Nothing has come easy for the 45+ Cyclones this season, and that was certainly the case this past Sunday in a tough, extra-innings 11-10 win over the Yankees at New Scotland. Manny Marrufo picked up his first win of the season in relief of Bob Weitz, and helped his own cause with 3 hits and 2 RBI's in a game that saw several lead changes, and, in the end, two bad breaks for the Yankees in the 8th inning. The first came on a base hit by the Cyclones' Mark Mitchell. It started out as a routine ground ball to third, but the ball inexplicably hopped over the Yankee third baseman's glove and into left field....a big hit that kept the Cyclones' final rally alive. Then, following a 2-out intentional walk to Harold Jenkins that loaded the bases, Read Shepherd watched a 3-2 pitch from Don Dunham bounce into the dirt, and the Cyclones had their third win of the year.

After giving up 3 in the first inning, the Cyclones came back with two in the bottom of the first, then roared ahead to a 7-3 lead a couple of innings later. The Yankees tied it in the 4th, went ahead, 8-7 in the 6th, then carried a 10-8 lead into the 7th, but a double by the Cyclones' Frank Kerbain was the big hit that tied the game and sent it into extra innings.

Thanks to Don and the Yankees. It's always that much more special to play well and beat a really good team, and I know you guys will go a long way this season.

Busy weekend ahead for the Cyclones. We go against Jimmy K and the Giants on Saturday morning at Satellite, then a special 5 pm Father's Day make-up at New Scotland against Artie and the Blue Jays. That game to follow the Father-Son games.