The Big Train is back on track

After Bethesda's hitting slump, they finally got off to a good start against Herndon Sunday, scoring a first inning run against Herndon's Chris Franzese. Ryan Garton made his Big Train debut on Sunday, allowing only 1 run in 4 innings. Bethesda added a couple runs in the 3rd on 2 hits by Mike Aldrete, who hit a double, and Adam Barry who scored Aldrete on a single and later scored. Herndon scored only 1 run in the 4th and 7th. Only 1 run was earned because of a fielders choice in the 7th inning. Mike Frank and Victor Diaz also made Big Train pitching debuts, combining to pitch the 5,6,7, and 8th innings. Mike Frank ran into trouble with the bases loaded in the 7th, but Victor Diaz shut the Braves down until Matt Bowman came on to finish the game in the 9th. The top of the order came through offensively for Bethesda as Michael Bass, Mike Aldrete, Adam Barry, and Hunter Renfroe combined for 8 hits, 4 runs, 6 RBI, and 3 extra base hits.
In the previous few games, the Big Train were saving all of their hits for yesterday when they slaughtered Alexandria. Bethesda got 18 hits, hitting against all 5 Aces pitchers. Alexandria lead after the first inning 1-0, but starter Cameron Love was solid from there on until he was relieved in the 8th inning. He recorded 9 strikeouts. Almost everyone hit for Bethesda and they had 5 pinch hitters/fielders, including Victor Diaz who played LF adding to the hits with a RBI single in the 8th. Hunter Renfroe and Alex Hudak both homered yesterday at 4 mile run park. Renfroe hit a 3 run homer while Hudak hit a solo homer to lead off the 3rd inning. John Barrett (Frostburg State) hit a homer for Alexandria in the 8th inning off of Martin Agosta who pitched the 8th with 2 strikeouts. Mike Aldrete pitched the 9th inning 3 up, 3 down on strikes. The Big Train look like a new team in the last 2 games, they will face the worst pitching team, the Thunderbolts in a doubleheader Wednesday at 5 and 7:30. Silver Spring's offense is lead by league leader in batting average Bill Gerstenslager who had 4 hits, including a homerun and 2 doubles against Bethesda last time we played them.