Despite standout performances, Big Train falls to Aces in Game 2

by Calvin Kaplan

Parker Corbin by Mark Thalman

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Entering the sixth inning in Game 2 of its seven-inning doubleheader, the Bethesda Big Train was in a good spot, holding a comfortable 6-2 lead.

However, a seven-run frame for the Alexandria Aces ended up fueling the latter squad to a 9-7 win, spoiling the Big Train’s chances at a doubleheader sweep at Shirley Povich Field.

Coming off a 7-3 victory earlier in the day, things were looking up for the Big Train. Despite the loss, there were positives in Game 2 as well. Shortstop John Martinez (Florida Atlantic) and center fielder Alex Peltier (East Carolina) both put together multi-hit days, and designated hitter Parker Corbin (Maryland) reached base four times.

Against a tougher pitching staff, Martinez said he was able to find aspects of his approach that worked.

“Just trying to see the ball in the zone,” Martinez said. “A lot of guys were chasing up, so I was just trying to push the ball down, and I was able to get a good pitch to hit.”

On the mound, the Big Train was boosted by a solid start from left-hander Connor Lehman (Alabama). Lehman fired five innings of two-hit ball, allowing just two runs.

So what was working on the hill Saturday?

“Just throwing the fastball and getting ahead,” Lehman said. “First-pitch strikes is the biggest thing I’ve been working on.”

Lehman exited the game with the lead, but the rally from the Aces in the sixth ended up being the dagger. Right-hander Jordan Capuano (Frederick CC) began the inning, and Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said Capuano wasn’t feeling well during his brief outing.

“Cap has been great for us all year,” Colangelo said. “We’ll run him right back out there in the next day or so, and he’ll be just fine.”

On a teamwide scale, it was not an unsuccessful day by any means.

“I think we showed more fight in this doubleheader than last time,” Martinez said. “We’ll be ready for tomorrow.”

Regardless, the Big Train still holds an 11-6 record on the year, leading the North Division by half a game. It’ll have another home doubleheader today against the Southern Maryland Senators, with the first pitch at 4 p.m.

Click HERE to read the full inning-by-inning recap!