Big Train Falls Short in High Scoring Affair with Aces

by Lily Stewart

Rockville, Md. — The Bethesda Big Train fought hard but fell to the Aces in a high scoring game, 13-11, at Frank Mann Field in Alexandria Sunday night.

The Aces struck first and scored two runs in the first and second innings, but the Big Train responded with five runs in the third to take the lead 5-4.

Kenan Bowman (East Carolina) singled, bringing home Matthew Westley (Virginia Tech) for the first run. Then, Jaden Bastian (Jacksonville) scored off a wild pitch.

The Big Train wasn’t done yet as Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) stepped up to the plate and hit a laser over the fence for his first home run of the season.

“Seeing the ball well, swinging at my pitch and staying in the game. My guys supporting me, telling me to keep my head up when I’m down helps a lot,” said Gonzalez.

Luke Vaughn (Alabama) and Bowman both scored as well.

The game became a back-and-forth battle as the Aces answered quickly with two runs in the bottom of the third to regain the lead, 6-5.

Bethesda found its response with a triple from Andrew Williamson (Central Florida) that brought home Josh Skowronski (Kentucky) and Bastian. The response grew louder when Gonzalez was walked, bringing home Williamson to give the Big Train the lead again, 8-5.

The Aces quickly responded as they scored three more runs in the bottom of the fourth and held Bethesda scoreless in the fifth while adding an additional run, 10-8.

For the final time, the Big Train had the lead, 11-10, in the sixth inning after Gonzalez hit a three-RBI double.

Alexandria scored one run in the sixth to tie the game. The seventh inning was silent for both teams, but the Aces scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth to win the game.

“Sucks that we couldn’t pull off a win against a good Aces team, but we just gotta keep fighting and keep going,” said Gonzalez.

The Big Train will be on the road again Wednesday at the D.C. Grays at 5 p.m. If you are unable to attend, join the livestream to follow along. The next home game at Shirley Povich Field will be Thursday against the Southern Maryland Senators. Get tickets here!