Bellis, Gonzalez, Hauk Help Big Train Trample Aces 15-3

by Alex Rubinson

Big Train Pitching Staff by Mark Thalman

The Bethesda Big Train used a six-run fourth inning and a Drew Bellis (University of Central Florida) immaculate frame to power their way to a 15-3 win over the Alexandria Aces on Wednesday.

This was the first game all season the Big Train never trailed. In the second inning, Logan Ponnett (University of North Carolina Charlotte) led off the frame with a single. After Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic University) reached on an error, Josh Skowronski (Winthrop University) recorded his first RBI of the night with an infield knock. One batter later, Parker Corbin (University of Maryland) pounded a double to bring home Gonzalez. Later in the frame, catcher Diego Pena couldn’t handle the pitch, which allowed Skowronski to score the third run of the inning.

“Our guys got on base,” Sal Colangelo said. “Our goal is to play every pitch of every inning from the first pitch to the last pitch and give it our best and fight, fight, fight.”

In the bottom of the second, Bellis was on cruise control. The southpaw struck out the side on nine pitches for the rare immaculate inning. Bellis finished with 12 strikeouts and allowed just two runs through his five innings of work.

“I went out there with the mindset to go have fun and be a kid,” Bellis said. “The UCF staff and strength staff do a great job getting my body prepared.”

Drew Bellis by Mark Thalman

Bellis’ five strong innings is his second ace-like performance of the year for the Big Train. After pulling him out after three innings in his first start, his skipper knew Bellis was ready to work deeper into the ballgame his second time through the rotation.

“Drew set the tone,” Colangelo said. “You got to build him up and stay on his program.”

In the fourth, the Big Train gave its staff insurance and hung a crooked number. The Aces retired the first two batters quickly before Brett Ott (Sacramento State) doubled to start a six-run two-out rally. The left fielder scored on Jacob Hauk’s (University of Maryland) single up the middle. The Big Train loaded the bases when Payton Steele (University of Alabama) was hit by a pitch and Ponnett walked to add two more runs. Gonzalez had the big blow of the frame with a rocket two-run single. Skowronski secured his second RBI of the contest with a double.

Emilio Gonzalez by Mark Thalman

The Aces pecked away at the 9-0 lead deficit, scoring one run each in the fourth and fifth inning respectively. In the sixth, the Big Train took advantage of two walks and a two-base error. Ott worked the third walk of the inning to plate another run. Hauk followed Ott’s free pass with a two-run knock to take a 10-run lead.

James Gladden (University of Maryland) relieved Bellis and produced his best outing of the season. The righty faced just two over the minimum in two innings and struck out two in his outing. Gladden did walk three batters but caught a runner between second and third trying to steal.

“[He’s] coming back from an injury, had three outings and has gotten better every outing,” Colangelo said. “I can’t be any prouder of him.”

Already up 10, Colangelo’s lineup wasn't satisfied. Ponnett reached on an error and Gonzalez walked to start the final frame. Corbin continued his recent hot stretch with a run-scoring single. After Ott walked to load the bases, Hauk got hit by a pitch, as he recorded the painful RBI. The hit by pitch was Hauk's fourth RBI of the game. Two batters later, Wright worked the walk to score the Big Train’s 15th run of the night.

Jacob Hauk by Mark Thalman

Trevor Orth (Roanoke College) rounded out the pitching trio on Wednesday. The former Big Train game day intern gave up a run but struck out three in two solid innings of work to secure the Big Train’s third consecutive victory to put themselves over .500 for the first time this season.

The Big Train was very efficient on the night, as they scored 15 runs on just 13 hits. Six of the runs were unearned. The team nearly walked as much as it struck out (11 walks to 13 strikeouts). Meanwhile, Bellis, Gladden and Orth combined for 17 strikeouts and issued just 14 hits and walks combined. The Big Train has scored 10 or more runs in each of their last four contests. They have outscored their opponents 50-15 in their last three games.

The Big Train will return home to host the Olney Cropdusters today at 7 p.m.