Big Train Use 3-Run Fifth Inning to Defeat Braves 8-5 in Second Doubleheader Game

Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Alan Soler (18) stands on the mound during the second game of a doubleheader against the Metro South County Braves at South County High School on Saturday, June 29, 2026 in Lorton, Virginia. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

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LORTON, Va. — The Bethesda Big Train entered the fifth inning of Saturday’s second game against the Metro South County Braves tied at four. The Big Train scored two runs in both the first and second frames, but the bats could not produce runs in the previous two innings.

Then, Bethesda found its groove, scoring three runs in the top half of the inning and taking a lead the Big Train would not give up. The runs helped push Bethesda to an 8-5 victory over the Braves, and gave the Big Train a sweep over Metro South County after winning the first contest 6-5. 

“We decided to come to play,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said. “We were trying to eliminate the big innings, and that's not just the pitchers walking people, that's us making errors, not executing to play a complete game.”

Right fielder Zachary Malvasio (UCF) was the first hitter to get on base in the fifth frame after he singled to center field. Shortstop Daniel Machado (Florida Atlantic) followed by reaching first on a throwing error from Metro South County’s pitcher.

After Bethesda gained one out, catcher TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic) walked on four straight pitches to load the bases for center fielder Will Haacke (James Madison). The Braves still couldn’t find the strike zone, leading to a 5-pitch Haacke walk to bring in Malvasio.

In the next at-bat, first baseman Casey Carpenter (UNC Wilmington) launched a sacrifice fly out to center field to bring Machado in for the Big Train’s second score of the inning. Then, designated hitter Julius Bagnerise (George Mason) reached first on an error from the Braves' first baseman, allowing Gramesty to score from third.

Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Tyrese Johnson (41) stands on the mound during the second game of a doubleheader against the Metro South County Braves at South County High School on Saturday, June 29, 2026 in Lorton, Virginia. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

Right-handed pitchers Tyrese Johnson (UT Martin) and Kyle Hopper (Jacksonville) provided steady relief for the Big Train to close Saturday night’s contest. Johnson had a bounce-back start after giving up four runs to the Senators on June 18, allowing only one run and three hits. Johnson finished his fourth outing of the season after 45 pitches, striking out five opposing hitters in the process.

“Tyrese came in with this breaking ball, and it was just unhittable,” Colangelo said. “They did a great job. All credit to them. They set the tone, they got us going, they kept us in the game.”

Hopper recorded the save for the Big Train in the seventh inning. Johnson gave up a run in the bottom of the sixth inning, however, Bethesda’s offense answered with a run of its own in the seventh frame. Hopper then recorded a 1-2-3 inning on eight pitches, inducing a lineout to end the game.

Bagnerise and second baseman Brennon Wright (South Alabama) opened the contest with singles. Third baseman Cal Johnson (Maryland) then doubled in the 3-spot of the lineup, bringing in Bagnerise for the opening run. However, the Braves' quick relay from left field was enough to get Wright out at home.

After a walk from Malvasio, Machado could not keep the hot start from Bethesda to open up the game. Machado lined out to the Braves' shortstop. Left fielder Logan Ponnett (George Mason) then hit a single to center field for Johnson to double Bethesda’s lead.

It became routine Saturday for the Big Train to work back into the contest and take a lead. The practice from earlier innings helped Bethesda to score two runs in the top of the second inning after giving up two scores in the previous half.

“There was lots of fight, just lots of fight,” Colangelo said. “We're gonna, we're gonna make sure they fight, and they play and do what they're supposed to.”

Carpenter was the first Big Train baserunner of the frame after knocking a double into right-center field. Then, Bagnersie drew a walk on four straight pitches. With two runners on, Wright singled to right field, driving in Carpenter for a run.

Wright then stole second with Johnson up to bat. Johnson followed with a sacrifice fly to right field for Bagnerise to come home and give Bethesda a 4-2 advantage.

Bethesda Big Train Second Baseman Brennon Wright (27) stands in the batter’s box during the second game of a doubleheader against the Metro South County Braves at South County High School on Saturday, June 29, 2026 in Lorton, Virginia. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

The Big Train’s final run came from Haacke in the seventh inning, who started the frame with a walk. After two outs, Wright also drew a walk on six pitches before a wild pitch scored Haacke from third. Johnson then singled to right field to put the runners on the corners. However, Bethesda couldn’t extend its three-run lead due to pinch-hitter Jackson Mirza’s (South Florida) strikeout.

Left-handed pitcher Alan Soler (UCF) started the second game of the doubleheader. In his fourth appearance of the season, Soler limited the Braves' red-hot lineup. Metro South County is tied for first in batting average at .288, but the Braves translated those opportunities into 104 runs, the sixth-best mark in the Ripken League.

Soler gave up three hits and four runs — two of which were earned — but struck out three opposing hitters. The Miami native only had two punchouts this season coming into Saturday’s performance.

Soler gave up runs in the first and second innings. However, the Big Train was able to give him enough run support for the contest to be tied when Johnson entered the game in the fourth.

The Big Train will be back at Shirley Povich Field Sunday for Father’s Day, as the Giants return to Povich Field again for a 5 p.m. first pitch. Fans can get their photos with the Washington Nationals’ Racing Presidents, George and Abe.

FitBite Orthodontics is offering a battery-operated hand fan to the first 500 fans. Fans should also arrive early, as dads and kids can play catch on the field between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m.

Tickets can be found on the Big Train website.