Brian Sharp’s memorable first pro start comes with a blast

Brian Sharp can take a deep breath. He killed two birds with one swing — er, stone.

In his first professional start, the recently-drafted third baseman out of Missouri went deep Sunday at Staten Island. Not a bad result for his first-career professional hit. His opposite-field solo shot gave the Cyclones a 2–0 lead in the second inning of a rubber game.

LISTEN: Brian Sharp’s first pro home run

For the left-handed hitter, an “oppo taco” isn’t anything new. He works off of the outside corner with confidence, making that his approach.

“Most pitchers are going to throw the outer third of the plate,” Sharp said. “If I can tailor my swing to where most pitchers are throwing, it’s only going to be beneficial for me.”

Sharp blasted 12 home runs over his final two seasons at Mizzou, meaning he’s no stranger to the long ball. More importantly, his ability to drive the ball to the left side makes all the more dangerous.

“That’s just the way my swing has always played,” he said. “If I do get some balls up into left field they do tend to have some backspin and some carry to them.”

Facing hard-throwing Yankees farmhand Roansy Contreras Sunday, Sharp battled himself into a 3–2 count. His game IQ and instincts took over, and the rest is now history.

“It was the second inning, 3–2 count, I was pretty much expecting the fastball there, Sharp said. “I hit it pretty good, I knew I got barrel.”

With time to let it soak in, Sharp’s smile might have been more impactful than his explanation of the feeling. Of the homer, the 26th rounder called it “pretty cool.” But his smile showed more, and so did his game. He finished 3–5.

And speaking of killing two birds with one stone — picking up his first pro hit and home run at the same time — he was also able to snag a third piece of gold.

“I got to call my dad after the game and wish him a happy Father’s Day, so I hope he enjoyed that gift.”

Not a bad day at the office for the new professional.

— Keith

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Cyclones vs. Renegades (Tampa Bay) — 7 p.m. at MCU Park
RHP Jaison Vilera (first start) vs. RHP Nicholas Padilla (first start)
Tickets: brooklyncyclones.com/tickets
Listen: brooklyncyclones.com/listen
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