Big Train Falls, Misses Out on Cal Ripken Sr. League Championship

Olney, Md – The Bethesda Big Train fell in the final game of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Championship Series on Thursday night, losing 11-3 in Game 3 away against the Olney Cropdusters. The result clinched the first title in Cropdusters’ history, beating the Big Train to the title.

The series went to Game 3 after Big Train outfielder Will Haacke (James Madison University) came up big in extra innings during Game 1 in Olney, driving in an RBI double that helped secure a 6-5 lead and a 1-0 series lead.

The Cropdusters came back in Game 2 at Shirley Povich Field, defeating the Big Train in a 15-7 shootout that would force the decisive Game 3. 

The Big Train got going early in the top of the first inning as catcher TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic University) led off with a walk before first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern University) blasted off with a 391-foot, two-run homer to give Bethesda an early lead. 

Right-handed pitcher Aiden Parker (George Mason) led from the mound in his first start of the season, and shut out the Cropdusters through the first two innings, only allowing one hit and leaving a batter looking on a strikeout heading in the bottom of the third inning. 

Olney would claw back into the game, tying it up at two apiece in the bottom of the third inning. The Cropdusters took the lead in the bottom of the fourth after loading the bases, scoring three runs in what would eventually be the game-deciding inning. 

Olney then scored runs in each of the remaining innings to end the game – and the season – with an 11-3 win. The Big Train scored the final run of their season in the top of the seventh inning, when infielder Casey Carpenter (UNC Wilmington) led off with a single into center field. 

Haacke followed up with a four-pitch walk, before Gramesty delivered a single almost identical to Carpenter’s to load the bases with no outs. Gonzalez came up to the plate with one out, and brought Carpenter home on a sac fly to earn the final RBI of his Big Train career. 

Thursday night marked the end of the 2026 season for the Big Train, and it was met with emotional goodbyes and thanks from Big Train players, coaches and staff. After having met most of them for the first time this May, Head Coach and General Manager Sal Colangelo cherishes the connections made in such a short time. 

“The guys are true, true leaders and great people,” Colangelo said. “You bond, when you play together every day you bond and get everyone together, and they did.”

Following the 2026 season, Colangelo plans to take one or two weeks off and spend time with his family.

The Big Train will return to Shirley Povich Field in the summer of 2027 for their 27th season in the hunt for their 13th Championship. Fans can follow the team on YouTube at the Big Train Baseball Network and on Instagram @gobigtrain.