Bethesda Big Train Summer College Baseball

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Huge 4th Inning Dooms Big Train


Monday, July 21, 2008
by Isaac Braun
e-mail the Big Train writers at writers@bigtrain.org!
Box Score

Monday night's game was defined by big innings by both the Big Train and the Alexandria Aces. The Aces overcame a strong start by Bethesda starting pitcher Cody Allen (Central Florida), who was nearly untouchable through three-and-two-thirds, with an 11 run two-out rally in the fourth inning Monday night at Shirley Povich Field. The Big Train made a mini-comeback after scoring five times in the eighth but still fell, 12-6.

The first three innings were a pitching dual with the starting pitchers combining to strike out six batters. But the Aces scored 11 runs in the top of the fourth with help from Danny Williams (Penn). Williams had five RBI in the fourth with a 2-run homer and a 3-run double. Aces pitcher Daniel Bifano (Cal State-Monterey Bay) shut out the Big Train for more than seven innings to help the Aces improve to 13-23. The Aces scored their 12th run in the top of the eighth when Tommy Grandieri (Penn) singled to right.

The Big Train threatened multiple times during the game. They first got on the board in the bottom of the seventh when Ben Jones (Auburn) hit a sacrifice fly to deep center with the bases loaded. They also scored five times in the eighth. Steven Leach (Jacksonville State), who was playing in his first game in over a month, singled to right, scoring both Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) and Seth Williams (Michigan State). Drew Lee (Morehead State) hit a three-run home run to left for his seventh of the season, tying the Big Train single-season record.

The Big Train fell to 27-11, 4 games back of Youse's Maryland Orioles for first place going into the All-Star Break.

Game Notes: Tonight was Homer's tenth birthday and the Big Train recognized him by throwing him a party in his honor presented by Gifford's Ice Cream...The Big Train thanked sponsor Richard Leggin Architects for being at the game tonight and for designing the new entrance to Shirley Povich Field...Don't forget to come Tuesday night to the 2008 CRSL Home Run Derby at 5:30 and the All-Star Game at 7:30, both at Povich Field...The next Big Train home game is on Friday...Tonight's attendance was 381.