Written by Jack Stashower

The Southern Maryland Senators beat the Alexandria Aces 4-2 at Frank Mann Field on Thursday, reclaiming their spot atop of the South Division.

The Senators entered Thursday’s contest on a five-game losing streak, their last loss coming against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts at Blair Park on Monday. The Aces came into the game at the top of the South Division and on a three-game winning streak, with their last win coming against the Gaithersburg Giants at Criswell Automotive Park by a score of 6-4.

Nick Flores (VCU) led off the game with a single to right in the top of the first. Flores quickly found himself at third after a wild pitch and a ground ball that advanced him on the following at bat. A ground ball off the bat of Logan Tribble (Wofford) brought Flores home to make the score 1-0 Senators. 

The early stages of Thursday’s contest was all about the pitching. Senators starter Aiden Milburn (Binghamton) impressed on the mound, throwing five scoreless innings and striking out five in his winning appearance. 

Aces starter Mason Christopher (Seton Hall) equalled Milburn at every turn, only giving up three hits and three unearned runs in 6.2 innings pitched.

In the top of the seventh, the Senators sought to bolster their lead. With two men on, Jax Nichols (Motlow State CC) doubled to deep left-center, bringing home Steven Kraus (Binghamton) and Dawson Smail (Xavier) to expand the Senators lead to 3-0. 

After being blanked for the first six innings, the Aces bats found some life in the bottom of the seventh. A Ryley Norton (Elon) walk with the bases loaded brought home Ernie Echevarria (UPenn) to make the score 3-1. Toby Hueber (George Mason) followed that with a single to right, bringing home Michael Powell (UPenn) to decrease the deficit to one. That was all the offense the Aces were able to produce. 

Nichols got his third RBI of the game in the top of the ninth after getting walked with the bases loaded to make the score 4-2. Not only did Nichols lead the team in RBIs, the Senators catcher also had a stellar day behind the plate.

“He had two huge throw outs at second base that could’ve scored runs for Alexandria,” Senators Head Coach Scott Middleton said after the game. “He’s starting to find rhythm, he’s starting to find his bat.” 

Thursday’s win sees the Senators move to a 13-9 record and back on top of the South Division standings. After an off day, the Senators return to Regency Park Stadium to face the DC Grays in a doubleheader on Saturday.

The Alexandria Aces hope to get themselves back in the win column on Saturday as they face the Metro South County Braves at Frank Mann Field.