The Beauty Inside

This goes out to someone special. 

"The Beauty Inside"
By Derek Felix 

The beauty inside 
Can be seen if you really look 
It's always been there like a surprising ride 
One conversation is all it took 

I knew it the first time I met you 
Chilling at my homie's place 
It's so long ago as if the time flew 
I can still see your precious face 

A cool down to earth chick with flow 
Soft spoken and fun to be around 
A special talent to those who already know 
Whenever we hung out, you were always down

Even though our paths have taken different directions
I believe we will meet up again soon 
Knowing full well it's up to me to make the connection
I can still see you all beautiful as I admire the moon

The beauty inside 
Lights up when you speak to her 
Because you're just as mesmerizing on the outside
There's nothing fake because you're real and always were 

Sometimes, I reflect back on those fun nights 
Fully understanding why we are where we are 
It's a different time now and my eyes are turned on like lights 
They've never been shut off from your shining star 

You're like a twinkle that lights up each day 
No matter how cold or dark, you stand out from the rest 
There are other fish in the sea, but they don't give me the words to say 
You're the kinda person who makes us smile and laugh because deep down, you're the best 

I'm proud of what you've accomplished so far 
I admire the unique and creative person you are 
Doing what you love and creating folklore
In many ways, it's what I want for myself to reach the stars

The beauty inside 
Has never felt so real 
If my heart were visible, it would've cried 
It's never stopped beating to tell you how I feel 

I still have dreams about you 
Only to awaken in a cold sweat wondering why 
What's in the mind subconsciously is very true
What it comes down to is even my alternate universe cannot lie 

I told you once that I wish things could be different 
You knew what I meant and appreciated my kind sentiment 
Of course, I want what's best for you, but my knees are heaven bent 
I bet you taste so sweet like chocolate or peppermint 

You give the best hugs and are so warm 
It's why a piece of me is broken like The Crow 
Redemption is strong like a perfect rainstorm
It can't rain all the time, but the sun will come out followed by your rainbow 

The beauty inside 
Is why I'll start over again 
The beauty inside 
Gives me the motivation to win 

The Uphill Climb

For quite some time, I've been battling myself. It's not always as simple as it seems. As someone who goes through anxiety and depression, there are peaks and valleys to this mental illness that affects so many people.

As I've often said and of course heard like a broken record, mental effects physical. If we aren't ourselves, there's a good chance we aren't gonna feel like doing anything. Even our normal routine, which should be automatic. Unless you're out of work as I am due to an issue with my job. Let's just say being a substitute teacher in NYC isn't easy due to all the red tape. I'll just leave it at that and work on getting things righted.

I admit to being very down right now. How down? Down enough not to do what I'm capable of, which is discouraging. I know what I must do to get out of this funk. No conversation I have is going to help. It's up to me to pick myself back up. I'm a grown adult. Nobody else is going to do it for me. I take full responsibility.

I've been listening to a lot of depressing songs that I like from 90's groups such as Nine Inch Nails and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I think you kinda get the idea what I've been listening to and the lyrics that I identify with. I guess depression brings that out. My writing hasn't suffered. Not at least on our hockey blog. Writing is something that comes natural because it's a way to express myself and relieve the stress.

So, what is needed to change for the better before my birthday in two weeks? Get to the gym. Working out produces endorphins and creates energy that's been missing. I last went a week ago and it was positive. The gym is a positive place to take out your energy and bring back some enthusiasm and life into your body. It also improves one psychologically. You can bet I'll find myself there before this ugly wintry mix hits tonight.

I also find that music is something that is always good for the psyche. It brings out the energy and electricity. A good song will do that for you. Not just the depressing ones I can relate to either.

Walking and drives help. Sometimes, we need a different scene to get away as a means of escape. I'm not talking about running away from my problems. A walk or a nice drive usually can improve our attitude as well as give us a unique perspective on life. As much crap as this area gets, there are a lot of good places to go. We aren't the park borough for nothing. There is also plenty of history here as evidenced by Richmondtown and The Conference House along with other landmarks or favorite areas that make the Island unique.

Reading or watching a good movie can be thought provoking. I like a good novel or interesting movie with suspense that makes me think. I'm very good at discovering new under the radar stuff that isn't as hyped as most flicks in the theater. It's my specialty.

As the weather gets noticably colder, I can remind myself that this is one of my favorite times of year. Sure. Baseball is gone, and the football teams stink. I'm a Giants fan. At least we got our four Super Bowls that I've been around for to experience. I feel for Jets fans. I doubt I'll ever see the Knicks win a championship. Thankfully, the Rangers gave me one in '94 along with a memorable moment in 2014. They're at least exciting to watch. Sports in this town for the winter are a nightmare otherwise.

I really need more to do with my free time. I have friends who live close by, but I've been neglecting them like everything else. Let's call it laziness. It's not intentional. It's just my current situation. When you're in this fragile state, it's like a black hole you're trying to climb out of.

Sometimes, I wish I could go back to happier moments when I was younger and carefree. But I can't change it. This isn't Back To The Future with the futuristic time machine Doc and Marty use to go from 1985 back to the year 1955 to change history. The only thing I can do is work little by little and improve myself day by day.

Rather than overthink and overanalyze everything which I often do, I need to simplify it. Break it down into little pieces. Once I do that, I'll be more successful. I know I'll get out of this. I have before and I'm stronger than I look or make myself out to be.

For now, it's live in the moment and be productive. 

That Icky Feeling

Who among us has experienced that icky feeling? You know the one where why does such and such have to happen? It could be about anything. Some more serious than others.

Obviously, I've been to enough wakes the past decade. It never gets any easier. This time, I'm thankfully not discussing one of those melancholy moments that brings us to tears, along with several other emotions.

Being a sports fan in this town is tough. The Yankees season ended a while ago. The Giants are a disaster. The Knicks are interesting, but won't be in the playoff mix. The Rangers are in the first year of a rebuild under a new coach. So, they're unlikely to be close to anything other than trades next year, and the NHL Lottery. Hopefully, that's a lot better than the recent Mega Millions. Not one of my numbers matched the lucky winner in South Carolina. I guess it's back to scratch offs.

Other area locals aren't much better. The Nets are okay so far due to a couple of young players with potential. But they'll be hard pressed to make the top eight. The Islanders miss John Tavares. The Jets have more promise due to rookie signal caller Sam Darnold. They're 3-4 so far. The Devils can likely make the playoffs again, but need help from the supporting cast.

Crazy enough, the best New York team resides in Western New York. No. Not the Buffalo Bills, who are a disaster without rookie Josh Allen. But the Sabres, who won their sixth game thanks to Kyle Okposo scoring a power play game-winner with 1:01 left to beat the Canadiens at home. Jack Eichel finally has some help with Jeff Skinner, Okposo, Sam Reinhardt, Rasmus Dahlin and Rasmus Ristolainen playing key roles along with Conor Sheary and E.F. Hutton.

While it's hard times for New York sports in the city, things are booming in Boston. The hated Red Saaaahhhxx are two wins away from a fourth World Series championship since 2004. The snobby Boston fans continue to act like spoiled and deranged lunatics at Fenway Park, chanting "Yankees suck," at the end of a 8-4 win in Game Two over the Dodgers. It makes no sense unless you're as obnoxious as these fans in Massachusetts. Why are they so obsessed with us when their team is about to win again?

This and plenty more were on my mind in an epic rant on a sports podcast featuring John "JPG" Giagnorio, Justin and Derek. Check it out!

www.blogtalkradio.com/hardhits21/2018/10/26/hard-hits-podcast-derek-rants-on-rangers-loss-red-sox-fans-plus-more

Let me reintroduce myself!

Hi! I'm Derek Felix AKA DFlex. Reppin Shaolin NYC to the fullest. Never the dullest. I am a sports junkie who runs a hockey blog and produces and hosts a show called Hard Hits over on Blogtalk Radio. Joined mainly by my sidekick and partner in crime, John "JPG" Giagnorio, we have a podcast focusing mostly on sports. Sometimes, we'll sprinkle other random stuff in depending on the show.

A decade ago, the Flex moniker was given to me by JPG. It stuck. All my close friends and acquaintances call me that. But to a older and wiser guy like me with sarcasm and appreciation mixed in, I'm just plain old Derek. Flex represents my tag name when I used to freestyle and rap over at Basement Location A. I once even got recorded doing a Joker themed rap based off my personal favorite character, Heath Ledger's incredible Joker from The Dark Knight. I was so taken by his remarkable performance that it saddened me that we lost such a unique talent.

All this time later and my dream of a Joker movie is becoming a reality. I'm sure Joaquin Phoenix will do a good job. But I don't think anyone can ever measure up to Mr. Ledger. He took one of the baddest comic book characters and gave it the kind of strong, deranged personality that people identify with. Even as crazy as he was in the hit movie, you understood his warped logic, or how his mind worked. The way he used Harvey Dent to scheme against Batman and Commissioner Gordon in Gotham City was epic.

https://goo.gl/images/d6TyZq

It's too bad we'll never get to see Ledger reprise his memorable role. It kinda reminds me of Brandon Lee's amazing Eric Draven in The Crow. Such a pity that he tragically died on set due to a gun not having blanks in it. That's still hard to believe.

Call me a sucker for great characters who give powerful performances that captivate the audience of every emotion.

I guess that's a good beginning in reintroducing myself in this space. Don't be a stranger. 😉

Video Of Day: New GNR “Better” | Hitting Back :: A New York Sports Blog

Video Of Day: New GNR “Better” Hitting Back :: A New York Sports Blog

Kobe wins MVP

Los Angeles Laker superstar Kobe Bryant took home his first ever NBA MVP trophy earlier today at a cool press conference at Staples Center.

The 29 year-old shooting guard averaged better than 28 points along with over six boards and topped five assists in leading the Purple and Gold to a West best 57 wins.

He was very unselfish getting other teammates involved and for that is very deserving of this honor.

Congats to Kobe!

JPG responsible?

A mascot stunt between the end of the first quarter and second during the Hornets' Game One win over the Spurs had an interesting conclusion when the extinguishers they used to put out a ring of fire delayed the game 19 minutes.

But the question is was it because of our fearless stat mastah? You be the judge.

Kobe Bryant

Chris Paul

Pedro Martinez hurt

Champion goalies

Tigers blast past Bombers in 11

STATEN ISLAND, NY- The Tigers turned on the power switch late to blast past the Baby Bombers 4-2 in 11 innings before 2,302 at Richmond County Bank Ballpark Wednesday night. The game took three hours and 39-minutes.

It prevented Staten Island (23-18) from getting a sweep against one of the two teams they're battling with for the wildcard, falling half a game behind Oneonta (24-18) and dropping a full game behind Lowell who defeated Cyclones last night.

"For some reason, we can't get a sweep in. It would be nice to get one but it was just one of those games. Just baseball," said middle reliever Phil Bartleski.

All tied at two in extras, the Tigers' bats swung into action against losing Staten Island reliever Jeff Livek (1-2) who was predictably a little rusty after having not worked in 14 days.

"It's tough to do in that situation. A lot of this bullpen is starters. That's tough to do. I haven't been in that situation a lot," Bartleski noted.

Casper Wells greeted him rudely by driving a pitch a few feet over the left field wall to put Oneonta in front to stay. Kody Kaiser then stepped up to the plate and made it back-to-back dingers when he lined one out to right which doubled their lead.

"I don't know if that was the plan to go up there and take big swings. I think we were just trying to put good swings on the ball and get some runners on base. But sometimes good swings turn into home runs," a pleased Kaiser noted afterwards in the winning dugout.

"Mine wasn't as impressive as Casper's. Casper's got a little pressure on him in a tie game going to extra innings. So his home run took a little pressure off of me. But my drive right there I felt was something in play and just kind of ran into one."

The biggest reason though which allowed the Tigers to comeback and tie the game on a two out seventh inning RBI single from Ron Bourquin was splendid relief work from the combination of Jacob Ramos, Rudy Darrow, Erik Crichton and closer Noah Krohl who worked the final five-plus without allowing another run.

"Our pitchers have done a great job all week and we didn't really pick them up the first two games. But we did tonight and it's important that they know that we got the ability to really help them out in a jam and vice versa. But yeah. we complemented each other well this game," Kaiser added after his team was able to salvage the final game of the series.

After Staten Island reliever Kyle Hollander worked a 1-2-3 eighth, they had a possible opportunity to go ahead when centerfielder Taylor Holiday lined a sharp single down the right field line. But he was nailed at second by a perfect throw by Kaiser to shortstop Jorge Patino which ended the inning.

Neither team was able to threaten in the ninth which pushed it to extras.

"Losing that in the bottom of the ninth inning is pretty tough," third baseman Brian Chavez pointed out after failing to score with a chance to win it. "We just got to bounce back tomorrow and keep playing."

"They had a little momentum going in there after the ninth. You just got to tip your hats off to them and we'll be back tomorrow."

Kind of overlooked in the tough defeat was some stellar infield defense turned in by the Bombers which included a few sparkling double plays to get out of trouble including a nice 5-4-3 twin killing in the fifth by Ryan Wehrle and Damon Sublett who later left with an injury.

"Defensively, we're really solid right now but tonight like I said wasn't our night. So we're back tomorrow."


Notes: Unable to get anything against Oneonta starter Alfredo Figaro who worked the first five scoreless while striking out five, the Bombers rallied for two runs in the home sixth off reliever Jose Fracaso. Catcher Jose Gil went yard to left to leadoff the frame and tie it for his fourth homer of the season (third at home). Austin Krum followed with a triple and then came into score from third when Fracaso balked him in. ... Though he didn't have his best stuff, SP Zach McAllister allowed just a run in four innings of work despite giving up five hits while walking one and fanning four.

Leadoff man Justin Snyder finally cooled off going hitless in five at bats to drop his average to .367. ... Before leaving the game with an injury, Sublett continued to stay hot with two more hits making it nine out of 10 with at least one hit. The versatile Snyder who started the game at short replaced him at second while Ryan Wehrle moved from third to short and Chavez took over at the hot corner. ... Corner infielder Braedyn Pruitt remained sizzling with another multi-hit night. ... Baby Bombers host Lowell in the start of a three-game set tonight with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM.


Bombers to honor Robinson Cano Saturday Night: Staten Island will honor current Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano this Saturday night on the final game of the homestand during Robby Cano Night where they will retire his number.

Bombers take second straight from Tigers

STATEN ISLAND, NY- Make it two for two.

The Staten Island Yankees made it two straight over the Oneonta Tigers by posting a 4-2 victory before 2,343 at Richmond County Bank Ballpark Tuesday night. The win was their fourth in five, putting them a season high six games over .500 (23-17) and into a tie with Lowell for the wildcard.

It also vaulted them half a game ahead of Oneonta (23-18) in what should be an exciting race for the final playoff berth in the Penn League.

"A good win for us. I think that kind of puts us back in the chase a little bit," said second baseman Damon Sublett after continuing to swing a hot bat with an RBI double in the seventh which scored Taylor Holiday for a key insurance run. "Hopefully we get on a roll from that from playing hard. Hopefully we'll keep winning."

The Baby Bombers got a solid pitching effort from the tandem of starter Chris Farley and middle reliever Craig Heyer, who each split the first eight innings allowing just one unearned run before handing the baton over to Jonathan Ortiz. After permitting a 400-plus foot leadoff home run to Oneonta's Chris Carlson to dead center off the black, the closer settled down to retire the final three batters for his sixth save.

Carlson was also involved in the Tigers' only other run which got them the lead in the fourth. The first baseman ledoff the frame with a single before advancing to second with one out on a passed ball. He then came around to score on Jorge Patino's RBI single to right to give his ballclub their only lead of the night.

Farley finished his final inning strong by getting the last two swinging. His teammates picked him up in the bottom half to tie it thanks to a clutch two out runscoring single from right fielder Matt Morris which scored backstop Jose Gil after he started things off with a single of his own before D.J. Hollingsworth sacrificed him over.

"[Morris] hadn't played last couple of games. And for him to come through like that in a big situation, that's a big deal. It's good to get contributions throughout the lineup," Sublett pointed out.

Staten Island threatened to go ahead when centerfielder Justin Snyder's infield hit put runners on the corners. However, Holiday fanned to end it.

The game wouldn't stay knotted for long though as third baseman Braedyn Pruitt connected for a two-run dinger to right off losing Oneonta starter Guillermo Moscoso (4-1) in the fifth to put the Bombers ahead for good.

"He's just been hitting all year. If he keeps doing what he's doing, he's going to make a name for himself," added Sublett whose RBI double two innings later made it eight of his last nine games with a hit.

"I'm just trying to be consistent and put some better swings on some balls and good things happen."


Notes: Despite banging out 10 hits, Staten Island stranded 16 runners while their opponents weren't much better leaving 12 on base. ... With another multi-hit game, Pruitt is now hitting .458 (27-for-59) this summer. The corner infielder hit in eight of his last nine, finishing the month of July a sizzling 15-for-33 (.455). Since returning from the DL, he's hit in eight of 10 and only was hitless once in nine starts. ... Snyder continued his hot hitting with a three hit night to lift his average to .381 (51-for-134) which places him second just four points behind Penn League leading hitter Mahoning Valley's Todd Martin. ... Heyer worked four scoreless in relief to pickup his second win. ... Bombers go for the sweep tonight before Lowell comes in for three starting tomorrow.

Bombers rally for two in the eighth to push past Tigers

STATEN ISLAND, NY- A two-run eighth inning rally was enough to get their six-game homestand started on the right foot.

Jose Gil's two out RBI single to right center scored Braedyn Pruitt for the winning run in a 3-2 comeback victory over Oneonta before 2,749 on an overcast night at Richmond County Bank Ballpark Monday night.

The win was Staten Island's third in four and improved the club to 22-17, allowing them to remain five behind first place Brooklyn. More importantly, they gained a game on Oneonta in the wildcard race to pull within half a game of the Tigers and a game behind Vermont and Lowell who are tied for first in the Stedler Division.

"That was huge. That's a big game. We needed that. These guys are one game ahead of us for the wildcard. So it's a good win," centerfielder Taylor Holiday pointed out after leading off the eighth with a bunt single down the third base line before coming around to score the tying run on a one out Pruitt RBI single to right.

"I looked horrible on the pitch earlier in that at bat. He gave me a curveball. Just stayed with it. Luckily, I managed to get one hand on it and get it out there," Pruitt said after digging out of an 0-2 hole to deliver the tying hit off losing Oneonta reliever Jacob Ramos (1-1).

As it turned out, the first baseman's only hit of the night proved to be a big one. Ramos was replaced by Erik Crichton. The reliever just got David Williams on a comebacker which he knocked down before rifling a strike to first which put Pruitt in scoring position setting the stage for Gil. The catcher went with a pitch to right serving it to the opposite field to plate Pruitt for the winning run.

The two run rally helped pickup comebacking reliever Jason Stephens and closer Jonathan Ortiz after they gave up two runs in the top half of the frame on a hit batsman (Jorge Patino) and a four pitch walk to Kody Kaiser.

"Both of those guys have been doing great for us. They're coming in and really really closing the door," added Pruitt.

For much of the game, pitching dominated the night. Bomber starter Ryan Pope turned in his best outing in his third start by working the first four scoreless on just one hit while walking two and striking out six.

The 22 year-old Savannah Georgia native was staked to a one-run lead thanks to a D.J. Hollingsworth fly ball bloop which just dropped in front of Oneonta centerfielder Mike Sullivan to score Williams for the game's first run.

Jason Kiley and Stephens tossed three consecutive scoreless innings in relief of Pope before Oneonta rallied for two to go ahead in the eighth with two outs. Fortunately, the S.I. bats awakened in time to pull out the victory.

After walking in the lead run, Ortiz settled down to strike out three (all swinging) of the last four he faced including Cory Middleton to end it, picking up his first win in the process.


Notes: Former Baby Bomber shortstop Luis Nunez was promoted to Single-A Charleston Monday night to take the place of one-time S.I. Yankee Eduardo Nunez who got moved up to Tampa. Utility man Justin Snyder played short in his place and finished 1-for-4. ... With a hit in three plate appearances, second baseman Damon Sublett has hit in eight of his last nine games. ... Despite a walk and run scored, Williams had an eight-game hitting streak snapped. ... Even though it was a lowscoring game, it still took three hours and 13 minutes to complete. ... SP Chris Farley takes the hill in the second game of the series later tonight with first pitch scheduled for 7:10.

Bomber bats silenced by Spikes

STATEN ISLAND, NY- The Baby Bomber bats were cooled off by State College as three pitchers held them to just one run on four hits as Staten Island (17-14) dropped the second game of the series 7-1 before 4,917 at Richmond County Bank Ballpark Saturday night.

The loss dropped the Bombers back to five and a half behind first place Brooklyn, who snapped a two-game skid with an 11-2 win over Tri-City to pickup a game in the standings.

Despite a solid effort from losing starter Zach McAllister (2-2), the Bombers couldn't provide enough support to take the righty off the hook. He got off to a rough start by allowing the first four Spikes to reach base. After loading them up on a walk, he gave up an RBI single to Andrew Walker for the game's first run.

But facing serious trouble, McAllister pitched his way out of it by striking out the next two batters and then got Erik Huber to bounce out to second baseman Damon Sublett.

Staten Island would threaten in the bottom half by putting runners on the corners with one out but Duke Welker (1-1) induced a tailor made 4-6-3 double play from S.I. third baseman Braedyn Pruitt to get out of it. It summed up the night as the Bombers left 10 runners on.

Consecutive two out hits by Smelin Perez (double) and Keanon Simon (RBI single) in the fifth increased State College's lead to 2-0.

The Bombers responded quickly in the bottom of the frame to slice it back to one. After shortstop Luis Nunez singled and stole second, designated hitter Chris Raber drove him in with a runscoring single to left. But that was all they could muster as Austin Krum bounced into a fielder's choice and Dave Williams followed by striking out swinging.

Staten Island had one chance to tie it up in the seventh off State College reliever Michael Felix. After Felix fanned the first two batters, he issued back-to-back walks to Nunez and pinch hitter Isaiah Howes to get the crowd's hope up. But pinch hitter Matt Morris harmlessly popped out to short which ended the inning.

The Spikes finally put the contest away by batting around for a five-run eighth. S.I. reliever Jason Kiley was done in partially by the defense. After allowing a run to come in on a Justin Ryler RBI double to left center, he gave up a single to Andrew Walker which put runners on the corners with nobody out. That's when it got ugly.

First, catcher's interference by Jose Gil allowed Daniel Rios to reach base safely which loaded the bases. Trailing by two with the infield in, Kiley got Matt Cavagnaro to ground to short but Nunez' throw was dropped by Gil going all the way to the backstop allowing two runs to score which suddenly made it 5-1.

Kyle Hollander replaced Kiley and permitted two more runs on a 4-6-3 twin killing and an RBI single by Austin McClune to make the deficit six. It could've been worse two batters later when Simon laced the third straight hit off the reliever but centerfielder Justin Snyder threw out McClune at home to mercifully end the inning.

State College reliever Brandon Williams worked around a two out ninth inning walk by getting Howes to line out to right which ended it.


Notes: Despite taking the loss, McAllister went the first six giving up two earned runs on four hits while walking two and fanning five. ... In three innings of work, relievers Kiley and Hollander allowed five runs (2 ER) on seven hits. ... Simon finished with a game high four hits in five plate appearances for State College while driving in and scoring a run. ... Welker tossed six strong for the Spikes allowing just a run on three hits while walking one and striking out five to notch the win. ... The game was live webcast on the official Staten Island Yankee site siyanks.com by their team official scorer. ... SP Ryan Zink will go for the Bombers in the rubber game Sunday afternoon at 2 PM.

Cyclones Shutdown Bombers To Take Series

STATEN ISLAND, NY- The Cyclones used two big innings along with solid pitching to shutdown the Bombers en route to a 9-3 win before a near capacity crowd of 7,171 at Richmond County Bank Ballpark on Friday Fireworks Night.

Their second straight win allowed them to comeback and take the series after dropping the opener on Independence Day. It raised first place Brooklyn's record to 13-5 and pushed their lead over Staten Island to four games. It was the Baby Bombers' second consecutive loss dropping them back to .500 (9-9).

"You're going to have tough games. The good teams are the ones that take the tough games and they figure out what they can do better and they come out and they bounce back the next day," Staten Island outfielder Isiah Howes explained after coming in as a defensive replacement and singling in his only at bat to leadoff the home ninth.

"It was a good win. It's good to take the series after that first loss in the first game. We just kind of swung the bats. A lot of close games lately. So it was good to win by a big shot," Brooklyn shortstop Jake Eigsti pointed out after finishing with a double and run scored in a three-run fourth which knocked out losing Bomber starter Ryan Zink, who fell to 2-1 after allowing five earned runs on eight hits in just three-plus.

Staked to a one-run lead after his teammates picked him up with three in the first off Brooklyn starter Dylan Owen, Zink tossed two consecutive scoreless but ran out of gas in the fourth. The first four Cyclones reached base on hits including a tying single by catcher Jordan Abruzzo followed by a Joaquin Rodriguez go-ahead single to left which plated Eigsti and knocked out Zink, who was replaced by reliever Phil Bartleski.

They tacked on a run when Micah Schilling grounded into a twin killing to put them up 5-3.

"Big innings are always nice and the pitching did a good job. Besides that first inning, it was great and it's been great. Hopefully, we can keep it up," added Eigsti.

Meanwhile, Owen settled down after a shaky first in which he permitted all three runs on a Damon Sublett RBI double, Jose Gil sac fly and a Taylor Holiday runscoring single.

"It kind of got away from us after that first inning. We did a good job bouncing back in the first but we just couldn't get anything going after that. It wasn't our night I guess," Holiday said after finishing two-for-four with an RBI in a losing effort.

Instead, Owen was in control the next four frames keeping Staten Island hitters off balance with a nasty slider which froze some batters as he piled up nine strikeouts in five to boost his record to 3-0. In fact, after permitting a single to Holiday to start the fourth, he struckout the final six hitters he faced.

"[Owen] definitely made an adjustment after that first inning and he dealt. He was getting that curveball over and did a great job," noted Eigsti.

"I didn't face him but it looked like he had some pretty good offspeed stuff," Howes viewed. "He was throwing a decent fastball in there. He was a quality starter. No doubt. We did well to get three runs in the first inning and I guess he just got it together. You got to hand it to him."

The Cyclones put the game out of reach with a four-run sixth against Bartleski, who lost the plate by beaning two batters to get into trouble with an out. He paid the price as Brooklyn tagged him. A Rodriguez single to left scored Will Vogl which made it 6-3. Micah Schilling then followed with a two-run double and came into score on J.R. Voyles' basehit to right giving them a six-run cushion.

They would never look back.

Steve Cheney came on to toss three and two thirds scoreless before giving way to lefty Grady Hinchman, who pitched around a two out walk to Austin Krum by getting shortstop Chris Carrara to pop out to first in foul territory which ended it.

Notes: Staten Island immediately boarded a bus for Batavia with a three-game series starting later tonight.

"We don't know anything about them or about their field. We're just going to go there and we're going to play our game and look to bring back at least two out of three," Howes said of the upcoming series.

"Now we got to go on the road for three at Batavia and hopefully right the ship a little bit and get back in the winning column," Holiday added.

"I sure hope so," skipper Mike Gillespie remarked. "It's interesting that with 75 percent of the season to go that we find ourselves having to make the realization to win every game is critical. We're four games behind in the loss column or whatever it is. They call this a short season for a reason."

After the three-game series on the road, the Baby Bombers get a rare off day on Tuesday before returning home the following night when they'll play host to Auburn.

Betances Shows Poise and Promise

STATEN ISLAND, NY - It's one thing to not allow a run when you have your best stuff but quite another when you're working your way through batters without it.

That's what Dellin Betances was able to do well enough in his fourth Penn League start against the Cyclones last night before a near packed house of 6,011 who celebrated part of their Independence Day by taking in an exciting 4-3 eleven inning Baby Bomber victory over the Cyclones at St. George.

Despite creating a couple of jams with a loss of control (six walks), Betances was able to pitch his way out of trouble by showing tremendous poise. One particular instance in the third inning saw the young 19 year-old hurler load the bases on three walks with two outs. He then went to a full count on Brooklyn first baseman Jason Jacobs before freezing him with an unhittable pitch which painted the outside corner to get out of it.

“I was glad to get that pitch cause I was kind of [upset] that I walked the bases loaded. So I was glad I got that last strike to strike [Jacobs] out,” Betances said after getting a no decision.

That kind of ability is what excites first-year skipper Mike Gillespie about his 19 year-old pupil who starred for Grand Street High School before being selected by the Yankees in last year's draft in the eighth round. Blessed with a fastball which can reach the mid-90's, he also possesses a wicked knuckle curve and changeup in his arsenal, giving Bronx Bomber fans plenty to get excited about. In 18 innings thus far, he had a 1-1 record with a 3.00 ERA and has whiffed 22.

“I liked the way he kept his poise and sort of pushed his way through it. I think he is a mature kid. I personally have been very impressed with his maturity beyond his years. I haven’t seen him be rattled," the manager noted as his team prepared for the second game of a three-game set scheduled for Thursday night at Keyspan Park.

Betances was pleased that he was able to get through four and two thirds without allowing a run despite unusual conditions on the Fourth of July.

"It was pretty hard just being that the rain and stuff but I managed through it and we actually got a win. So that was good," he pointed out.

If the weather wasn't ideal, then the plate umpire who passed on a couple of borderline strikes which led to walks probably didn't help in that regard either. However, Betances didn't seem to mind how it was called.

"It's alright. You just can't think about it too much cause you got more pitches to worry about. He was alright. The rain probably had an affect."

The lanky righty who's listed at 6-9 230 in the Staten Island Yankee program never buckled despite some gritty at bats by the Cyclones. He also got Jacob Eigsti to line out to short for a 6-5 inning ending double play in the fourth stranding two more runners at the corners.

Most encouraging for Betances was that he finished strong by getting Micah Schilling looking and Ender Chavez swinging before departing to a nice ovation after reaching his pitch count (89 pitches). He finished the night striking out six Cyclones.

"I was glad after that I was able to bounce back and get those two guys out but I reached my pitch count. So I had to come out. There was no way I could've thrown to that last guy."

"He can finish a hitter if he's at 85 and that's what happened with the previous hitter. But he couldn't start another new hitter," informed Gillespie who also lamented having to take his starter out.

"I dreaded that trip to the mound with one out to go and he did not want to come out. He wasn't thrilled. There was no issue over it but he wanted to stay in the game."

For the New York resident, he was excited to be able to pitch for the home club in such a great environment against their Verrazano rival.

"It's a great feeling. We had a lot of fans today. I was glad we got the win. So it's a great feeling just being here in front of the home fans. And there's nothing better than Yankee fans. I loved it."

He also talked about the importance of getting that first game against the Cyclones. Staten Island sliced Brooklyn's lead to two games.

"It's always good to get the first one. So get that out of the way. If we could win [Thursday] that would be great."

Despite pitching in the Gulf Coast League last Fall, he has noticed a difference in his first year in the Penn League and also knew he could improve on last night's outing.

"I did pitch Gulf Coast. It's different because there's more college hitters. Patient. Very good hitters. So you just got to throw strikes.I didn't really do that today but hopefully next time I come back.

Baby Bombers celebrate The Fourth in style with wild win , Walk off over archrival Cyclones

STATEN ISLAND, NY - Sometimes, baseball can be a funny game. That was the case in the Baby Bombers' exciting 4-3 comeback victory in 11 innings against their Verrazano rival before an energized 6,011 at Richmond County Bank Ballpark who were treated to special Fourth of July fireworks immediately following the unpredictable game which lasted three hours and 39 minutes in spite a start an hour earlier.

The win improved second place Staten Island to 9-7, pulling them within two games of first place Brooklyn (11-5) in the McNamara Division.

"Our offense found a way to get it done," pumped up third baseman Justin Snyder said after leading the 11th off with a walk before coming around to score the tying run when Brooklyn first baseman Jason Jacobs was unable to get his glove on second baseman Damon Sublett's sharp grounder.

"To score the winning run and getting the win and seeing the fireworks is pretty awesome. That's what it's all about," as he and teammates then gathered around edge of the dugout to watch the beautiful display which seemed symbolic on such a special day.

Trailing by a run thanks to a titanic 400-plus foot blast off the bat of Jake Eigsti to left center, Staten Island rallied in their final at bat. After Snyder worked a walk off Brooklyn reliever Stephen Clyne (1-1), center fielder Matt Morris dragged a perfect sac bunt which Clyne had trouble fielding to put the first two on. Sublett then followed with a hard hit grounder which went underneath Jacobs' glove for the second error of the inning, allowing Snyder to score from second to tie it.

With runners on the corners and nobody out, slugging catcher Jose Gil who earlier accounted for the club's prior two runs with a two-run home run in the fourth couldn't drive home the winner. Instead, he flew out to short right.

Just when it looked like the Cyclones might somehow escape, they messed up a chance to get the second out. With Morris running on contact from third, left fielder Austin Krum grounded to second baseman Micah Schilling who was playing in at the edge of the grass and immediately came home. Morris was a dead duck. So he backpedaled and got himself in a rundown. But third baseman J.R. Voyles was unable to apply the tag instead dropping the ball which allowed everyone to be safe loading the bases with an out.

It got even wackier when Clyne predictably uncorked a wild pitch which allowed Morris to cross the plate with the winning run to give his ballclub an unlikely win before a raucous atmosphere as fireworks went off.

"It was exciting. It's always against top rivals like Brooklyn. So it was a pretty big win for us," reliever Phil Bartleski pointed out after failing to pickup the save when he permitted a one out opposite field double to Ender Chavez which forced extras.

"Everybody played till the last out. That's all we can ask for out of everybody. We got two more games. Take these next two or at least one going into the All Star break. These are big games right here," eluding to the big three-game set with Game 2 later tonight at Keyspan Park before they return to the Ferry terminal tomorrow.

"It was good to comeback and get that win in front of the home fans. Especially against Brooklyn and take a game back when we're trying to catch them," explained reliever Craig Heyer after tossing three innings of one-run ball in relief of starter Dellin Betances and Jason Kiley.

"It just came down to the end and we were able to squeeze it out right there. There were some weird plays but we got the win. So that's all that matters."

The night started off with Betances working in and out of trouble. Despite not having his best stuff and walking the same amount of batters (six) he fanned, the 19 year-old Brooklyn native who was drafted by the Yankees last year showed plenty of resolve in tossing 89 pitches over four and two thirds scoreless.

"I liked the way he kept his poise and sort of pushed his way through it," praised skipper Mike Gillespie about the former Grand Street High School star. "I think he is a mature kid. I personally have been very impressed with his maturity beyond his years. I haven't seen him be rattled."

Most impressive was that when the young hurler needed to dial up a big pitch to squeeze out of a bases loaded jam he created, Betances painted the outside corner on a full count to catch Jacobs looking which ended the third.

"It was pretty hard," the 6-9 righthander explained of rainy conditions which made the mound slippery. "I was glad to get that pitch cause I was kind of [upset] that I walked the bases loaded. So I was glad I got that last strike to strike [Jacobs] out."

He finished strong by striking out the last two batters reaching his pitch count before giving way to the bullpen. Given a two-run lead on Gil's blast to left for his second dinger in two days, they pitched well but couldn't hold it which setup the crazy finish.

Gillespie knew how important it was to get this first one:

"We haven't talked to our players about the fact that it is a big series but I certainly think all the coaches think it's a big series. Even though it's early, it's getting to be less early. ... To have them get out there with too big a gap is not a little thing. I certainly don't like the idea of falling further and further behind.

They've been hot and I think they're good.


Notes: Despite allowing a homer to Eigsti in the eleventh, Staten Island reliever Kyle Hollander cameback to retire the side and pickup his first win. He also came on for Bartleski in the 10th with runners in scoring position with just an out and got out of a tight situation when Will Vogl's suicide squeeze backfired. Gil quickly grabbed the ball before just getting back to the plate in time to tag out Matt Bouchard. Hollander would then get Jordan Abruzzo on a comebacker to end the threat.

"I'm sure glad it came out like it did because I think the surprising thing would be that at some point I didn't ask for a pitchout," an unsurprised Gillespie said. "Julio Mascara, our third base coach pointed out the squeeze as a possibility and I was just guessing for a count. ... They have shown in the few games that we've played that there's a lot in their bag."

Summing up the game, 31 different players were used including 17 Baby Bombers. That included three pinch hitters and nine total pitchers (Bkln- 4 S.I.- 5). ... Since a 1-4 start, the S.I. Yanks have won seven of 10.

Baby Bombers rally past Renegades

STATEN ISLAND, NY- Sometimes, a comeback win can build character. For Mike Gillespie's ballclub, maybe this is the start of something big.

"I think so," the skipper said. "We have played better. We have these new players which has helped. I think we have just about everybody we're going to have. I understand that the Yankees have signed the Pope guy. The pitcher taken in the third round. ... These guys that have come have made a difference."

Trailing 4-0, the Baby Bombers scored seven straight in the fifth and sixth to rally past the Renegades 7-5 before an energized 4,307 at Richmond County Bank Ballpark Sunday. It was their second win in a row and sixth in their last eight to push them over .500 (7-6), remaining just two behind first place Brooklyn who also won.

"Baseball's a funny game. You never know what's going to happen. A hit here. A hit there. A little momentum is all we needed," explained DH Isaiah Howes after coming around to score one of his team's runs. "In this organization, we don't accept losing. We're out there to win. It's fun when you win. That's what we try to do."

It didn't start well. Starter Angel Reyes didn't make it through two innings to put Staten Island in an early 3-0 hole. Hudson Valley struck for two in the first on back-to-back one out hits from Cody Cipriano (double) and Stephen Vogt. The southpaw got into more trouble in the second. After getting the first out, he allowed three consecutive hits including a Maiko Loyola run-scoring single which made it a three-run deficit.

After walking his third batter in one and a third to load the bases, he was pulled in favor of reliever Phillip Bartleski. The righty was able to limit the damage by getting Vogt to bounce into a 4-6-3 double play.

"I knew I had to throw strikes and I got a great defense behind me," the cool middle reliever pointed out after tossing two and two thirds scoreless to keep his team afloat. "I just had to hit some spots and let the defense do the work."

Before the comeback got started in the home fifth, reliever Ryan Zink allowed a Henry Wrigley RBI double which made it four zip. But Zink later settled down to toss five solid innings allowing two runs (1 ER) while whiffing four to improve to 2-0.

"We got some good arms on the staff and really, pitching can carry a ballclub and today, from the fifth inning on, they were lights out," noted Howes. "We got the momentum in the fourth or fifth inning and we built on that throughout the game. And our pitching shut them down."

After failing to capitalize early on against knuckleballer Diego Echeverria (0-3) with even one inning ending on a bizarre 1-5-2-6-6-2 twin killing, the Bombers finally got it going by pushing across three in the fifth. Left fielder D.J. Hollingsworth was hit by a pitch and came around to score when catcher James LaSala's single to right was booted by Epifanio De Leon allowing the speedy runner to score all the way from first.

The big blow came off the bat of second baseman Damon Sublett, who drilled his second home run of the week for a two-run blast to right with two outs which sliced the deficit to one.

"I was just looking for a ball up. My other at bats, [Echeverria] threw me a couple of pitches that were up and out and I was just looking for one in and he gave me one," Sublett pointed out.

The game seemed to turnaround after that.

"We definitely started having better at bats after that. Early in the game, we kind of were up there swinging at first pitches. Not having good at bats. But after that, we locked in and did some things."

After Zink got the Renegades in order, the Bombers nearly batted around for four more in the sixth. They loaded the bases with one out before Claudio Rodriguez replaced Echeverria. In a recent home win, Sublett tagged him with a long dinger. This time, a walk to pinch hitter Austin Krum knotted it before center fielder Taylor Holliday delivered a tiebreaking two-run single to center for S.I.'s first lead. Shortstop Luis Nunez followed with a sac fly which scored Krum to put them ahead 7-4.

"In the beginning, we'd get down and kind of give in. But we had a pretty good game. Some good at bats. If our pitching's on, I don't think we're beatable," third baseman Justin Snyder said after being on base twice and scoring a run. "It seems like everyone's getting knocks."

It was enough to hold up. After giving one run back on an eighth inning Greg Sexton single, Zink got the final three outs on a 6-6-4 DP and a groundout to Nunez.


Notes: Staten Island used all three backstops with LaSala finishing 1-for-2 before Frank Lonigro replaced him after Krum pinch hit. Jose Gil then came on in the final inning to catch Zink. ... Baby Bombers travel to Hudson Valley for Game 2 of the series before concluding it tomorrow night back at St. George.

Bomber bats spring to life during win streak

STATEN ISLAND, NY- The offense is here. It had to happen eventually.

After a slow start in which they produced only four total runs in three straight losses to fall to 1-4, the Baby Bombers have finally got it going during a current three-game win streak in which they've outscored opponents 24-13.

That included an 8-5 victory at home last night over Hudson Valley to get back to .500. In the win, Staten Island produced its first two home runs of the season with second baseman Damon Sublett smacking a two-run line drive to right in the fifth and first baseman Chase Odenreider two innings later going deep to left with his own two-run shot which gave the ballclub some much needed insurance.

Especially when the Renegades' Henry Wrigley cameback with a two-run shot of his own an inning later which proved to be the final margin.

“It’s always big to keep adding runs. It gets them down and then if you look back, the kid hits a two-run homer, it’s a different game,” right fielder David Williams pointed out.

“I finally connected with one but I got to give it to our defense played well and our pitchers threw really well also," Odenreider added.

The offensive production was a welcome sight.

“We’re starting to come around a little bit. It’s a lot more fun winning and looking forward to the next few games,” the first baseman also said as his team got ready to leave for Hudson Valley. They'll attempt to complete a sweep later tonight before playing three at Aberdeen starting Thursday.

One of the things most agreed on was that getting adjusted at this level would take a little time because you had a lot of college players who used metal bats as compared to wood.

"I think with all the college kids coming from the aluminum bats over to the wood, it takes a little time adjusting," left fielder D.J. Hollingsworth eluded to. "They're really good players. So I think it's starting to click for them."

"Yeah. I think everybody is getting pretty comfortable now and we're getting lofty a little bit. This is going to be a good team. So hopefully, we can keep swinging it," Sublett noted after his first professional homer.

"I think it's just time to come around," Williams added after a two hit night. "A lot of us are coming out of college. We're using metal bats. Obviously, pitching is a step up and using the metal bat, there's always an adjustment. So I think probably a week, two weeks in, we're starting to get the hang of it. We're getting good pitches to hit."

The recent turnaround couldn't have come at a better time for first-year skipper Mike Gillespie.

“It’s giant. Giant," he explained. "I think guys are getting to know each other a little more. Getting a feel for what this level is all about. I’m very encouraged by what we’ve seen. Not just the wins. But by the way they’ve looked and the way they’ve handled themselves.”

One aspect the former USC manager has been encouraged by is that it's not just a couple of guys.

"It's the best nights we've had with the bats. And down through the lineup. Several guys. Guys that don't get to play all the time who haven't done a whole lot when they have played. The homerun by Odenreider was giant. Hollingsworth had a good night. Did a couple of things real well. Sublett has done a lot of good things for us. [Austin] Krum has come to life a little bit."

He also singled out one of his key role players who could be vital this summer to the team's success.

"[Justin] Snyder's a good player. He's a versatile player. He's a real valuable player. This summer, I wouldn't be surprised if he'll play six different positions," about the leadoff man who manned the hot corner Tuesday night and was on-base four different times (2 hits, 2 walks) with a run scored.

"He's got a good chance to be a real good professional utility player."

With three more players coming who Gillespie hinted should all see playing time, things are looking up for the Bombers.