Brooklyn Cyclones Stage Thrilling Comeback to Beat Wilmington Blue Rocks 5-4

Down four runs in the top of the ninth inning, the Brooklyn Cyclones (22-25, 55-58/New York Mets High-A affiliate) came storming back, scoring five runs to beat the Wilmington Blue Rocks (20-26, 51-61/Washington Nationals), 5-4, Saturday night at Judy Johnson Field at Frawley Stadium. It was Brooklyn’s third consecutive victory.

Designated hitter Wiilliam Lugo launched a 102.7 mph two-run home run to cut the Blue Rocks’ lead to 4-2.

In a pivotal play, second baseman D’Andre Smith hit into what looked like a game-ending double play, but Wilmington’s pitcher dropped the relay throw, allowing Smith to score the Cyclones’ third run of the inning.

Then, left fielder Nick Morabito, the Mets’ 19th-rated prospect, smacked a game-tying base hit past a diving Blue Rock shortstop to make it four all. With runners on first and third, third baseman Jacob Reimer, New York’s 20th-ranked prospect, blooped a single to right field, plating the go ahead run. But Morabito was thrown out a home, as he tried to score.

Right-handed pitcher Dakota Hawkins (4-3) completed his third inning of relief in the bottom of the ninth to secure the victory for Brooklyn.

The Cyclones look to make it four in a row today at 1:05 p.m. against Wilmington at Judy Johnson Field at Frawley Stadium.

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— Jerry Del Priore