Both dominant pitching and strong hitting have contributed to the Big Train’s early season success: Logan Driscoll (George Mason) leads the team in batting average with a .462 clip, and his average and six hits are both good for second in the CRCBL. Jacob Koos (Stetson) and Michael Emodi (Creighton) sport averages at or above .300.

As good as the offense has been in the season’s early goings, the Big Train’s pitching has been truly lights-out, demonstrated by the team’s 1.49 ERA, which is second in the CRCBL.

The Big Train improved to 4-0 with a win against the Silver Spring-Takoma T-Bolts at Blair Stadium yesterday. Starter Ty Madrigal (St. Mary’s) earned the win by tossing five innings of two-run ball and notching six strikeouts. Relievers Cam Vassar (James Madison) and Kevin Milam (St. Mary’s) combined for four scoreless innings, with Milam picking up his first save of the season.

Milam not only pitched in relief but also batted fifth as the designated hitter, continuing in his role as a two-way player that he established throughout his Freshman season at St. Mary’s College. He knocked in two of the five runs on a first-inning double.  

“He’s got a great arm,” manager Sal Colangelo said of Milam after yesterday’s game. “He throws a heavy ball, he’s got good stuff and he’s got great, great bat speed. He’s just a great hitter. He’s a very, very special person. He’ll be one [that] one day will be in the big leagues.”

The Big Train played the Giants in preseason action last Saturday, dropping the contest by a score of 13-9. Now, with a revamped roster that includes newly-arrived Sacramento State players Vinny Esposito and James Outman, the team will look to earn a win when it counts to remain the only undefeated team in the Ripken League.

The first pitch at Shirley Povich Field is at 7 pm. Come out and cheer on the Big Train and celebrate Homer’s birthday! As always, be sure to follow the game live on Twitter (@gobigtrain) and tune into Max Wolpoff and P.J. Glasser’s broadcast (mixlr.com/big-train).