Bethesda Big Train Summer College Baseball

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Big Train Shut Down in Quest for 10th Straight

Friday, July 11, 2008
by Will Sisco and David Biel
e-mail the Big Train writers at writers@bigtrain.org!
Box Score

Attempting to stretch their winning streak to ten games, the Bethesda Big Train fell to Youse's Maryland Orioles on Friday night, 6-2. With the win, the Orioles extended their own winning streak to ten and also took over first place in the Cal Ripken Sr. League standings with a half-game lead over the Big Train.

The Orioles took the early lead as they put up three runs in the bottom of the first. The first three Orioles all singled to load the bases with no outs. Catcher Joe Velleggia then doubled in two runs and third baseman Patrick Long tacked on a third run with a sacrifice groundout to make the score 3-0.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Orioles added another to stretch their lead to four. Long led off the inning with a walk, before first baseman Tyler Massey doubled and designated hitter Chase Burnette walked to load the bases before second baseman Nick Natoli drove in Long with a sac fly to center.

The Big Train came back with two runs of their own in the top of the fifth inning. Third baseman Mike Cipolla (St. Mary's) led off the inning with a double. Back-to-back RBI singles off the bats of designated hitter Ryan Mulligan (St. Mary's) and catcher Dylan Tonneson (California) made the score 4-2.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, however, the Orioles tacked on another run with an RBI double by Velleggia. Another RBI double by Long in the seventh made the score 6-2.

The Big Train were able to get runners into scoring position in the eighth and ninth inning but were unable to score as the Orioles won with a final score of 6-2. The Big Train will face the Orioles once again tomorrow night at 7:30 in a battle for first place.

"In the past, we've had their number," manager Sal Colangelo said. "We just have to go home, say a prayer, and capitalize on their mistakes."

Game Notes: Tonight, the Big Train welcomed Uncle Slam, the mascot of the Potomac Nationals, as well as the Hometown USA Barbershop Chorus...The Big Train also welcomed Sarah Kramm, Miss Continental USA...The Non-Profit of the Night was the Manna Food Center, which provides food to nearly 2,000 households each month...Tonight's game was sponsored by Superior Iron Works, Inc...Tonight's attendance was 714. Tomorrow night is Boy Scout Night. All fans who wear their Boy Scout uniform to tomorrow night's game against the Orioles at 7:30 will get in free.