Big Train Sweep Doubleheader with Two Walk-Offs!

by Zack Stone
Big Train Staff Writer
E-mail the Big Train writers at writers@bigtrain.org!

After a thrilling 5-4 walk-off win over the Beltway Blue Caps, the Bethesda Big Train managed to save the best ending for last before a crowd of 682 at Shirley Povich Field. After being shut down by the Senators of the Industrial League for 8 innings, the Big Train scored seven runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the game in dramatic fashion, 8-7.

The Big Train started off well, taking the lead in the bottom of the 1st inning. Shortstop Drew Lee (Morehead State) began the game with a double off the left field fence. Lee scored after tagging up on successive fly balls from right fielder Ben Jones (Auburn) third baseman Steven Leach (Jacksonville State).

This run was scored against a former major league baseball pitcher, Pete Schourek, the starter for the Senators. Schourek's 11-year major league career was highlighted by a 2nd place finish in the NL CY Young Voting in 1995.

Big Train starting pitcher Cody Allen (Central Florida) went three scoreless innings to begin the game before giving way to Chase Tigert (San Francisco).

The Senators scored three runs in the fourth inning against Tigert. The Senators added a run in the fifth, two in the sixth, and one in the seventh to extend the lead to 7-1.

After being silenced for seven innings, the Big Train offense exploded in the ninth inning. Leach singled to right field, and advanced to third after a double from center fielder Luke Adkins (Mississippi). First baseman Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) singled in a run, and a walk by catcher Seth Williams (Michigan State) loaded the bases. Designated hitter Scott Schneider (Saint Mary's) drew another walk to push home a run, reloading the bases and narrowing the margin to 7-3. Second baseman Cory Briggs (Ozarks) ripped a line drive through the third baseman's legs and into left field. The left fielder bobbled the ball, allowing two runners to score, and Briggs to advance to second base. Left fielder Quinn Ewert (Illinois State) hit a grounder to third base, and reached first safely on a throwing error.

Once again, the bases were loaded with nobody out, and now the score was 7-5. Lee followed with a sharp line drive to center field, which was almost reeled in by the diving centerfielder. This hit scored a run, and kept the bases loaded. Right fielder Ben Jones singled to right field, plating the tying run.

The inning ended with the batter who began it: Leach hit a fly ball to left field. It may have been deep enough for Ewert to tag and score, but that question will never be answered. The Senators closed the game with another error, as the left fielder dropped the ball, sending the Big Train scrambling onto the field in euphoric fashion after their opening day ended with two walk-off victories.

Billy Murphy (Rutgers), who pitched a scoreless ninth inning, earned the win.

Game Notes: Orioles Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson celebrated the 25th anniversary of his hall-of-fame induction with Big Train, signing autographs between games...SportsTalk 980 radio show host Andy Pollin was also in attendance signing autographs, and Pollin announced the opening inning...The Black Athletes, Lost Legends foundation brought many exhibits commemorating the Negro Leagues' memory...Hopkins and Porter provided free admission and a Big Train schedule magnet to all fans.