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Dolby Records 8 Strikeouts, Big Train Lose 6-5 to Thunderbolts
Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Bryce Dolby (39) pitches during the second 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)
SILVER SPRING, Md. — After the Bethesda Big Train took game one of Thursday’s doubleheader with the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts, the Big Train turned to right-handed pitcher Bryce Dolby (Cal State Bakersfield) to start game two.
His start proved beneficial in the Big Train’s chances of pulling off the sweep. Dolby finished his outing with a season-high eight strikeouts on 58 pitches thrown. The Ashburn, Virginia, native only gave up three hits and two runs to opposing hitters.
“It felt good,” Dolby said. “I felt confident. I got ahead and finished them off. But it’s a long season, so we just got to flush it out tomorrow.”
However, the offense could not help Bethesda surge ahead. The Thunderbolts stayed close behind, racking up three two-run innings. The latter of which included a game-winning single from center field, ending the Big Train’s win streak at four games in a 6-5 defeat in seven innings.
“We just came up short this game and didn't make the pitches when we needed to,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said.
In the top of the seventh inning, Bethesda scored two runs to prolong the game and give the team another comeback on its resume. Shortstop Daniel Machado (Florida Atlantic) hit a deep line drive into center field that the Thunderbolts couldn’t handle, allowing Machado to reach third base.
With two bases open, the Thunderbolts intentionally walked first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern). Then, center fielder Will Haacke (James Madison) walked on four pitches to load the bases.
Right fielder Ryan Foscolo (Kentucky) stepped into the batter’s box. Wanting a hit, it was Foscolo who got hit, taking a fastball off the helmet. Foscolo stayed in the game, and his hit-by-pitch scored the game’s tying run. The Big Train added the go-ahead run on a wild pitch, as the Thunderbolts’ play at the plate was too late, allowing Gonzalez to score.
Bethesda Big Train Shortstop Daniel Machado (10) stands in the batter’s box during the second 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)
Left-handed pitcher Terry Kaler (Eastern Michigan) relieved Dolby, but he could not record an out on his 15 pitches thrown. In his place, right-hander Tyrese Johnson (UT Martin) ended the fifth inning. Johnson recorded a season-high six strikeouts in his two innings on the mound.
In his last two appearances, Johnson has now thrown 11 strikeouts in five innings of work. The West Point, Mississippi, native allowed one run to score, but he only gave up one hit, while walking two other batters.
Right-hander Zachary Malvasio (UCF) came in to close the game for the Big Train. Even though his fourth pitching performance of the season did not go as planned, Colangelo still saw promise from the two-way player.
“Zach did a good job and had some good pitches,” Colangelo said. “Credit to them, they battled and did what they needed to do. But it's baseball.”
Bethesda was the first team on the scoreboard after Gonzalez hit a double to right-center field to bring home left fielder Logan Ponnett (George Mason). Ponnett was hit by a pitch to get on base for the two-out RBI knock.
Bethesda Big Train Left Fielder Logan Ponnett (6), left, catches a pop out during the second 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)
Ponnett then started the top of the third inning with a single to right field. The Thunderbolts' right fielder bobbled the ball, making a late throw to the infield and allowing Ponnett to advance to second on the error. Machado moved him to third with a groundout. Gonzalez then launched a sacrifice fly to deep center field to score Ponnett and put Bethesda up 2-0.
After giving up two runs to the Thunderbolts in the third inning, Bethesda responded to retake the lead in the fifth frame.
Second baseman Cal Johnson (Maryland) roped a single to center field as the Big Train’s leadoff hitter. Machado then drew a five-pitch walk to put two baserunners on for Bethesda. The disciplined at-bats continued for the Big Train, as Gonzalez walked on six pitches.
The Thunderbolts then tried a pickoff attempt towards Gonzalez on first base. However, the throw sailed over the first baseman’s head, leading to Johnson coming in for the game-leading score. The Big Train could have tacked on more runs with two in scoring position, but two consecutive outs gave Silver Spring-Takoma a chance to come back.
The Big Train returns to Shirley Povich Field for a doubleheader against the D.C. Grays on Saturday. Bethesda will honor the Montgomery County art scene and former player Kelli Jenkins (2019), the first and only female to play in the Ripken League.
Tickets can be purchased on the Big Train’s website.