Adkins Power Big Train, Matta Dominant in 6-5 win

Saturday, June 20, 2009
by Zach Stone and Jason Krakower
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Box Score

In a well-played Saturday evening game between the league's best, the Big Train came from down early to beat the Redbirds 6-5 and overtake first in the CRSL.

After three scoreless innings, the Redbirds got two runs on a solo home run and some help by a Big Train error in the top of the fourth. In the bottom of the inning, held hitless through three, the Big Train offense awoke in a big way. Jarrod Parks (Mississippi State) walked and then advanced to third on a single by Bulldogs' teammate Luke Adkins (Mississippi State). Jordan King (Meridian CC) walked to load the bases, Michael Bottoms (Morehead State) hit a sacrifice fly and Mason Morioka (San Francisco) followed with a two-run double before then scoring on an RBI single by Dons' teammate Connor Bernatz.

The Redbirds added three in the fifth, the Big Train offense was stymied before coming through again in the seventh. After two quick outs to start the inning, Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) was hit by a pitch and Parks singled before Adkins drove them both in with a booming two-run double. Adkins went 3-for-4 on the night and also stole two bases.

Mike Matta (Mt. St. Mary's) shined in relief for Bethesda, not allowing a single baserunner and striking out three while recording 7 outs to earn the win.

Game Notes: Tonight's attendance was 721...The Big Train "Bucks for Ballfields" Raffle raised $219 for youth ball-fields...The nonprofits of the night were Bethesda Green, Interfaith Works, and Friends of the Davis Library...Teachers received free admission and food courtesy of MCEA and the Big Train for Teacher Appreciation Night...The Train welcomed authors Jeff Potter and Tim Wendel for Slide into a Great Book Night. Former Big Train manager, Derek Hacopian was also in attendance.