Big Train One Win Away from League Title After Convincing Win over Senators

by Ian Domeika

Trevor Orth pitching (Esther Frances)

ROCKVILLE Md. -- A massive seventh inning propelled the Big Train to a runaway game one victory over the Southern Maryland Senators, 9-2.

Bethesda was held to zero runs through the first five innings of play, falling behind the Senators 2-0. But after Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) reached base with a walk in the sixth, a gap shot from Matthew Westley (Virginia Tech) brought in the Florida Atlantic sophomore to open the scoring for the Big Train.

“It felt like early everyone was hitting balls hard but not finding holes, but then we started to turn it up near the sixth and seventh inning, we started finding our holes, so it felt good to be the one to break it open for the team,” said Westley.

After the seventh-inning stretch, the Big Train found groove. Gonzalez drove in three runs in the seventh off a well-struck double that landed on the warning track in left-center field. Bethesda’s bench was ecstatic as Gonzalez celebrated on second base.

“I was just hyped that I was able to come through for my team after starting off slow and just pulling through. Getting that win was the most important part,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez reached home on an error, continuing to build the Big Train’s lead as part of a five-run seventh inning.. The runs continued to flow, with Westley knocking in another RBI in the eighth en route to yet another dominant playoff victory for the Big Train.

“We were just finding barrels, staying with the approach, and everything came together at the end for us,” said Westley.

While the bats have continued to stay hot all playoffs long, the Big Train arms have also delivered on the brightest stage. Starting pitcher Jake Titus (Kentucky) threw 3.1 innings, striking out six Southern Maryland batters while only allowing three hits.

Jake Titus pitching (Esther Frances)

Titus was relieved by Trevor Orth (Roanoke), who tossed 3.2 innings, striking out three. The key Big Trian reliever has a stunning 1.35 ERA. Orth struck out two of his final three batters faced.

“Once I got in my groove, I knew. I knew I was getting settled in. There was no reason to let them get any closer. So now it’s just time to chase a ring tomorrow,” said Orth.

The Big Train pitching staff has been incredible all playoffs long, only allowing eleven runs in four games. Orth is confident that the coaching staff has upped the intensity come playoff time.

“We’ve been putting more focus into our throwing before the game. Chad Smith, our bullpen coach, has been wanting us to get ready early, and that has been a big help. He’s really taught us a lot,” said Orth.

Jonathan Stevens (Alabama) closed out the game hurling two shutout innings.

With only one win separating the Big Train from back-to-back league championships, the team knows it must stay focused to come out on top one more time against the Senators.

“We just have to play every inning by inning. We know we are the better team, and we just have to go out there and perform by doing what we have been doing, and just win the game,” said Gonzalez.

The Big Train will have the opportunity to raise another pennant Thursday night at Shirley Povich Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Get your tickets here for the opportunity to see Bethesda take home yet another league championship.