Bethesda falls to Aces in first loss of the season

Box Score

ROCKVILLE, Md. — On Thursday night, the Bethesda Big Train traveled to Alexandra to take on the Aces. The Big Train fell to the Aces, 7-5.

The game relied on base hits and outstanding outfielders to keep the game close. The Aces were able to hold the Big Train scoreless and took a one-nothing lead in the first inning.

The second inning saw some life for Bethesda as they took their first lead of the night. Matthew Westley (Virginia Tech) was able to single and advance to first. Landon Franklin (Kentucky) saw a wild pitch, advancing Wesley to second, before hitting a double that brought him home.

Jack Guerrero (James Madison) hit a single bringing in the leading run but was caught stealing to end the inning.

Luca Perriello (Virgina Tech) was also able to steal the momentum from the Aces as he threw down their running attempting to steal second. This out would end the inning and allow the Big Train to keep their lead.

“I was just kind of doing my thing back there and I work on it every day. My goal is to keep as many runners at first base as possible,” said Perriello.

The Aces were able to tie the game at 2-2 in the third.

The fourth inning saw the Big Train take the lead for the final time after Franklin was able to score off a single from Carter Newman (Virginia Tech).

Jordan Capuano (UNC-Wilmington) subbed in on the mound for Aaron Ceniceros (Cal State Fullerton) in the middle of the fourth.

Capuano’s three up, three down bottom of the fifth inning held the Aces scoreless. Bethesda was also unable to capitalize in this inning.

Both Jackson Giacone (Cal State Fullerton) and Guerrero were able to contact the ball in the sixth, but the Aces outfielders were able to snag the balls.

The Aces extended their lead by four, 7-3, in the bottom of the sixth.

The seventh inning was full of more bat connections. Jaden Bastian (Jacksonville), Perriello and Newman hit high and long drives to each part of the outfield. But once again, the Aces outfielders were there to secure the outs.

There was a rise in hope for the Big Train as they were able to score two more runs in the eighth inning.

Bethesda gave it one last shot in the ninth inning but history repeated itself and any ball hit into the outfield was snatched for an out.

“I think we could’ve had some better energy. We’re kind of dead in the first couple innings but towards the end we got a little better,” said Perriello.

The Big Train are back at Shirley Povich Field tomorrow to take on the Southern Maryland Senators at 7 p.m.