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BETHESDA BIG TRAIN
Summer Collegiate Baseball
Early Runs Propel Big Train Past Yorktown Coconuts in Exhibition Matchup
Logan Ponnett by Matthew Lewyn
BETHESDA, Md. — Coming off a win in the first exhibition game of the 2026 season, the Bethesda Big Train returned to Shirley Povich Field Saturday with one goal in mind: win.
The 13-time champions have built a winning culture throughout the Big Train's 27-season history, which translated onto the field in the team’s second exhibition matchup. Bethesda used a four-run first inning to take an early lead and never looked back, as the Big Train cruised to a 12-2 victory over the Yorktown Coconuts.
“That was great,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said. “Pitching did well. Offensively, we’re coming together as far as swinging the bats, and more importantly, coming together as a team. It's a great bunch of guys.”
In total, Bethesda finished the contest with 13 hits. Shortstop Cal Johnson (Maryland) compiled four hits and four RBIs in five at-bats. Right fielder Jackson Mirza (South Florida) generated three hits in his four at-bats, while left fielder Will Haacke (James Madison) recorded two RBIs.
On the mound, four Big Train pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts and allowed three hits. Right-handed pitcher Bryce Dolby (Florida Atlantic) started the game for the Big Train. Dolby finished his 3.0 innings giving up only one hit and striking out three of his 10 batters faced.
“All those guys can pitch, every last one of them,” Colangelo said. “We kind of mix and match them when they get here, figure out what's best for us, and at that point let Coach (Craig) Lopez do his thing, and don't derail the train.”
Right-handed pitcher Jordan Capuano (Youngstown State) then pitched the next two innings. After a rotator cuff impingement that left him needing extensive physical therapy, Capuano finished his first game back by only giving up one hit and striking out three.
Jordan Capuano by Matthew Lewyn
Right-handed pitcher Austin Monahan (State College of Florida) and Nathan Wines (East Carolina) finished the final four innings by giving up one hit and generating four strikeouts. Monahan returned from a hip labral tear from last year’s Big Train season and was the only Big Train pitcher not to give up a hit in Saturday’s game.
“All good, happy nerves,” Monahan said. “And it's good to have hitters that are backing you up, defense backing you up, and pitchers throughout the day throwing a bunch of zeros.”
Bethesda started the contest with a six-hit first inning. Johnson and second baseman Daniel Machado (Florida Atlantic) were brought home due to hits from third baseman Logan Ponnett (George Mason) and center fielder Ryan Foscolo (Kentucky). Later in the inning, Foscolo and first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern) crossed home plate pack on an early advantage.
The Big Train then added onto their early lead with two runs in the second inning. Extra hitter Julius Bagnersie (George Mason) doubled down the left field line with one out. After Bagnersie stole third base, Johnson launched a triple to left field. The Tampa, Florida, native’s speed led to an errant throw home, allowing him to slide in safely, giving Bethesda a 6-0 lead.
“Cal Ripken, that's who he is,” Colangelo said about Cal Johnson. “Steady, nothing flashy. He makes all the routine plays, is always in the right place at the right time, and puts the barrel to the ball when he needs to.”
Cal Johnson by Matthew Lewyn
Although the bats would go cold for the Big Train between the third and seventh innings for only two hits, Bethesda’s offense then exploded in the eighth inning for six runs on only three hits.
Three Big Train hitters reached base on walks, and two others reached on defensive errors from the Coconuts. Singles from Mizra and Johnson and a double from Haacke were Bethesda’s only knocks during the eighth.
Gonzalez was the first of the inning to reach home due to a defensive error. Mirza and designed hitter TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic) then easily touched home after a knock from Haacke. Johnson’s single then brought home catcher Parker Corbin (Maryland), Haacke and Bagnerise.
Opening Night is June 2, with the Big Train facing the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts. Bethesda took the season series last year after winning four out of the five matchups. Silver Spring-Takoma finished the 2025 regular season with a 14-19 record. Tickets can be found on the Big Train website.
“It's good to get the bats going,” Johnson said. “It was nice competition, I’m just happy to get the season going now.”