Big Train remain undefeated after come from behind win vs. SST Thunderbolts

BOXSCORE

ROCKVILLE, Md. — In a thrilling Tuesday night game, the Bethesda Big Train came from behind to beat the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolt, 12-10.

The game started out tight as both the first and second innings were scoreless for both teams.

After the Thunderbolts scored four runs in the third inning, putting Bethesda down by five, the Big Train bats started to get active.

Landon Franklin (Kentucky) and Cole Constable (Maryland) were both able to get on base, putting Bethesda in scoring position. Jackson Giacone (Cal State Fullerton) stepped up to the plate and hit a sacrifice fly, bringing home Franklin. With the run, Bethesda cut the Thunderbolts lead to four (5-1).

Bats stayed warm in the sixth inning as both teams added three runs to their totals. Jaden Bastian (Jacksonville) started off the lineup advancing to base on a single. Right after he gets into scoring position off a wild pitch from the Thunderbolts, Bastian was able to add a run on a sac-fly from Davin Whitaker (East Carolina). Chris Diaz (Tulane) was able to come home on a home run from Josh Skowronski (Kentucky).

The home run soared over the Big Train’s retired numbers in right field.

“There were little chirps over there [Thunderbolts dugout] at first and I just sat on a fastball, got the head out and it felt amazing,” said Skowronski.

That soaring home run cut the score to 8-4 in favor of the visiting Thunderbolts.

The bats went silent for Bethesda in the seventh as only the Thunderbolts were able to add a run which extended their lead.

Here come the Big Train.

The resilient home team added excitement late as they batted around and scored eight runs in the eighth inning.

Off the bat, Gonzalez advanced to first. Following him, Whitaker slammed a double, which advanced Gonzalez to third. The bases became loaded when Diaz was walked.

Skowronski hit a double which brings home Gonzalez and Whitaker, this cut the Thunderbolts lead to three. Franklin hit a single which brought home two more runs, the Thunderbolts’ lead was now only one.  

Franklin was able to bring home the tying run for Bethesda after a single from Giacone. The winning run was now on base.

The Thunderbolts pitcher walked Jordan Crosland (Maryland) moving Carter Newman (Virginia Tech), the pinch runner for Giacone to second. Bastian singled bringing Newman home.

Bethesda now had the lead, by one. Gonzalez stepped up, doubled and brought both runners home to score.

The Big Train now lead the Thunderbolts, 12-9.

Thunderbolts were able to add one run to close out their night. Brandon Cassedy (Christopher Newport) entered the game for the first time this season to secure the Big Train the win.

“I use to close in high school and had one close in college; in that moment you just gotta throw strikes,” said Cassedy.

This proves that “it ain’t over, till it’s over”.

Notes: On a gorgeous Tuesday night, 512 fans packed Shirley Povich Field for the team’s 25th season Opening Night in a game that lasted 3 hours and 33 minutes…Glenda Smith performed the National Anthem…. CYO Orioles were the youth team of the night with their head coach throwing out a ceremonial first pitch and the Orioles taking the field with the Big Train players for the National Anthem…. Others taking part in our pre-game first pitch ceremony included the Women's Club of Bethesda, two Big Train Alumni, Slapshot from the Capitals, Friends Club and Community Hero of the night Mobile Med... We welcomed new vendors Denizens Brewing Co. and Kona Ice of Potomac to Povich Field and our Home Run Cafe features items from Gregorio’s Trattoria, Chick fil-A, US Foods, and Coca-Cola.