Big Train Shutout Redbirds to Tie for 1st Place

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
by Zack Stone
e-mail the Big Train writers at writers@bigtrain.org!

On a warm Wednesday night in front of a crowd of 507 at Shirley Povich Field, the Bethesda Big Train notched their 12th win of the season, dominating the Maryland Redbirds 9-0. This victory moved the Big Train into a tie for first in the CRSCBL with Youse's Maryland Orioles.

The Big Train used the long ball to take control of the game, beginning the onslaught in the second inning. With two outs and Ryan Mulligan (Saint Mary's CA) on first, right fielder Ben Jones (Auburn) launched his first home run of the season to right-field.

Jones, who went 2-3 with 3 RBIs, was named the Webcast Player of the Game.

"I've started slow, but we've been playing great as a team, and hopefully we can win a championship," Jones said.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Big Train added another two-run homer. After a double by Jones, Steven Leach (Jacksonville State) circled the bases, making the score 4-0.

The Big Train tacked on a run in the sixth and four in the seventh to remove any doubt as to the outcome of the game. To begin the sixth, Michael Cipolla (St. Mary's CA) reached first on an error, and advanced to third on a double by Jordan King (Meridian CC). He was brought home with a sacrifice fly from none other than Ben Jones.

The Big Train offense exploded in the seventh inning even though the inning began slowly, as Leach flied out to center field. A single by Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) got the ball rolling, and a walk from Dylan Tonneson (California) followed. Back to-back doubles by Luke Adkins (Mississippi State) and Cipolla scored two runs, making the score 7-0. The Big Train went on to add two more runs before the Redbirds could record a third out.

One run, let alone nine, would have been plenty for the Big Train pitching staff tonight. Cody Allen (Central Florida), Todd Fitzgerald (California), Quinn Ewert (Illinois State), and Seth Williams (Michigan State) combined for a five-hit shutout. Allen, who started the game, led the way with six strikeouts in his five innings. Fitzgerald struck out three batters while allowing no base-runners in two innings of relief.

Game Notes: The Big Train have now won all three games against the Maryland Redbirds this season...The Big Train welcomed Fred Day, author of Dream Team: Saints and Gentle Souls From the World of Sports and Clubhouse Lawyer: Law in the World of Sports...The game was sponsored by Sandy Spring Builders. The Big Train thank them for their work on the new entrance to the park...The Non-Profit of the Night was KEEN, an organization that provides one-on-one opportunities for youth with physical and mental disabilities.