Big Train Rally in 8th to Spoil Express' Home Opener, 5-3

Sunday, June 8, 2008
by Reid Kellam
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Box Score

On a hot and muggy evening, the Bethesda Big Train defeated the Rockville Express to pick up their first win of the season, and spoil the defending CRSCBL champion's home opener.

The Big Train jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the top of the first inning after first baseman Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) drove in Zack Kim (San Fransisco) with a single.

Big Train starter Scott Schneider (Saint Mary's) ran into trouble in the bottom of the third when the Express loaded the bases with only one out. Steven Leach (Jacksonville State) bailed out the Big Train when he caught a line drive and doubled off the runner at first.

Schneider was able to pitch four scoreless innings, before being relieved by Todd Fitzgerald (California), who shut down the Express before running into trouble in the bottom of the seventh. With one out and a man on second, Todd Eskelin roped a double to left field that brought in a run. After Fitzgerald was relieved by Kris Brown (Rider), the Express added another run to take a 2-1 lead.

In the top of the eighth inning, with the bases loaded and two outs, Kim was able to drive in third baseman Michael Cipolla (Saint Mary's) with a single to right field to even the score at 2.

The Big Train loaded the bases with only one out to start the ninth inning, after three straight walks by Express pitcher Shane Ikner. Cipolla delivered in the clutch with a towering double to left field that scored two runs to put the Big Train ahead 4-2. After Ryan Mulligan (Saint Mary's) drove in Luke Adkins (Mississippi State) with a sacrifice fly, the Big Train took a 5-2 lead heading into the last half of the ninth.

Derek Caldwell (Rider) was the man manager Sal Colangelo called on to close out the game. After one run had already scored to make it 5-3, and the winning run just 180 feet away at 2nd base, Caldwell ended the game emphatically with a strike out.

Game Notes: A record high of 98 degrees at game time, along with a humidity level of 95%, made for conditions not normally reached until mid-summer, if at all...The game was stopped twice for minor injuries on both teams that amounted to 10 minutes in delays...The Big Train starting lineup was composed of 3 players from Saint Mary's (CA).