Big Train Dominates Giants, 11-2, in Game One of Semifinals

by Ian Domeika

Jordan Crossland after a big home run (Esther Frances)

Box Score 

Gaithersburg Md.—The Bethesda Big Train had its foot on the gas all night, as it defeated the Gaithersburg Giants in an offensive showcase, 11-2.

Bethesda opened up the scoring right away in the top of the first inning, with a sacrifice fly from Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic), and didn’t look back, scoring in six of the game’s nine innings.

What was a one-run game became an onslaught for the Big Train after a booming home run from designated hitter Jordan Crosland (Maryland) in the fourth inning.

“I just got a good pitch to hit, and I was on time, and the result happened, so I was very happy,” said Crosland.

It was a Maryland Terrapins showcase, as Crosland’s roommate, Evan Smith (Maryland), dominated the game on the defensive side. The sophomore pitcher tossed five innings while striking out three batters and allowing only one run.

“He’s more than a teammate to me, that’s my brother. I always love seeing him succeed. Every time coach says he has the ball, Smitty is going to produce, so I’m used to it. I have seen it all season. His freshman year was incredible,” said Crosland.

Smith has been fantastic for the Big Train all season, posting 29 strikeouts while only walking seven batters.

Evan Smith pitching (Esther Frances)

“I was feeling amazing. All of my pitches were on, and I was really in a zone, and hitters were getting themselves out,” Smith said. “We just have to come out every single day and play our hardest, and everything’s going to work out.”

As Smith exited the game, Trevor Orth (Roanoke) stepped to the mound for his third appearance in a Big Train uniform. The Big Train concessions manager, who posted a 2.91 ERA over 21.2 innings for Roanoke this spring, was once again lights out, pitching three scoreless innings while notching four strikeouts.

“That dude is electric,” said Evan Smith, “He just came from the concession stand and now he is out here and is honestly one of our best relievers, so I’m just really proud of him.”

The Big Train continued to pour on the runs throughout the game, with seven of its batters recording at least one RBI.

Steady offense has been a trend for the Big Train recently, as it has scored double digit runs in the past three games, outscoring its opponents 43-10. The Big Train is now just one win away from punching its ticket to yet another Cal Ripken Sr. League championship appearance. The team is not content yet though, and is ready to take on Gaithersburg again.

“That momentum is huge. But at the same time, we just have to stay with the process and not get ahead. But we haven’t done anything yet. We are just staying hungry and keeping it rolling, so that is the biggest thing for us,” said Crosland.

The Big Train returns for game two of the best of three semi-finals Tuesday night at Shirley Povich Field, looking to advance to the league final against either the Alexandria Aces or Southern Maryland Senators. The Senators won game one of their semifinal series in Alexandria, 4-3, over the Aces. Our game is still slated to start at 7 p.m. after the weather postponement, buy Big Train tickets here!