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Big Train Showcases ‘Heart’ in 6-5 Extra-Innings Win in Game 1 of Championship Series
Bethesda Big Train Associate Head Coach Galvin Morris, left, motions Bethesda Big Train Infielder Cal Johnson (9), right, toward home plate during game one of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Championship Series Finals against the Olney Cropdusters at First Responder Field at OBGC Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in Olney, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
OLNEY, Md. — One week ago, the Bethesda Big Train showcased the lows of baseball. A chance to take home the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League regular season title turned up empty-handed in an 11-8 loss to the Olney Cropdusters.
The Big Train blew a late lead in that contest, which was a recurring issue Wednesday night.
Olney scored a run in the eighth inning, then plated another run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at 5. The momentum swung the home team's way, and a four-run advantage for Bethesda disappeared over the final four innings.
Two quick outs from the Big Train seemed to eliminate any hope the Bethesda faithful had to start the 10th. Six pitches later, shortstop Kieran Coleman (Clarion) jogged down the first-base line after walking.
Left fielder Will Haacke (James Madison) then stepped into the batter’s box. He found himself in an early 0-2 count before taking a ball. Two survival swings later, and the scoreboard still read 1-2, two outs.
Haacke then launched a ball towards the third base foul line, blanketing silence across First Responder Field. When the ball landed and the third-base umpire pointed to fair territory, Big Train fans erupted.
Coleman rounded third and slid into home in front of the throw. When he made his way back into the dugout to celebrate with his brethren dressed in green, Coleman slammed his helmet into the ground and let out an impassioned yell.
“When I was walking up, I kind of just told myself to keep it simple and just hit a ball up the middle,” Haacke said. “I battled, and then I got a ball out over the plate that I could do some damage with.”
It signified the persevering attitude shared by the Big Train players throughout the season. A mentality that culminated in a 6-5 victory over the Cropdusters in the 10th inning. The victory gave Bethesda the series lead in the Ripken Sr. League Championship Series.
“Heart,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said. “Lots of heart and they believe. They’re never out of it until the last pitch or the last out.”
Bethesda Big Train Catcher T.J. Gramesty (1) walks back to second base during game one of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Championship Series Finals against the Olney Cropdusters at First Responder Field at OBGC Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in Olney, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
Bethesda still had to collect three outs on the defensive side to close the game out after the Haacke double.
Right-handed pitcher Kyzer Smith (Florida Atlantic) was tasked with the opportunity. With no one warming up the Big Train’s bullpen, it was Smith’s game to win or lose.
Pop up. Fly out. Line out.
Three quick outs on five pitches in the bottom of the 10th frame to win the game for the Big Train. The win provided Smith a way to overcome his past struggles at First Responder Field.
“Kyzer came in with a tough situation from being here last time,” Colangelo said. “And man, Kyzer just was lights out tonight.”
In the July 22 showdown, Smith gave up four late runs in the bottom of the eighth before getting ejected. Now, Smith was a hero and sealed the deal in Bethesda’s Game 1 victory.
The Stonewall, Louisiana, native entered the game in the bottom of the ninth for his first appearance in a week's time. Smith started out rocky, giving up two consecutive walks. He worked out of it with a flyout and strikeout in two consecutive at-bats. Then, the Cropdusters tied the game with an RBI-single to center field.
It didn’t faze the rising senior as a flyout on two pitches ended the inning before his three consecutive outs to close the game. Over 31 pitches and two innings, Smith only gave up one hit and struck out another Cropduster in his nine batters faced.
Designated hitter and right-handed pitcher Zachary Malvasio (UCF) preceded Smith on the mound. Malvasio worked through 2.2 innings, striking out three opposing hitters while giving up two hits — including an RBI-single in the eighth inning.
Malvasio left one on base in every inning he pitched, but didn’t compound any mistakes over his 49 pitches thrown.
He also opened the scoring for the Big Train offense Wednesday night. Malvasio launched his third of the playoffs in a 362-foot deep shot over the left field wall.
“He's the best player in the league,” Colangelo said. “Zach is just phenomenal. What makes him even more phenomenal is his character, the type of kid he is, and great things in the future at UCF.”
Malvasio scored first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern) after he drew a four-pitch walk in a two-out situation. However, Bethesda couldn’t tack on more early runs after third baseman Logan Ponnett (George Mason) grounded out to close the inning.
In addition to the power displayed this season, Bethesda has also been keen on drawing walks in elongated at-bats. An aspect of its game shown in the sixth inning.
After two early strikeouts, Coleman and catcher Jack Gagen (Norfolk State) walked, while Haacke singled to load the bases. Center fielder TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic) then drew a five-pitch walk to extend Bethesda's lead. On the next at-bat, second baseman Brennon Wright (South Alabama) tacked on two more insurance runs with a single to left field.
“I trust my process and trust the work I put in,” Haacke said. “Then, I just try to win it for the team. Not try to do too much. Yeah, it worked out tonight.”
Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Jackson Ketchum (33) delivers a pitch during game one of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League Championship Series Finals against the Olney Cropdusters at First Responder Field at OBGC Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in Olney, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
On the mound, right-handed pitcher Jack Ketchum (Alabama) started Wednesday’s contest, his fifth start of the season. Ketchum worked out of an early tricky situation, stranding two Cropdusters’ baserunners. Gramesty helped his pitcher with a diving catch to end the frame.
Ketchum then turned in a 1-2-3 inning before his first mistakes of the game gave up a run to Olney. Back-to-back passed balls led to the Cropdusters’ baserunner advancing to third, then home.
However, Ketchum responded with two strikeouts looking for the final two outs of the inning. The two punchouts in the third frame were his only of the night. The rising redshirt-sophomore finished his performance after 57 pitches. Ketchum gave up four hits and one run to help Bethesda keep its lead after three.
In Ketchum’s place, right-hander Landry Winter (East Central CC) entered the game for 2.1 innings of work. Winter gave up two runs in the sixth, but almost faced the minimum in his previous two innings if not for a four-pitch walk.
Now with the series advantage, the Big Train returns to Shirley Povich Field for Thursday’s Game 2. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. If necessary, Game 3 comes back to First Responder Field in Olney at 6 p.m. on Friday.
Tickets can be found on the Big Train website.
“It's going to be rocking,” Colangelo said. “Nice to be at home with an opportunity to win, but it's not going to be easy. You have the best two teams here, and hopefully we can get the W.”