Pair of Homeruns Propel Big Train to Win over Braves

by Ian Domeika

Jaden Bastian and Andrew Williamson celebrating (Esther Frances)

Lorton, Va.— The Bethesda Big Train used a pair of solo home runs by Jaden Bastian (Jacksonville) and Andrew Williamson (Central Florida) to take down the Metro SOCO Braves, 6-4, on Monday at South County High School.

The Big Train opened up the scoring right away, loading the bases twice with Matthew Westley (Virginia Tech) smacking a single into left field to bring home two runners.

Bethesda put up more offense in the second inning off the bat of Bastian, who launched his second home run of the season, his first also hit at the Metro SOCO stadium.

“I don’t know, I guess I just see the ball better here,” Bastian said. “We didn’t chase anything, just trying to put together good at bats.”

Bastian’s teammate, Williamson, put the nail in the coffin in the ninth inning with a monster home run after a late comeback attempt by the Braves. The solo shot puts Williamson back in a tie for first place in home runs atop the Cal Ripken Sr. League.

“Yeah, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about it. I’m just glad we won tonight for sure. It was a good win all around,” said Williamson.

The Braves were held at bay offensively all night thanks to a pitching masterclass from starter Will Clements (Tulane). The rising senior pitched six innings, only allowing one run with five strikeouts.

“It feels really good. I think we’re starting to play really good at the right time with playoffs coming up, so that’s super exciting,” said Clements.

Will Clements pitching (Esther Frances)

Clements has been phenomenal all season, posting a 3.73 ERA with 21 strikeouts in five starts.

“This has been one of the best summers of my life. It was my first year playing summer ball, and it’s been a really good experience with some really great guys,” said Clements.

Senior Max Martzolf closed the show for the Big Train for the second consecutive night, recording three strikeouts in 2.2 innings of work, giving up only one hit.

The victory moves Bethesda to 19-15 on the year with two games remaining before the postseason. A win tonight over the Cropdusters at First Responders Field by Servpro at 7 p.m. would clinch the third seed in the playoffs for the Big Train. Catch the broadcast here!