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Big Train Completes 5-3 Comeback Win Against Cropdusters, Tied for First in North Division
Bethesda Big Train Center Fielder Ryan Foscolo (30) swings his bat during the game against the Olney Cropdusters at Shirley Povich Field on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
BETHESDA, Md. — Entering Wednesday night’s matchup at Shirley Povich Field, the Bethesda Big Train were one game behind the Olney Cropdusters for the North Division lead. On Fan Fest, the Big Train knew the game meant a shot at taking control of the division and improving their chances of getting the No. 1 overall seed in the Ripken League playoffs.
The pressure did not get to Bethesda during the contest, as the Big Train downed the Cropdusters 5-3. Bethesda used a three-run bottom of the fifth inning to come back from down one run and take a lead they would never give up.
“It's been a total team win these last six victories,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said. “We're just gonna keep getting better every day. That's really what matters.”
Due to extreme heat in the Bethesda area, all Ripken League games until July 5 will only run seven innings. The lessened number of innings helped the Big Train on Wednesday, giving Olney fewer chances to mount a two-run comeback late in the game.
The Big Train’s three-run fifth was started by right fielder Zachary Malvasio (UCF) launching a solo home run over the left field wall. However, the deep shot was not Malvasio's first one of the game, as the Southwest Ranches, Florida, native also hit one in the bottom of the third inning.
“He's a great player, he's got a lot of power,” Colangelo said. “He does the little things when you need him to, and he can hit the ball out of the park.”
Following Malvasio was left fielder Ryan Foscolo (Kentucky), who lined a single to left field for another Big Train hit. Designated hitter Parker Corbin (Akron) then singled to center field before catcher TJ Gramesty (FAU) earned a five-pitch walk to load the bases.
Center fielder Will Haacke (James Madison) then scored Foscolo from third on a single that bounced off the Cropdusters pitcher and allowed the Big Train’s baserunners to all be safe to take the lead. Third baseman Casey Carpenter (UNC Wilmington) took the next at-bat, knocking a single to right field for an insurance run.
The Big Train maintained their two-run lead due to two scoreless relief innings from right-handed pitcher Austin Monahan (State College of Florida). Monahan only gave up one hit — which came in the sixth inning — on his 30 pitches.
“He’s one of the best pitchers in the league,” Colangelo said. “He's confident, got great body language, great tempo, and biggest thing, he's a competitor. He competes.”
Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Bryce Dolby (39) stands on the mound during the game against the Olney Cropdusters at Shirley Povich Field on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
Monahan started the previous game between these two teams — a 9-3 win for Olney on June 17 — however right-hander Bryce Dolby (Cal State Bakersfield) got the start on Wednesday.
Dolby produced four innings of work in 63 pitches, giving up four hits and two runs. It was Dolby’s sixth appearance for Bethesda this season and his fourth time striking out two opposing batters.
The Big Train were the first team on the Povich Field scoreboard with a two-run third inning. Shortstop Cal Johnson (Maryland) was the first baserunner for Bethesda after drawing an eight-pitch walk. After stealing second base, Johnson then moved to third on a groundout from first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern).
Even though Johnson could have been brought home with an RBI-single, Malvasio perfectly timed up the pitch on the next at-bat. He launched a home run over the left field wall and put the Big Train into an early lead.
After Dolby’s four innings on the Povich Field mound, right-handed pitcher Nathan Wines (East Carolina) relieved the starter for one inning of work. Wines did give up a game-leading run to the Cropdusters in the frame but bounced back by producing two quick outs to get out of the jam.
Wines finished his seventh appearance for the Big Train this season with one strikeout. He gave up two hits and one run on 21 pitches, while facing five batters.
Bethesda Big Train Third Baseman Casey Carpenter (28) bends his knees during the game against the Olney Cropdusters at Shirley Povich Field on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
The Big Train now turns its attention to a matchup at the Alexandria Aces at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Bethesda took down the Aces 8-6 on June 25 at Frank Mann Field in Alexandria. Before returning to Povich Field on Sunday, the Big Train will also travel to the Cropdusters at 7 p.m. on Friday for a crucial North Division showdown.
Tickets can be found on the Big Train website.
“We’re going to get better every day,” Colangelo said. “Play the game, have a lot of energy, have fun, enjoy, and enjoy each other, and make memories.”