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Pichardo slugs, Bethesda Defeats Gaithersburg Giants 11-5
Bethesda Big Train Catcher Franklin Pichardo Jr. (22) celebrates a home run while Bethesda Big Train Bat Boy Lucas Dropkin (0), Bethesda Big Train Second Baseman Brennon Wright (27) and Bethesda Big Train First Baseman Emilio Gonzalez (45) join him during the game against the Gaithersburg Giants at Shirley Povich Field on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland.
BETHESDA, Md. — Designed hitter Franklin Pichardo Jr. (Maryland) dug into the batter’s box for the second time Saturday night with the Big Train leading 3-1. To start the season, no Big Train hitters have been able to clear the fence at Shirley Povich Field.
With first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Nova Southeastern) and second baseman Brennon Wright (South Alabama) on base, Pichardo launched a 384-foot home run over the left field fence to extend Bethesda’s lead.
“It was pretty good, pretty cool,” Pichardo said. “Home run pitch. I’m trying to get some more bombs and have fun with the boys.”
After weather delays in the previous three games, the Big Train returned to Povich Field for their first completed home game in a week. The time off helped the Big Train look sharp in the field, leading to an 11-5 victory over the North Division-leading Gaithersburg Giants.
“They just came ready to fight,” Big Train head coach Sal Colangelo said. “They executed fundamentally, but we got to be better with the first pitch. We just try to nitpick instead of just pitching the contact and challenging and attacking, but they're getting better.”
The suspended game Friday night gave right-handed pitcher Austin Monahan (State College of Florida) a chance to pitch in Saturday’s game after only throwing eight pitches. Monahan came in relief during the seventh inning, only giving up one run in a bases-loaded jam. Right fielder Zachary Malvasio (UCF) made a spectacular diving catch to end the inning.
Malvasio showcased his fielding abilities in the ninth inning, throwing out a Giants’ baserunner at second base from the right field wall. Monahan used the out to help close the game in Bethesda’s favor, pitching 2.1 innings and striking out four opposing hitters.
“We want him to get his innings,” Colangelo said. “We just asked him how he felt to get him to go out five days off and then start again next week. Getting some work, so he didn't sit around for a while. So, last night was like a bullpen.”
Bethesda Big Train Pitcher Bryce Dolby (39) pitches during the game against the Gaithersburg Giants at Shirley Povich Field on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland.
Right-handed pitcher Bryce Dolby (Cal State Bakersfield) started the game in his third appearance of the season. Dolby finished his outing after three innings, giving up three runs and striking out two Giants in the process.
After giving up one run to start the game, Bethesda responded with three runs of its own to lead at the end of the first inning. The Big Train capitalized on free opportunities to get on base, getting hit by three pitches.
Wright and shortstop Cal Johnson (Maryland) reached base before safely double-stealing third and second, respectively. Center fielder Will Haacke (James Madison) brought the pair in with a single to left field.
Pichardo and catcher TJ Gramesty (Florida Atlantic) also reached base to load the bases for left fielder Ryan Foscolo (Kentucky). Foscolo then made strong contact to the shortstop, leading to a fielder’s choice to help Pichardo finish the scoring for the frame.
The Bethesda bats returned in the sixth inning after three scoreless innings. The Big Train’s patient approach in the batter’s box helped them plate three runs in the frame and take a 9-4 lead.
Wright, Johnson and Gonzalez all reached base in Bethesda’s first at-bats in the inning. Pichardo was then hit by a pitch to bring home Johnson. Haacke followed with a sacrifice fly to the Giants’ center fielder, which was hit deep enough for Johnson to plate another run.
Gramesty loaded the bases again with a walk before third baseman Casey Carpenter (UNC Wilmington) walked in the third Big Train run of the inning. Bethesda finished the contest drawing 11 walks.
Bethesda Big Train Second Baseman Brennon Wright (27) stands in the infield during the game against the Gaithersburg Giants at Shirley Povich Field on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Rockville, Maryland.
Wright showed his speed on the basepaths, finishing the contest with three stolen bases. The Starkville, Mississippi, native tacked on the Big Train's 10th run of the contest in the seventh inning, using his speed to score off a passed ball. He followed in the eighth inning with an RBI single to right field, bringing in Carpenter and giving the Big Train a six-run advantage.
Left-hander Jackson Mirza (South Florida) came in during the fourth inning and pitched two innings in relief. The usual outfielder made his second Ripken League appearance on the mound after pitching 2.2 innings against the Thunderbolts June 7. Mirza produced two innings of hitless pitching but gave up a run.
Right-handed pitcher Kyle Hopper (Jacksonville) then produced 1.1 innings of work. Hopper made his first appearance of the season, striking out three hitters and giving up two runs. He ended the sixth inning sitting down consecutive Giants before being relieved by Monahan in the top of the seventh.
The Big Train stays at home Sunday, with a game time of 10 a.m. against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts at Shirley Povich Field. Bethesda will celebrate Train Day and Homer’s Birthday Party. The first 100 kids 12 and under will receive a Homer Cake Pop and a Big Train whistle. Maryland T-Track will also be showcasing its handcrafted model railroad.
Tickets can be purchased on the Big Train’s website.