Bethesda Gets Explosive Seven Run Win Against Senators

BOXSCORE

ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Big Train defeated the Southern Maryland Senators 14-7 at Shirley Povich Field on Thursday Night. 

The Big Train found consistency with its bats as it scored in the first inning of the game. 

Luke Vaughn (Alabama) hit an RBI single that allowed Kenan Bowman (East Carolina) to put the first run on the board for Bethesda. 

Bethesda saw no runs in the second but starting pitcher Joey Wimpleberg (Central Florida) helped keep the lead as he pitched a shutout for the first three innings. 

“This start felt really good. I definitely came out a little too amped up, but I was efficient with my pitches,” said Wimpleberg. 

The third inning was the highest scoring for the Big Train as it was able to extend its lead by four runs. An RBI single from Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) brought home Bowman and Andrew Williamson (Central Florida). Then, a two RBI double from Josh Skowronski (Kentucky) brought home the final runs of the inning in Vaughn and Gonzalez, 5-0. 

The bats stayed hot for Bethesda even as the Senators were able to add a run, cutting the lead to four. The fourth inning saw one run added by catcher Cole Constable (Quinnipiac) after he was walked home, 6-1. 

Skowronski and Landon Franklin (Kentucky) both added runs for Bethesda on sacrifice flies in the fifth inning. The Big Train stretched its lead to 8-1.  

The sixth inning saw runs from both teams as Southern Maryland added another, but Bethesda responded with three of its own. 

Two RBI singles from Franklin and Williamson brought home Jordan Crosland (Maryland), Chris Diaz (Tulane) and Franklin, 11-2. 

“They’re starting to figure it out, definitely swinging it well in big moments especially when we're in scoring position, which is huge,” said Williamson. 

The Senators were able to come within striking distance of the Big Train as they put up four runs in the top of the seventh and held Bethesda scoreless, 11-6. 

The bats saw action again in the eighth as the Senators scored their final run, bringing their tally to seven and the Big Train added another three. 

Constable hit a sacrifice fly to right field allowing Franklin to score. But, Williamson ended the game with a bang as he sent a two run homer soaring over the right field fence. 

“My expectation is that we play from the first pitch to the last pitch and turn it on when we want to, but I’d like to see them turn it on more all of the time,” said manager Sal Colangelo. 

The Big Train are back in action Friday night against the Cropdusters at First Responders Field at 7 p.m. If you can’t be there in person, join us via the livestream!  

Notes: On Thursday night, 527 fans turned out for Seniors Night and Sister Cities Night for a game that lasted three hours and 47 minutes…. A first pitch was thrown out by Charlie Short on behalf of Leah Bradley with Community Heroes group Empowering the Ages…. The Big Train presented an individual Community Hero award to Charlie’s dad, long-time Montgomery County government official Chuck Short, one of Montgomery County’s most valued servant leaders…. Bob Levey threw out a first pitch for the sponsor of Seniors Night Beacon Newspapers…. Alicia Hannon threw out the first pitch on behalf of Montgomery Sister Cities, the group that sponsored a spectacular Year of the Dragon performance by the nine member Hung Ci Dragon Dance Troupe…. Geoff Sella threw out a first pitch for long-time Big Train sponsor SPC Financial…. Our special guest, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian, had his grandson Carson throw out a first pitch…. Big Train Co-Founder John Ourisman threw out a first pitch after a tribute from Co-Founder Bruce Adams who told the crowd “We would all be sitting on aluminum bleachers if not for John Ourisman’s leadership."…. The Capital Classics Quartet performed a pre-game concert and sang the National Anthem.