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Hoagland Shines in 6-4 Big Train Comeback Victory Over Aces
Bethesda Big Train Catcher Jack Gagen (19), left, and Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Charlie Hoagland (14), right, shake hands after winning the game against the Alexandria Aces at Shirley Povich Field on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
BETHESDA, Md. — In a 2-2 count with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, left-handed pitcher Charlie Hoagland (East Carolina) delivered a pitch to make-or-break Monday night’s game. The Bethesda Big Train came back from down four runs, but the Alexandria Aces had a runner on third with a chance to take control back from the Big Train.
However, the pitch found the strike zone, and Hoagland’s third strikeout of the game handed the Big Train a 6-4 comeback victory over the Aces at Shirley Povich Field.
“I felt good going in,” Hoagland said. “I was kind of just riding off whatever (Alan) Soler did in the beginning and going in and doing my job. I executed pitches well, especially down the stretch, and it worked out in our favor when we got the win.”
Hoagland ended his 6.0 innings of relief, allowing only two hits and no runs given up to Alexandria. In addition to his three strikeouts, Hoagland gave up only one walk on 73 pitches.
“He stepped up when we needed to,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said. “We were down four innings and he kept us in the game. We battled for the win.”
The Dayton, Ohio, native provided steady relief for a Big Train lineup that was slow to start the game.
Bethesda compiled two hits in the first four innings of Monday’s game, while falling into a four-run deficit. Then, the Big Train rattled off two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to chip away at the Aces’ advantage.
Bethesda Big Train Right Fielder Zachary Malvasio (37) stands in the batter’s box during the game against the Alexandria Aces at Shirley Povich Field on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
Left fielder Ryan Foscolo (Kentucky) led off the frame with a seven-pitch walk. Right fielder Zachary Malvasio (UCF) followed with a double to left field, which brought in Foscolo for Bethesda’s first run of the game.
“We did a better job at the plate,” Colangelo said. “Not swinging at pitches out of the zone. Have a better play, and just knowing you can be intentional, knowing you can do good things.”
Malvasio scored two at-bats later after shortstop Cal Johnson (Maryland) knocked a single to right field. However, the Big Train were not able to tack on more runs, as designated hitter Brennon Wright (South Alabama) grounded into a double play to close the frame.
However, another 1-2-3 inning from Hoagland in the top of the sixth frame put Bethesda’s dangerous hitting attack back at the plate.
With Alexandria bringing in a new pitcher, the Big Train kept a disciplined approach in the batter’s box. Third baseman Parker Corbin (Akron) started things by drawing a walk. First baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern) then singled to center field, and catcher Jack Gagen (Tusculum) was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Playing a different position from past games, second baseman TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic) drove home two runs with a single to left in the following at-bat to tie the game. Gramesty’s 10-pitch at-bat showcased the patient hitting for the Big Train.
“We got guys in different positions that they're not used to playing,” Hoagland said. “We got pitchers pitching on different rest, and everybody's kind of putting that aside and just doing their job to help the team win.”
The Aces then called to their bullpen again, however, the pitching change could not slow down Bethesda’s red-hot offense. Foscolo reached first on an error to load the bases again. The Big Train followed by recording two quick outs, but Johnson delivered with a double to left field to put his team into a two-run advantage.
In the next three innings, Hoagland only allowed four baserunners. The stellar performance moved him into first on the Big Train for innings pitched (21.2) this season and second in strikeouts (19).
The Big Train opened Monday’s game with left-hander Alan Soler (UCF) on the mound at Povich Field. The Sunset, Florida, native started his appearance by giving up three runs in the top of the first inning.
However, Soler then settled into the game, only giving up one hit in the next two innings. Alexandria did tack on another run in the third inning with a sacrifice fly, but Soler got out of the inning with a groundout.
Soler finished his fifth appearance — and fourth start — this season after three innings pitched. He gave up four hits and four earned runs, but struck out three of his 15 batters faced on 55 pitches.
Bethesda Big Train Second Baseman Brennon Wright (27) runs toward third base during the game against the Alexandria Aces at Shirley Povich Field on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo by Matthew Lewyn/Bethesda Community Base Ball Club)
The Big Train continues its homestand on Tuesday with a matchup against the Southern Maryland Senators at 7 p.m. The Senators enter the contest 15-7 this season and first in the South Division standings. Bethesda has lost both showdowns against Southern Maryland this season.
“We just want to continue to get better, put a good product on the field, and good things will come,” Colangelo said.
Fans can meet special guest mascots Louie and Clawrence from the Chesapeake Baysox, along with Gus from the Fredericksburg Nationals, for an evening celebrating the fun of Minor League Baseball. Max's Best Ice Cream will also provide a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream to the first 25 teachers through the gates, and The Montgomery Art Association will create live plein-air paintings at Shirley Povich Field.
Tickets can be found on the Big Train website.