Big Train Pitching Flawless in Shutout Victory

by Bryan Oringher

Before a crowd of 722 at Shirley Povich Field on Thursday, June 14, the Bethesda Big Train won in a pitcher’s duel at its finest for their second straight victory, a 2-0 shutout win over the Maryland Redbirds.

Although Mike Stangroom (Ursinus) pitched seven scoreless innings in relief, the Big Train were able to score two runs in the bottom of the first inning off starter Travis Stewart (NW-Shoals CC) and chase him from the game. With one down in the first, SS Steven Leach (Jacksonville State) walked, RF Andrew Foster (Bowling Green) was hit by a pitch for the second straight game, and DH Travis Owens (Bowling Green) walked to set-up a bases-loaded RBI single for catcher Chance Harst (Southern Mississippi). LF Eli Boike (Michigan State) followed with an RBI ground-out to put the Big Train ahead 2-0, and Big Train’s pitchers never looked back.
Starter Jimmy Saris (Georgetown), making his season debut, was lights-out, giving up only one hit in five shutout innings while striking out five. Reliever Brian Anderson (San Francisco), who pitched 4.1 outstanding innings on opening day, was able to pitch 3.2 excellent scoreless innings in relief of Saris, while striking out three. With one out in the ninth inning and runners on second and third, Anderson was able to get a huge strike-out of 1B Brad Rifkin (Brown). With two out and runners on second and third, manager Sal Colangelo turned to Collin Cargill (Southern Mississippi) to get RF Gavin Swanson (George Washington), who had the night’s only extra-base hit after doubling earlier, to fly out to end the game.

The ninth inning was the only time the Redbirds threatened the whole game. Aside from a Swanson double earlier in the ballgame and a stolen base by Matt Boyd (George Washington), no other runners reached second base; as Saris, Anderson, and Cargill combined to pitch a four-hit shutout, while only walking three.

Game Notes: Tonight was Teacher Appreciation Night. All teachers received free admission, food, and beverages courtesy of the Montgomery County Education Association and the Big Train…The Big Train welcomed authors Fred Bowen, Charlie Vascellaro, and Larry Moffi, who were there to celebrate Slide Into a Good Book Night…Thanks to Chick-Fil-A for coming and providing coupons to lucky Big Train fans…Tonight’s non-profits were Friends of Library and Kids Enjoy Exercise Now… The Big Train will play the Maryland Redbirds again tomorrow night at Joe Cannon Stadium at 7:00 P.M…The next home game is Saturday, June 16th at 7:30 P.M. against the Herndon Braves.