News

Big Train Fall Short In Gaithersburg

06/10/2014 8:18 PM

By:David Schneider

J.P. France pitched 5 innings and allowed no runs.

Box Score: L, 2-1

On Tuesday night at Criswell Automotive Field, the Bethesda Big Train looked to keep their unbeaten streak alive against the Gaithersburg Giants but came up just short as the Giants won, 2-1, in walk-off fashion on a single in the bottom of the 9th. J.P. France (Tulane) got the start for the Big Train and was fabulous, pitching five innings of one hit and no run baseball, while striking out seven batters. On the season, France has yet to give up a run, and has only given up four hits in 11 innings and has struck out 13 batters.

In a game where hits and runs were hard to come by, the starting pitchers and bullpen were fabulous. Each team gave up only four hits each, and the last single by the Giants left the Big Train walk-off losers.

The scoring did not start for either team until the bottom of the 6th inning, when the Giants were able to score on an error by Kevin Tatum (Cornell) at third base while Josh Thorne (Stetson) was pitching in relief. The Big Train looked to match the Giants run in the top of the 7th when Chris Lewis (Sacramento State) got to second base, but the Giants reliever quelled the chance with two quick outs to end the half inning.

The Big Train threatened to score again in the top of the 8th when Logan Farrar (Virginia Commonwealth) singled, and Ryne Willard (N.C. State) followed with a walk. Considering how hot the Big Train bats have been, it was a surprise when they were unable to cross the plate.

In the bottom of the 8th, Will Resnik (High Point), was able to escape a jam of his own, when the Giants lead off hitter doubled, and another batter singled and stole second base, to get a man on second and third with only one out in the inning. Resnik was able to strike out the next two batters, to complete a strike out of the side, to keep the game at 1-0 Giants.

Down 1-0, the Big Train needed something special in the 9th inning. And that is exactly what happened. After two errors by the Giants, the Big Train had a man on first and third when the Giants pitcher balked home Josh Spano (High Point) while Andrew Brown (San Diego State) was batting.

Tied at one apiece in the bottom of the 9th. The Giants were able to walk and single two times to push across the winning run of the night.

Notes: The Big Train remain in first place with a record of 6-1....Grant Brown had two hits on the night....Come out Wednesday night against the Youse's Orioles for International Night!