Big Train Sweep Aces in Doubleheader

Thursday, June 26, 2008
by Zack Stone
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On a steamy hot night in Alexandria, the Big Train swept the Aces in a doubleheader, winning the first game 5-1 and the second game 6-3. Both games were seven innings, and two strong starting pitching performances led the Big Train all night as Scott Schneider (St. Mary's CA) got the win in the first game and Justin Wright (Virginia Tech) won the second. The offensive fireworks came in the second game when Zach Kim (San Francisco) and Drew Lee (Morehead St.) each hit solo home runs. Their homers were followed by a Jordan King (Meridian CC) grand slam to give the Big Train a comfortable 6-1 lead.

There was only one tense moment in the game when in the sixth inning the Aces threatened to make it close. With the score 6-3 and the bases loaded Manager Sal Colangelo called on Billy Murphy (Rutgers) to get the final two outs of the inning. Immediately he came in and struck out the first batter looking. With two outs, Murphy induced a high-chopping ground ball that he was able to snag over his shoulder, then spin around and make an incredible running throw to get the out and end the inning. The threat was over and so was any chance of an Aces' comeback. In the seventh Murphy stayed on to shut down the Aces 1-2-3 to end the game and record the save.