Preview: Big Train look to continue success against Express

The Bethesda Big Train (4-0) return home Saturday to take on the Rockville Express (1-1), after winning two road games, one a 17-2 decision over the Loudoun River Dogs on Thursday, the other a 10-3 victory over the Alexandria Aces Friday.

New addition A.J. Lee (Maryland) made his season debut on Friday, hitting .667 in his first game with the Big Train, with two hits and two walks on the night. “He’s really special talent,” said third baseman Carson Taylor (Virginia Tech). “It’s fun to get to know him and watch him play.” But Lee wasn’t the only player with major contributions. Freshman third baseman and catcher Carson Taylor (Virginia Tech) is batting .471 on the season, with seven hits, eight RBIs and four walks. Outfielder Justin Wylie (Arizona) has also been key in Bethesda’s success, batting .438 with six hits, two home runs and eight RBIs. “The young pup is doing a great job,” said Bethesda head coach Sal Colangelo. “He’s taking good [at-bats], he’s seeing the ball well, making adjustments when need be—especially with the change-up—and he’s getting results.”

The three will be backed by right-hander Quinn Flanagan (Arizona). Flanagan, a sophmore at Arizona, hasn’t pitched since his sophomore year of high school, due to an arm injury. Flanagan will be matched up against Rockville right-hander Mike Yasenka (East Illinois). Yasenka spent the past two seasons with the Chesapeake College Skipjacks, a junior college in Maryland. There he ended the season with a 10-2 record and a 3.00 ERA. Supporting Yasenka are Adan Reinoso (Chesapeake College) and Mitch Fyffe (Undecided). Fyffe leads the team in batting average after two games, hitting .400. Reinoso has hit .286 in as many games.

First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Shirley Povich Field. There will be pre-game festivities to honor the Big Train’s 20th season. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.