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

Saturday, June 25, 2009
by Zach Stone
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Box Score
In a highly anticipated matchup between the league's top two teams, the Bethesda Big Train prevailed over Youse's Maryland Orioles 9-7 in a back-and-forth affair. The game featured five lead changes, and the outcome was still in doubt until the final out.

The Big Train started the game strong, as Jarrod Parks (Mississippi State) doubled off the wall to score Danny Stienstra (San Jose State) from first base. After the Orioles tied the game in the bottom of the first inning, the Big Train re-took the lead with an RBI double by Player of the Game Michael Bottoms (Morehead State).

Once again, the Orioles tied the game, this time at 2-2, but the Big Train fought back to re-take the lead. A triple by Connor Bernatz (San Francisco) plated Justin Roland (UNC-Charlotte).

The Orioles went on to answer the Big Train run with three runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth inning. A two-RBI single highlighted the inning for the Orioles, and helped the Orioles take a 5-3 lead.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Big Train offense exploded for five runs, giving Bethesda the lead for good. With the bases loaded and one run already in, Mike Celenza (Salisbury) pinch hit, and delivered a 2-RBI single to take a 6-5 lead. The base-knock knocked out Orioles starting pitcher Jeff Bradley. The Big Train added two more runs in the inning to take a 8-5 on RBI singles from Bernatz and Eli Boike (Michigan State).

"We just kept battling," Bottoms said. "Hitting is contangious. We all had good ABs."

Bottoms, who had three hits and 2 RBIs, also contributed a great diving stab in the ninth inning to preserve the lead. The night featured plenty of great defense, as Bernatz and Boike both made tremendous diving catches early in the game.

Game Notes: Tonight was Orioles Night, as the Oriole Bird and "Shakey" the Lemonade Guy appeared and threw out honorary first pitches...Louie, the mascot of the Bowie Baysox, also appeared...Tonight's attendance was 500...Tonight's attendance raised a season high $277...All fans in attendance won a free milkshake from Chick-fil-A tomorrow because the Big Train beat the Orioles...the Non-Profit of the Night was the The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington..