Josh Skowronski drove in three runs in the Big Train's Game 3 victory. Photo by Mark Thalman.  

Written by Mahaley Wise

The Big Train and the Senators faced off on Saturday night for the winner-take-all third game of the semifinal series. The Senators won the first game of the series while Big Train snatched the second game to tie the series. Each team brought their best game staying aggressive on the basepaths and holding strong on the mound but the pressure still allowed for errors. Ultimately, Big Train would take the win demonstrating clutch hits and pitching performances, never letting the Senators get too far from their grasp. 

The Senators were the first to score in the first inning with a shocked Big Train defense. Logan Tribble (Wofford College) advanced to first on an error by Big Train’s shortstop. He quickly stole second and third, and ran home on an error by the third baseman. 

Bethesda struck back in the bottom of the first inning, picking up two runs against the Senators’ one run. Brennon Wright (South Alabama) made it to first on a hard-hit single. Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) followed with a walk to put two men on base for the Big Train. Fighting to earn the run back from the Senators, Peyton Steele (Alabama) came to bat. He swung at the first pitch, sending the ball to right field for a double to score Gonzalez and Wright. 

Josh Skowronski (Winthrop) led off the fifth for the Big Train. On the first pitch, he brought the barrel of the bat around to the ball in one fluid motion. The ball soared in the air, arching higher and higher, refusing to come down until it was over the highest point of the center field wall. It was a solo home run for Skowronski, the crowd exploded with excitement as he calmly jogged the bases. Big Train extended their lead over the Senators, 3-1.

The Senators loaded the bases in the sixth inning, hungry to reclaim their lead in the ball game. Chet Bowling (Winthrop) started with a single, Cale Vinson (Middle Tennessee) followed with a walk, and Calvin Cook (Middle Tennessee) legged out another single to load the bases. An error by the Big Train’s second baseman allowed Bowling to score and Tribble to reach first, keeping bases loaded. A walk for Steven Kraus (Binghamton) sent the runners cycling around the bases to score Vinson and tie the game. 3-3. But the Big Train were able to work out of the inning, getting a pop up and a ground out to keep the score tied. 

“Showed the grit…started to execute some pitches when they needed to to keep the hitters off balance…[catcher] Dylan [Murphy] did a great job back there calling the game…We were able to keep them from scoring,” said Big Train Head Coach Sal Colangelo.

The Big Train quickly broke the tie in the bottom of the sixth inning, taking the lead back. Dylan Murphy (Florida Atlantic) made it to third after working a leadoff walk. He danced on the base line eager to get home. Skowronski hit a ground ball to first base, which the first baseman misplayed, allowing Murphy to score the go-ahead run. Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) followed with a single up the middle to score another run, making it 5-3. 

The Senators stayed aggressive on the basepaths, stealing eight bases in seven innings.  They loaded the bases again in the seventh inning and picked up a run to close the gap on the Big Train. Back-to-back walks and a hit by pitch loaded the bases for the Senators. Carter Groen scored the lone run of the inning on a fielder’s choice. Big Train battled with the bases loaded to get outs and prevent runs. Lucas Marrero (Lynchburg) got the final out with a swinging strike, still holding a 5-4 lead. 

The Big Train tacked on two security runs in the eighth inning. Alex Peltier (East Carolina) started the inning with a walk, quickly moving to third on an error by the pitcher. Wright followed with another walk and stole second. With two runners in scoring position Skowronski delivered a clutch single to right field to send both runners home. 

The Senators had one last chance in the ninth inning to make up the runs. However, despite putting runners on base again they fell short. The Big Train came away with the win to send them to the finals.

“What can I say, the Southern Maryland Senators are a great team. Tip your hats. Great team, great franchise, they will be right back here next year,” Colangelo said after the game. 

The Big Train will face the Aces in the finals, starting with Game 1 Sunday night in Bethesda.