Championship Baseball is back in five districts.
On Tuesday night, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the High A affiliate of the Mets, clinched the South Atlantic League championship, narrowly defeating the Hub City Spartan Burgers 2-1. This victory marked the team’s third title in its history.
The Cyclones made a notable entrance into the full season of the South Atlantic League in 2021, a shift that came with the restructuring of minor league baseball. Previously, in 2019, they won while playing as a short-term squad in the now-defunct New York Penn League.
“This was lined up on the field on the left. It was John Bay waiting for it, and this whirlwind ride for the 2025 season came to its final destination,” exclaimed Cyclone broadcaster Justin Locke during the final out. “Your Brooklyn Cyclones, 2025 South Atlantic League champion!”
It was a strong season overall for the Cyclones, posting a franchise-record 72 victories in the regular season. They swept through the playoffs, defeating the Greensboro Grasshoppers in the Division Series before securing the championship against the Spartan Burgers in just two games.
The two runs scored by the Cyclones on Tuesday came early in the third inning, beginning with a triple. Shortstop Marco Balgas and designated hitter Matt Ruddick then contributed with crucial singles after left fielder Bay’s initial hit.
The Cyclones employed six different pitchers throughout the game, collectively giving up only one run while recording five hits. Notably, the team managed to hit 11 batters, a somewhat unusual statistic.
Hub City’s Rafe Perich did manage to bring in his team’s only run with two outs in the eighth inning, but Brooklyn’s reliever Bret Banks skillfully navigated a precarious situation, preventing a further rally where the Spartan Burgers had a chance to load the bases.
Ultimately, Antonis Masias faced a five-pitch at-bat that shortened the threat from Hub City.
Right-handed pitcher Dakota Hawkins was recognized for his contributions, pitching two effective innings while allowing just one hit and hitting four. Hoss Brewer achieved a save with a flawless ninth inning, striking out two batters.
