Big Train Thunders to Victory Over Braves
On Thursday night, The Bethesda Big Train rolled to an 8-3 win over the Herndon Braves at Shirley Povich Field. They were helped by strong hitting and pitching performances.

The Big Train started off strong after Bert Smith (Jacksonville State) scored on a stolen base and a wild pitch by Braves starter Phillip Deane (VCU) in the bottom of the first. They led 2-0 the next inning after Jon Karcich (Santa Clara) scored on an error by Braves second baseman Val Arduini (Binghamton). But the Braves stayed in the game, for a little while at least.

In the top of the 3rd, Arduini scored on Matthew Kulbacki's (Kutztown) groundout
to Big Train shortstop Steven Leach (Jacksonville State) and were only down by a run. Chris Johnson (James Madison) scored from third on Chance Harst's (Southern Mississippi) passed ball to tie up the game. The Braves then took the lead in the next inning when Dane Grandizio (Bucknell) scored on a no out groundout by Arduini.

However, the Big Train roared back, scoring at least one run in each of the remaining innings. They scored three in the 5thwhen the Braves committed three errors. Pat Minogue (Northern Illinois) also slammed a homer to left. The Big Train scored one run in each of the following innings. Karcich put the game away in the 8thwhen he belted a home run to deep left.

The Big Train also did not surrender a run after the Braves scored in the 4th. It was the Big Train's bullpen's effectiveness that got to the Braves. The Big Train used three different relievers: Brett Smalley (Middle Tennessee St.), Quinn Ewert (Michigan St.), and Collin Cargill (Southern Mississippi). Combined they struck out three, walked one
batter in five innings work and gave up no runs.

Braves: 002.100.000..3.9.5
Big Train: 110.031.11X..8.6.1

WP: Smalley
LP: Deane

NOTES: The Big Train welcomed Keyote of the Frederick Keys along with the League of Women Voters. Moments after the game ended, rain started to downpour. Tonight's attendance was 305 fans. The Big Train's next game is Friday, July 6, 2007. The game will be held at Shirley Povich Field at 7:30 PM against the College Park Bombers.

Box Score