning when the Cyclones attempted their final comeback and allowed only 1 more run.

GRAND!
It was a record setting night for Frias

Jusef Frias pitches vs the Blue Jays May 22, 2019

May 22, 2019 - Spring Cyclones starting pitcher Jusef Frias had himself a Grand night on Tuesday. Pitching 7 masterful innings, striking out a team record 19 batter while allowing 2 hits, 1 BB and 1 HBP. While in the middle of the game, Jusef also set the team record for strikeouts in a season and there are still 2 regular season games left to play.

Jusef also starred on the offensive side of the ball as he went 3-4 with a double and a GRAND SLAM!, 4 RBI and 1 run scored. It was quite a night for Jusef.  In fact, it was GRAND!

As for the rest of the team, everyone in the lineup reached safely via a hit or walk and everyone but one scored at least 1 run. In the end, the final score was 13-0 and the Cyclones are primed for the home stretch.

WHEW!
Cyclones almost give game away as bullpen nearly blows 10-0 lead

Cyclones equipment May 14, 2019

A NIGHT TO FORGET
It was one of those games...Cyclones fall to Blue Jays 6-2

Andrew Picos checks the ball as he prepares to take the mound vs. Blue Jays May 2, 2019 

RAINED-ROUT!!!
9 run first inning tells the story of rain shortened game

April 25, 2019 - It began on the first pitch of the game.  CJ Johnson hit the ball where no one could catch it.  Over he left field wall for a leadoff HR.  And the rout was on.  The next 10 batters would reach base safely before CJ would take another turn at bat.  He almost did it again.  This time however, he lined out to the leftfielder who stuck his glove in the air and found a prize.  The inning would end a couple of at bats later and the final results were 9 runs on 9 hits and 2 hit batsmen as 14 batters came to bat in the bottom of the first inning.

The Cyclones would go on to score 4 more runs between the 2nd and 3rd innings before the rains came and the umpires called it a night.  But after 3 complete, the game was official.  The Cyclones win 13-0.

RALLY, TIE, WALKOFF!!
Cyclones win in dramatic fashion after being 5 runs down

Oswar Monsalve stands at first base after a base hit vs. Diablos Apr 17, 2019

April 18, 2019 - From the Walking Dead to a walkoff, the Cyclones played the first several inning of last night's game as if they were zombies. But a pitching change by the opposition and some key hits woke up the walking dead and sparked a 4 run rally to tie and then a walkoff 2 innings later.

Starting pitcher Dean Cosme allowed 7 runs (5 earned) was not at his sharpest but did his best to keep the game close but it seemed as though it was going to get away form him and the Cyclones.  Sparked by newcomers CJ Johnson and  Nick Moore, the Cyclones began to crawl their way back into the game.  In the bottom of the 3rd inning, with a runner already across on Juan Cantu's sacrifice fly, Nick worked a walked and promptly stole 2nd and then stole 3rd as well.  Then CJ hit a popup double top the infield (figure that one out).  Priamo Reyes then grounded to shortstop to drive in the innings second run.

Fast forward to the bottom of the 5th inning and the Cyclones down 7-3.  Hector Espinoza singled and stole 2nd followed by a walk by Juan Cantu.  Nick Moore laced a singled to drive in the Cyclones 4th run.  Then CJ roped a single to left field that plated another 2 runs.  And then CJ did what CJ does.  He made his way around the bases on wild pitches and passed balls and promptly scored the 4th run of the inning. Tie game.

In the meantime, Andrew Picos relieved Cosme and held down the fort and allowed no runs keep the game tied. In the bottom of the 7th inning, with 1 out, Cantu singles.  Moore pops a ball straight up to the catcher but the ball drifts up the first base line and the catcher loses track of the ball and drops it.  However, as the ball bounced, the home plate umpire erroneously called the ball foul, taking away a first and second, 1 out situation. No worries.  With Moore still at the plate, he singles to shallow left allowing Cantu to make it to 3rd base.  In the meantime, the shortstop, attempting to get Moore out as he raced to 2nd, threw wide of second base, sending the ball into right field and allowing Cantu to score the winning run.  Walkoff complete, victory sealed!

A DOMINATION!
Frias and Monsalve star again in rout of Diablos

Jusef Frias deliver a pitch vs. Diablos Apr 10, 2019

Choice "CJ" Johnson just prior to stealing home vs. Diablos Apr 10, 2019

April 11, 2019 - Jusef Frias struck out 16 Diablos. A near duplicate performance to the one from a week ago when he struck out 16 Panthers.  Oswar Monsalve went 2-4 with 3 RBI and a run scored.  A near duplicate performance to the one from a week ago.  If it sounds like I'm repeating myself, I am.  Both players, key to last weeks victory, were keys this one too. Jusef held the Diablos at bay the entire game until the 7th when a misjudged fly ball and 2 HBP led to a late game run before Delvin Hudson threw to home to get the final out of the game as the runner from second tried to score on a single to right field ending the game at 8-1

Oswar, once again, made his presence known with the bat as he tripled down the right field line in the 3rd inning for an RBI and then singled in the 6th driving in another 2 runs.  Also making his presence felt was Choice "CJ" Johnson who reached base all 4 times he was up (1 triple, 1 single, 2 BB) and after tripling in the 3rd inning, he promptly stole home after smiling for a picture! The steal of home was one of 4 steals on the night for CJ. Also of significance last night was Andrew Picos tying a team record with 4 walks in a game.  He ties a record held by 3 other Cyclones including Mgr. Dean Cosme.  Congratulations Andrew!!!

NEW CYCLONES LEAD 13-12 WIN
First back-to-back wins in a year

Clay Busby (left), Andrew Picos (center) and Pete Murillo (right) vs. Marauders Mar 31, 2019

April 1, 2019 - With the roster constructed the way it is, Sunday's will be more challenging defensively than during the week. But this season's new crop of Cyclones also come with a ton of versatility. Clayton Busby pitches and plays first and outfield.  Andrew Picos, pitches and plays anywhere on the infield and is willing to play outfield if necessary.  Pete Murillo plays anywhere you need him including catcher.  Ed Villarreal and Hector Espinoza are both infielders willing to play anywhere needed. Its going to come in handy that's for sure.

Sunday, the versatility was needed badly as only 9 rostered players were available to play and defense was needed badly.  After reviewing the players, Mgr Dean Cosme decided it would be in the teams best interest that he start the game at pitcher as that would provide the best defense and give the team the best chance to win the ballgame. Pitching with a heavy heart after the death of his father 4 days earlier, Cosme took the mound and was going to go as long as he could in order to keep the defense at it's best based on what the team had to play with. 

With both teams beginning the game with only 8 players on the field, the Cyclones took advantage, scoring 3 runs in the first, 4 runs in the second, 2 runs in the third, 2 in the fourth and 2 in the fifth to round out their scoring. Highlighting the run parade was Andrew Picos who went 2-5, with a double and a triple, 3 runs score and 5 RBI.  Also providing multiple hits were Priamo Reyes (3-4, 3 runs) and Pedro Rivera Jr (2-3, 2 RBI).

Meanwhile, the Marauders never gave up and slowly chipped away at whatever lead the Cyclones had at the time. Cosme finally came out of the game after 7 innings up 13-9.  Andrew Picos came in to finish off the final innings but ran into some tough luck as he allowed 3 runs on 4 hits that was a by product of a slow footed outfield playing no doubles defense.  But in the end, Cosme and the Cyclones emerged victorious 13-12 and have won 2 in a row for he first time since this time one year ago when the Cyclones defeated the Marauders and Astros in back to back games.

CYCLONES MAUL PANTHERS 14-1
Offense scores early to make statement win

March 28, 2019 - The Cyclones offense was stymied 3 days earlier and held to 1 run.  But Wednesday night was a different story.  The Cyclones got off to an early 4-0 lead as the Priamo Reyes and newcomers CJ Johnson, Juan Cantu and Oswar Monsalve all scored to begin the game.  The next 10 runs were spread out throughout the rest of the game, with Cantu and Monsalve leading the charge with 7 hits and 5 RBI between the 2 of them.

Newcomer Jusef Frias, signed as a free agent during the winter, started for the Cyclones and threw 7 innings allowing only 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 16 Panthers. Oswar Monsalve, also a free agent signing, finished the game off with a 1-2-3 innings striking out all 3 batters he faced.

The Cyclones dedicated the victory to the memory of Mgr. Dean Cosme's father Florentino Cosme, who passed away earlier in the day at the age of 71 from complications due to diabetes.

CYCLONES FALL IN OPENER 5-1
Thunder come out swinging, score early and hold lead

March 25, 2019 - By all accounts, this season is supposed to be different.  Different roster, different attitude, different results?  Fact is, the results, as of now, remain the same. However, this wasn't the same listless team from last season.  There was fight in this team.  This was definitely a different team.  But they ran into some goof pitching that shut them down.  The Cyclones only managed to plate 1 run, being held in check by former Cyclones pitcher JR Morua, who started for the Thunder.

Newcomer Andrew Picos started for the Cyclones and immediately ran into trouble as he allowed the first three batter to reach base and giving up one run.  He then recorded 2 strikeouts before a misjudged fly ball to left turned into a double and drove in 2 more runs to make it 3-0 after 1. But Picos settled down and pitched 3 more innings before being lifted for Dean Cosme.

Cosme would allow 2 runs (0 earned) over the final 4 innings to keep the game close, but his efforts were for naught as the Cyclones could only muster 3 hits and score only once.

THE QUEST BEGINS
3 Preseason games will offer a prelude to the season

March 7, 2019 - Beginning this tonight, the Cyclones will play 3 preseason games in preparation of the season opener in less than 2 weeks. The Cyclones return only 5 players from last season acquiring most of their new players through free agency while adding one through the draft. All the new players comes with impressive resumes from their former teams and now look to put it all together for the Spring Cyclones.  The Spring Cyclones would like to welcome Pete Murillo, Choice Johnson, Jusef Frias, Pedro Rivera Jr., Hector Espinoza, Pete Ulloa, Edward Villarreal, Eric Lerma, Juan Cantu, Clayton Busby and Andrew Picos to the team.  Here's to one hell of a season!!!

TOP 10 MOMENTS IN CYCLONES HISTORY
#10 - FORMATION
Seeds for Cyclones planted in Spring 2008

Feb 25, 2019 - In the Spring of 2007, manager Dean Cosme moved from Miami, FL to Spring, TX.  After having played for 15 years in the SFBL, Dean reached out to the President of the Houston MSBL Joe Banasik about starting a team in Houston.  After taking the 2007 seasons off, Dean reemerged in the Spring of 2008 and initially attempted to start a team in the North Houston Wood Bat League, a sister league to the Houston MSBL.  However, the tryouts for the Spring 2008 season did not have a high turnout and Dean was drafted by Joe to play for the Houston Sky Sox.  After making a big splash his rookie season in the NHWBL, the Houston Sky Sox went through may roster changes and in the Spring 2009, Joe handed the team to Dean in order to concentrate more on running the league.

It was then that the wheels were put in motion for Dean to bring the Cyclones to life.  Taking his cue from the Brooklyn Cyclones, Dean designed the Spring Cyclones original jersey to be a tribute to Brooklyn using their colors Navy Blue, Red, Gold and White. Other factors were involved in the design which made it look less like Brooklyn and more original. In the end, its what Dean went with but was not satisfied with.

The Spring Cyclones started play in the Fall 2009 season and have continued every season since except for Spring 2015 when Dean took over the Houston Cardinals and bowed to the request to keep the Cardinals name as Dean transitions from the NHWBL to the Houston Hardball League (formerly the Houston MSBL). Dean honored the request for one season but returned to the Spring Cyclones name in the Fall 2015 season after the roster was overhauled.

YEAR LONG CELEBRATION
TEAM TO CELEBRATE IN BOTH SPRING AND FALL SEASONS

Feb 22, 2019 - The Spring Cyclones 10 year anniversary will be celebrated all year long the team announced today.  Beginning with the start of the Spring 2019 Season and concluding with the Fall 2019 season the Spring Cyclones will take a look back at their history and share special moments from their 10 year existence.  Form their beginnings in the Fall of 2009 to their first championship in Spring 2010 to the second championship in Spring 2012 to their graduation to the main Houston Hardball League to the present day.  The celebration will span across social media as well as on the website.  Photos and stories, including many exclusive never before seen photos and more! Follow along as the Spring Cyclones celebrate 10 Years - 2009-2019!!!

COMING SOON!
2019 SPRING CYCLONES