Big Train’s Stars of the Week: Week 4

Bethesda Big Train Infielder Cal Johnson (9) stands in the on-deck circle during the game against the Gaithersburg Giants at Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park on Friday, June 26, 2026 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

The Bethesda Big Train entered the fifth week of Ripken League play chasing down the Olney Cropdusters for first in the North Division. Bethesda ended this past week on a three-game win-streak with wins over the Gaithersburg Giants, D.C. Grays and Alexandria Aces.

At the end of every week, we will take a look back at the best performances from Big Train players:

Bethesda Big Train outfielder Jackson Mirza (2) pitches during a Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League game between the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and the Bethesda Big Train on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Blair Stadium in Silver Spring, Md. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

3. Jackson Mirza (South Florida)

The two-way player has shown his value in both aspects of the game, but his pitching shined last week. Mirza entered the June 25 showdown with the Alexandria Aces with the Big Train leading by two.

The left-hander started the bottom of the ninth inning by walking the Aces' leadoff hitter on four consecutive pitches. The baserunner then advanced to second after a wild pitch. However, he struck out the next three hitters swinging and propelled the Big Train into the win and his first save of the season.

“He hasn't pitched a lot in college,” Big Train pitching coach Craig Lopez said. “But he's a two-way guy, and his progression throughout the summer was money, and that's what he's capable of doing.”

Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Jack Sams (31) pitches during the game against the Gaithersburg Giants at Criswell Automotive Field at Kelley Park on Friday, June 26, 2026 in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

2. Jack Sams (Kentucky)

The right-handed pitcher provided a quality start on June 26, shutting down the Gaithersburg Giants offense. In his third start for the Big Train this season, Sams provided his most spectacular performance.

Sams finished the outing after six innings on the Criswell Automotive Field mound. He only gave up three hits and walked two opposing hitters, but did not give up a run and recorded a season-high six strikeouts.

The outing lowered his ERA to a 3.21 mark and gave Sams his second win of the season. In total, he has racked up 11 strikeouts and 14.0 innings pitched this season. Sams has also compiled a 1.14 WHIP, while opposing hitters have only produced a .240 batting average against him.

Bethesda Big Train Infielder Cal Johnson (9) gets a hit during the completion of a game suspended June 11, the first game of a doubleheader against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts at Blair Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in Silver Spring, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)

1. Cal Johnson (Maryland)

It’s two consecutive weeks with Johnson as the first star, but the infielder has shown off his hitting abilities. He started the week by slugging a 2-RBI home run in the Big Train’s comeback victory over the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts on June 24. Johnson tacked on another RBI in the seventh inning to finish the contest 2-for-3 from the plate with 3 RBIs and two runs scored.

However, Johnson’s powerful week from the plate wasn’t over, as he launched two homers over the Povich Field wall in a 14-1 victory over the D.C. Grays on June 27. Both deep shots were with no runners on base, but they provided sparks for the Big Train’s offense.

Johnson started the third inning with a home run before his teammates then drove in four other runs. Bethesda then capitalized on his home run in the bottom of the sixth to drive in six more runs, which run-ruled the seven-inning game after the sixth frame.

Bethesda will return home Monday for a contest with the Alexandria Aces. Tickets can be found on the Big Train’s website.