Big Train pitchers lead the way in 6-2 win over Grays

BOXSCORE

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Three Bethesda Big Train pitchers took to the mound against the D.C. Grays Sunday night, recording 12 strikeouts and allowing only four hits and two runs. The stout defense paved the way for a surge of small ball offense late in the game that led to the Big Train’s 6-2 win.

Pitcher Aaron Ceniceros (Cal State Fullerton) got the start and struck out six in 3.2 innings of work. 

“I just know I need to attack early,” Ceniceros said. “I feel like I did a good job of coming back behind and getting guys out, but I need to attack early.”

Ceniceros’ defense continuously stepped up around him. After allowing a leadoff walk in the first inning, Ceniceros quickly rebounded with a strikeout. Catcher Cole Constable (Maryland) notched a quick second out, throwing out the runner attempting to steal second.

Constable had a great game behind the dish. He ended the sixth inning catching another runner stealing second, and he caught two foul pop ups.

“He does a good job leading,” pitching coach Craig Lopez said. “He’s a good general on the field out there. It definitely helps with pitching without a doubt.”

Pitchers Jordan Capuano (UNC Wilmington) and Aden Ritenour (Shepherd) each entered in relief and continued Ceniceros’ solid start. Ritenour retired all nine batters he faced in the last three innings, giving the Big Train offense plenty of time to claim the game.

Center fielder Andrew Williamson gave the Big Train the lead in the third inning with a two-run homer, his first of the season and second extra-base hit of the game. Williamson brought the power early, but the rest of Bethesda’s runs were a product of capitalizing on small ball and errors. In the seventh inning, Big Train batters reached base with two errors, a walk, and three consecutive bunts, scoring three runs in the process.

“(Manager Sal Colangelo) came up to us and asked about us bunting, so we went three in a row,” Constable said. “If they couldn’t make the play on defense, we just kept putting pressure on them.”

Defense decided the game, and the Big Train earned the win with its pitchers leading the way. All three arms were reliable and provided consistency, being able to pitch multiple solid innings. 

“That was really big that they got an opportunity to go out there and work through different situations,” Lopez said. “It all wasn’t perfect, but they all went out there and continued to grind and got the job done.”

Sunday’s win ended the Big Train’s three-game homestand on a high note. Bethesda will look to keep the momentum going Monday visiting the Southern Maryland Senators with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. 

LIVE BROADCAST

Notes: On Sunday night, 421 fans attended a game that lasted three hours and 23 minutes.… To celebrate Father’s Day, kids got to bring their dads to the outfield to play catch before the game.… Miss Bethesda Teen USA Blakely Pfaff performed the national anthem.… Throwing out the game’s ceremonial first pitches were Amy Javaid from tonight’s Community Hero A Wider Circle and Big Train alum Carter Cunningham of the 2023 Ripken Championship team.