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The Bethesda Big Train failed to extend its winning streak on Monday, as the Rockville Express edged out a 2-1 victory at Shirley Povich Field to stop the Big Train winning streak at seven games.

The Big Train started off the contest hot as the team scored one run off four hits in the first inning. Its first four batters all got singles to start the game, with Chris Lewis’ (Sacramento State University) singling to bring in Cody Brown (Mississippi State University) from third.

Just as it seemed the Big Train could run away with this game, the Express pitching staff settled down as it only allowed four hits over the next 8 2/3 innings.

The Big Train threatened to come from behind late in the game as it has many a time during its winning streak. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Zack Kirtley (St. Mary’s College (CA)) doubled with one out and then reached third on a fielder’s choice, but Justin Morris (University of Maryland) could not bring him home.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Brandon Hunley (Sacramento State University) reached first on an error and then got to second quickly on a wild pitch, but the Big Train lineup again failed to score with a runner in scoring position.

Although the team lost, the Big Train pitching staff dominated for most of the game. Tim Yandel (Tulane) threw a no-hitter for 3 2/3 innings and only gave up three hits in total through 5 2/3 innings. From the third inning into the middle of the sixth inning Yandel threw 33 pitches and 31 of them were strikes.

Walker Sheller (Stetson University) also pitched well for the Big Train throwing 19 of 25 pitches for strikes and only allowing one hit. Unfortunately, that one hit was a homerun by starting Express first baseman Don Walsh that gave the Express a lead it would not relinquish.

Notes: Six of the nine Big Train hitters reached safely during the contest… Logan Farrar (Virginia Commonwealth University) reached twice on two bunt singles and Matt Toscano (St. Mary’s College) got hit by the pitch on two straight at-bats… The Big Train will play at the Silverspring Thunderbolts on Wednesday before returning home Friday night at 7:30 p.m. to host the Gaithersburg Giants on Nationals Night at the park.