Big Train Downs Redbirds Twice


On a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Shirley Povich Field, the Big Train swept a doubleheader against the Maryland Redbirds in convincing fashion, winning 9-1 in the first game and 10-2 in the second. The Big Train won their third and fourth consecutive games and improved to a terrific 5-1 at home.

First Game
by Bryan Oringher, Will Sisco and Jason Weingardt

In the first game, The Big Train bats got on the board early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first. Bert Smith (Jacksonville State) led off the inning with a bunt base hit and later stole second. Later in the inning, Clay Whittemore (Jacksonville State) and Evan Friedland (Michigan State) drove in Steven Leach (Jacksonville State) and Andrew Foster (Bowling Green) on back-to-back RBI singles up the middle.

In the second inning, The Big Train tacked on a run when Smith scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Leach. The Big Train put up another run on an RBI triple by Andrew Foster to make the score 4-1.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Big Train put the game out of reach. The Big Train scored five runs in the inning on RBIs from Smith, Chance Harst (Southern Mississippi), Whittemore and Friedland.

Starting Pitcher Keith Moreland (Charlotte) pitched well for The Big Train, striking out three in his five innings of work while walking none, allowing just one run on five hits. In relief, Brett Smalley (Middle Tennessee State) pitched two scoreless innings and struck out four.

Maryland Redbirds...010..000..0...... 1 8 3
Bethesda Big Train...210..105..9...... 1 1 2

WP: Keith Moreland
LP: Anthony Gibbons

Box Score (Game 1)

Second Game
By Brian Oringher and Jason Weingardt

In the second game, the Big Train' offensive showcase continued. The Big Train scored all ten of their runs in two huge rallies, scoring four in the third and six in the fourth, as the top of the lineup set the table for most of the runs. Second baseman Bert Smith, hitting leadoff, went 2-4 with two runs, an RBI, and a steal, going 4-7 on the night three steals and five runs. Shortstop Steven Leach continued to produce behind Smith, going 3-4 with two runs, 2 RBI, and a steal.

First baseman Evan Friedland swung a hot bat at the plate. After going 2-4 with two RBI in the first game, Friedland smashed a double with the bases loaded to drive in three. RF Andrew Foster continued to be a tough out, reaching base six times in eight plate appearances on the night.

The Big Train's pitching continued to be stellar, limiting the Redbirds to only seven hits in the seven-inning game. Starter Mitch Herold (Central Florida) pitched effectively into the fifth inning, earning the win after giving up only two runs on five hits while striking out six. Costa Kapothanasis (Mt. St. Mary's) came on to pitch two scoreless innings in relief, while Quinn Ewert (Michigan State) pitched one scoreless inning to close the out the doubleheader sweep for the Big Train.

After the game, manager Sal Colangelo received a shaving cream pie to the face, as the team celebrated the double-header sweep. The Big Train improved to 8-5 on the season after winning their fourth consecutive game.

Maryland Redbirds...010..010..0...2 6 2
Bethesda Big Train...004..600..1...0 15 2

WP: Mitch Herold
LP Jake Quigg

Box Score (Game 2)

Game Notes: Tonight the Big Train welcomed the Oriole Bird as well as SportsTalk 980's Andy Pollin, who treated Big Train fans to free Turkey Hill ice cream... The Big Train welcomed the Hometown USA barbershop chorus, who sang multiple songs throughout the evening... The Big Train also welcomed all scouts who got free admission into the game... The Carl M. Freeman Foundation Non-Profit of the Night was the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes... Tonight's sponsor was metroBethesdaRotary... The next game at Povich Field will be Sunday, June 24th at 7:30 P.M against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts.