Written by Mahaley Wise

The first game of the doubleheader between Big Train and the Thunderbolts went in favor of Big Train. It was a defensive battle that prevented runners from advancing and scoring runs. Big Train was able to find an opportunity to break the defensive wall and took full advantage coming away with the win, 2-1.

Both teams went scoreless for the first three innings, battling to find the gaps, keep the balls out of fielders’ gloves, and make it to first. The Thunderbolts stood hitless while the Big Train managed one hit and a runner left on base in the second inning. 

Things turned around for Big Train in the fourth inning. Instead of finding the gaps in the field Matthew Westley sent a ball over the wall. Previously, Peyton Steele (Alabama) had reached first on a hit by pitch and was brought home on the home run, giving Bethesda a two-run lead. 

The Thunderbolts broke the hitless run in the fourth inning, putting two runners in scoring position, but failed to bring anyone home. They remained scoreless, trailing 2-0.

The Big Train threatened again in the fifth but no runs materialized. Their defense remained sharp, knocking down any potential hits from the Thunderbolts. Adekide Adetuyi (Florida Atlantic) stayed confident on the mound; his pitches could only be chopped into the ground or weakly popped up. He delivered four strikeouts in six shutout innings. 

In the seventh, the Thunderbolts had one last chance to gain runs and defeat Big Train. The first pitch to Brady Grimes (Millersville) was hit out of the park to cut the Big Train’s lead in half. Now the Thunderbolts were only one away from tying the game. A strikeout by Big Train pitcher Tanner Kaler (UNC) brought the team two outs away from winning the game.

With two outs, the Thunderbolts loaded the bases, all three runners eagerly waiting for a chance to score. However, the opportunity never came and the final Big Train pitcher, Cole Ketchum (Ole Miss), struck out the last batter. 

Wednesday’s afternoon game, the first of the day, went in favor of Big Train despite the Thunderbolts acting as a defensive powerhouse. It was only a home run that could break the defensive barrier created by the Thunderbolts and allow Big Train to take the lead.