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Big Train’s Defense and Pitching Falters, Lose 15-6 to Metro South County Braves
Bethesda Big Train Second Baseman Brennon Wright (27) stands in the infield during the game against the Gaithersburg Giants at Shirley Povich Field on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
BETHESDA, Md. — After starting the season with a depleted pitching staff, the Bethesda Big Train has started to gain pitchers in the second week of Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League play. The Big Train has started the season with a 6.59 team ERA, which ranks sixth in the league.
However, in most games to start the season, Bethesda’s offense has been able to make up for struggles on the mound. Throughout the Big Train’s first eight games this season, they produced at least five hits in every contest and double-digit knocks in half of them.
Combined with four defensive errors, the Big Train could not get momentum flowing towards the home team at Shirley Povich Field Monday night. Bethesda translated its five hits into six runs, but was no match for the Metro South County Braves' 12-hit, 15-run performance that snapped Bethesda’s four-game win streak.
“We just have to be better,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said. “I take full responsibility that they weren't ready to play, and I’ll make the changes where necessary, get them better. That's why we're here.”
Cal Johnson by Matthew Lewyn
The Big Train took their first lead of Monday’s contest in the bottom of the third inning. Walks by second baseman Julius Bagnerise (George Mason) and left fielder Brennon Wright (South Alabama), along with a single to left field from third baseman Cal Johnson (Maryland), loaded the bases in Bethesda’s favor.
Gonzalez then scored Johnson and Bagnerise with a line drive towards the Braves' second baseman, who committed an error to help Gonzalez reach first. Catcher TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic) walked to load the bases again with two outs in the inning for Bethesda. However, the Big Train could not capitalize on the situation and took a 3-2 lead into the fourth inning.
The Big Train then brought in left-handed pitcher Terry Kaler (Gaston) for two innings of relief. In his first appearance in over a week and fourth of the season, Kaler gave up four hits and four runs.
Bethesda was able to chip away with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, trimming the Braves' lead to 6-5. Bagnerise and Johnson opened the frame with a single and a walk, respectively. Wright then scored Bagnerise with a line drive that hit the outfield wall for a double.
After a pitching change, designated hitter Logan Ponnett (George Mason) grounded out to second base. It scored Johnson and moved Wright to third base.
Shortstop Daniel Machado (Florida Atlantic) and Gramesty followed by drawing walks with two outs. Now, with the bases loaded, the Big Train had an opportunity to take the lead once again. However, a flyout on four pitches by the right fielder kept Bethesda trailing after six innings.
“(The Braves) they threw two soft-throwing lefties,” Colangelo said. “We talked about the adjustments we needed to make, but we didn't do it. So, hats off to them, and we'll be better.”
The Big Train also had an opportunity to cut into the Braves' lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Ponnett started the frame as Bethesda’s first baserunner after being hit by a pitch. Hethen stole second base before Machado drew a walk. Foscolo followed with a two-out walk, however, Mirza struck out looking on a borderline call to end the inning.
Alan Soler #18 of the Bethesda Big Train pitches during the game against the Olney Cropdusters at First Responder Field at OBGC Park on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in Olney, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
Left-handed pitcher Alan Soler (UCF) started Monday’s game, producing three innings of work in his first appearance on the Povich Field mound and second of the season. Soler ended the first inning giving up two runs, but rebounded in the second and third frames with scoreless pitching.
The Miami, Florida, native only gave up two hits in the following two innings. Soler ended his performance, allowing four hits and two runs, without a strikeout.
“(The Braves) barreled balls up and they had some clutch hitting and runners in scoring position,” Colangelo said. “They found the barrel when we made either mental mistakes or physical mistakes on the field.”
Bethesda responded in the second inning after the Braves plated two runs to open up the game in the first frame. Gramesty was the first baserunner of the innings after the Braves’ third baseman could not corral a hard-hit ground ball from Gramesty.
Gramesty then showcased his speed by stealing second. Then, with two outs in the inning, center fielder Jackson Mirza (South Florida) drew a walk. A smart-thinking Gramesty stole third base during the live-ball situation after the walk.
With Metro South County worried about the Big Train’s speed, the Braves threw a pickoff attempt to Mirza at first base. However, the ball lifted over the Braves’ first baseman and into foul territory, leading to Gramesty to score and help Bethesda cut into Metro South County’s early lead.
Later in the game, the Big Train was down by three runs in the top of the sixth inning. Right-hander Jordan Capuano (Youngstown State) then entered the game for Bethesda, with his third appearance of the season ending after two relief innings.
Capuano produced the Big Train’s first strikeout of Monday night’s game in the top of the sixth inning. Capuano struck out his second batter faced, but trouble was ahead. He ended the sixth inning giving up no runs, then followed with a five-run seventh inning. Capuano finished his outing allowing only two hits, but five runs.
Right-handed pitcher Zachary Malvasio (UCF) pitched the final two innings for the Big Train. The two-way player only pitched in the June 9 win over the Olney Cropdusters. Malvasio gave up two hits and four runs, striking out one opposing hitter.
The Big Train tacked on a consolation run in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the bases loaded, Johnson grounded out to the Braves' first baseman to allow Gramesty to score before a strikeout ended Monday’s game.
Bethesda will turn its attention to another South Division opponent, the D.C. Grays. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Robert J. Talbot Field at Catholic University.
The Big Train returns home Wednesday against the Olney Cropdusters. The teams have compiled a 1-1 record in their season-long series. Shirley Povich Field will welcome the NFL’s Washington Commanders and Community Hero Lily Qi.
Tickets can be purchased on the Big Train’s website.