Bethesda Big Train Summer College Baseball

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In Scorching Heat, Big Train Split Another Two


Sunday, July 20, 2008
by Zach Stone
e-mail the Big Train writers at writers@bigtrain.org!
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

Game 1:

Playing a doubleheader in 90 degree heat, the Bethesda Big Train did what they could to conserve energy in game one. The offense did just enough to compliment dominant pitching, beating the College Park Bombers 3-2, in under two hours.

The Big Train were unable to register a hit, let alone score, against Bombers' starter Darren O'Brien. Luckily for the Big Train, O'Brien was pulled after three innings, presumably because of the heat.

Big Train starter Andrew Smith (Charlotte) allowed only one run in his five innings, never allowing an extended rally. Smith struck out three, while only walking one. That one walk Smith surrendered was to Corey Todhunter, in the second inning. Remarkably, this would be Todhunter's least productive plate appearance of the game.

In his next at bat, in the fifth inning, Todhunter unloaded on Smith's pitch, depositing it over the scoreboard in left-center field.

The Big Train offense awoke in their half of the fifth inning, against reliever Jack Amidei. Bethesda re-tied the game on an Eli Boike (Michigan State) single which plated Luke Adkins (Mississippi State).

In the seventh and final inning, the Big Train had to face Todhunter once again. Relief pitcher Connor Hoehn (Alabama), in his 2008 Big Train debut, fared no better than Smith. The only difference was that this Todhunter blast went over the right-centerfield fence. Hoehn pitched two scoreless innings against all of the other Bombers, but walked off the mound after the top of the seventh down 2-1, in line for the loss.

With the game on the line, the Big Train offense came through with timely hitting and a bit of luck. Drew Lee (Morehead State) reached second on a throwing error by Bombers' shortstop Brady Stouffer. Pinch-hitter Dylan Tonneson (California) delivered in his only at bat of the game, doubling down the left-field line. Not only did Tonneson earn the game tying RBI, but he also scored the game-winning run. After Tonneson advances to third on a groundout, the Bombers intentionally walked Zach Kim (San Francisco) and Ryan Mulligan (Saint Mary's CA) to load the bases and create a force at every base. Tonneson scored the winning run on Jordan King's (Meridian) groundball, as the Bombers could not turn the double play.

WP: Hoehn
LP: Doughty

2B: Tonneson, Celenza
3B: None
HR: Todhunter (2)

Game 2:

In game two of the doubleheader, the Big Train battled the Bombers along with the weather. Bethesda fell behind early, and could not come all the way back, finally succumbing 5-2. The game was delayed in the bottom of the fifth inning due to rain.

Big Train's starting pitcher did not have the birthday he was hoping for. Chase Tigert (San Francisco) didn't have his best day to put it lightly, allowing four runs in only one-third of an inning. Tigert struggled with his control; he walked two batters, hit two batters, and threw a wild pitch.

Despite this awful start to the game, the Big Train kept it close, thanks to a great night for the bullpen. Todd Fitzgerald (California) pitched four-and-two-thirds scoreless innings, with 4 strikeouts and no walks, and gave up only one hit.

While Fitzgerald held the Bombers at bay, the Big Train did manage to scratch across one run against Bombers' starter Mike Bell. Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) led off the second inning with a single, and came in to score after a walk by Dylan Tonneson (California) and a single by Ben Jones (Auburn).

Quinn Ewert (Illinois State) relieved Fitzgerald, allowing one run over two innings. Similar to game 1, the Big Train was victimized by the long ball. Ewert's lone blemish was a homerun by CRSCBL batting champ Mike Celenza, which made the score 5-1 heading into the final half inning.

Bethesda did not go quietly, however, putting together a rally in their last at bat. With two outs and nobody on base, the situation looked bleak. Back-to-back walks by Drew Lee (Morehead State) and Jordan King (Meridian CC) changed the complexion of the game. Single-machine Stienstra continued his hot hitting, knocking in Lee and moving King to third. All of the sudden, despite trailing by at least three runs since the top of the first inning, the Big Train were on a roll, and had brought the tying run at the plate. Unfortunately, the rally ended unceremoniously as Tonneson hit a weak grounder that resulted in a fielder's choice.

WP: Bell
LP: Tigert

2B: King
3B: None
HR: Celenza

Game Notes: Tonight's doubleheader was the last regular season meeting between these teams. Bethesda took the season series 4-2...The Big Train welcomed Tim Kurkjian from ESPN's Baseball Tonight as he made his annual appearance at Shirley Povich field...Tonight was also A Night Out for Arts Education presented by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, one of the non-profits of the night...The other non-profit was Montgomery County Television Inc...Tonight's games were sponsored by Print 1, a local printing and copying service...Tonight's attendance was 753.