Big Train clinches three seed with five-inning victory over Cropdusters

by Ian Domeika

Jake Titus pitching (Esther Frances)

OLNEY Md. — The Bethesda Big Train clinched a home playoff game and the third seed after a 6-1, rain shortened victory over the Cropdusters on Tuesday.

The game opened with a great start by pitcher Jake Titus (Kentucky), who recorded five strikeouts and allowed only one run in 4.2 innings of work.

“It shows all the hard work he’s put in since he came has been paying off. The results are there, and it will help us down the stretch for sure if he pitches like that,” said Big Train manager Sal Colangelo.

On the offensive end, the Big Train took a few innings to get going but exploded in the fourth off the bat of Jaden Bastian (Jacksonville), who blasted a monster grand slam over the centerfield wall to give the Big Train a 4-0 lead.

Jaden Bastian celebrating grand slam (Esther Frances)

The home run is Bastian’s second in as many games and third of the season. Colangelo had much to say about his incredible left fielder.

“He’s seeing the ball well. They had a plan going up there and he’s just not missing it, the ball is just flying out. His approach and his awareness right now are really good,” said Colangelo.

After the grand slam, the Big Train drove in two more runs before the game was called due to a storm in the area. Reliever Trevor Orth (Roanoke) recorded one out in the bottom of the fifth inning to secure the Big Train its twentieth victory.

This win sets Bethesda as the third seed in the playoffs, and it will play the six-seeded team on Saturday night at Shirley Povich Field.

“We just have to execute the three fundamentals. Once we do that, I like our chances. We just have to throw strikes. If we pitch, hit, and execute, we will be fine,” said Colangelo.

The Big Train is back home for the final game of the regular season on Wednesday night against the D.C. Grays at 7 p.m. Watch the broadcast here!