Peltier and Kaler Show out as Big Train Defeat Thunderbolts 8-5

by Alex Rubinson

Alex Peltier and company celebrate win by Mark Thalman

ROCKVILLE, Md. - In the top of the fourth inning, the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts scored three runs to cut the Big Train’s lead to 4-3. In the bottom of the fourth, the Big Train responded. After back to back walks to open the inning, Dylan Murphy (Florida Atlantic University) executed a picture perfect bunt down the third base line for an infield hit. With the bases loaded, Alex Peltier (East Carolina University) pelted a line drive to right field. Thunderbolts outfielder Aidan Driscoll initially broke in but realized the ball had traveled over his head and down for a two-run double. The Big Train would add one more later in the fourth to regain the four-run advantage.

“I’m just trying not to make it bigger than it is,” Peltier said. “I’m just trying to stick to my approach, which is being aggressive in my zone. When you get in those situations, you sometimes put pressure on yourself, but you just have to play loose and play free.”

The Big Train led from wire to wire, as they took game one of their doubleheader 8-5 over the Thunderbolts. The victory made it six in a row for Manager Sal Colangelo and company.

All of Peltier’s tools were on full display during game one of the twin bill. The centerfielder finished a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs batted in. Peltier showed off his wheels, as he stole three bases and reached on a bunt single. His speed put pressure on the defense as the throw got away on his bunt single, which allowed two runners to move into scoring position. Brennon Wright (University of South Alabama) capitalized and hit a sacrifice fly to give the Big Train their eighth run of the ballgame.

Alex Peltier by Mark Thalman

Peltier also flashed the leather in the fourth inning. The speedster got a great jump on a sinking liner to center and made the diving catch. He nearly pulled off an incredible double play when he fired into second base after the runner assumed Peltier wasn’t going to make the catch.

“I wish he could run like me back in the day,” Colangelo said jokingly. “He’s just a great player, and I look for great things for the remainder of the year with him.”

In the top of the sixth, the Big Train led 7-5. Tanner Kaler (University of North Carolina Charlotte) started his day off with a strikeout but the Thunderbolts loaded the bases via a hit by pitch, single and walk. The go-ahead run had reached base. After Kaler fell behind in the count 2-0, the lefty worked back to make the count go full. Kaler froze Brayden Foster for the much-needed strikeout. Kaler then forced left fielder Ryan Cuadros to hit a weak ground ball to second to get out of the jam.

“He knew what we needed him to do,” Colangelo said. “These guys have to understand you can’t get comfortable until you’re uncomfortable, so when we put you into an uncomfortable situation, that’s the only way you are going to get comfortable.”

Tanner Kaler by Mark Thalman

Kaler returned for the seventh and retired the side in order and secured the game one win for the Big Train.

“I figured I was trying to do too much,” Kaler said of the sixth inning. “I thought it can’t get any worse, let’s just find the strike zone and be smooth. I stopped trying to be too fine and started to trust myself.”

Starting pitcher Connor Lehman (University of Alabama) turned in his best outing of the season. The southpaw dominated through three innings. He ran into some trouble in the fourth frame but all three runs that were charged were unearned. The starter only allowed one hit for the day. Lehman produced mostly soft contact with the Thunderbolts not able to square him up.

“When you go to [Alabama], you don’t always play when you’re a freshman,” Colangelo said. “He hasn’t had an opportunity to go compete on the bump, and that’s why he is here. Our job is to get him ready for fall ball.”

Peyton Steele (University of Alabama) had a two-hit game, which included a first-inning RBI single. Logan Ponnett (University of North Carolina Charlotte) recorded two RBIs for the game, and got the Big Train on the board in the first with a productive ground out to his third base counterpart.

The Big Train will continue their homestand later today against the Olney Cropdusters at 7 p.m.