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RECAP: Big Train Blank Aces in First Place Matchup
By David Schurter
The stakes were high on a sunny Thursday evening as the Alexandria Aces hosted the Bethesda Big Train at Frank Mann Field. The game marked a meeting of the top two teams in the Ripken Sr. League, with the Big Train coming in leading the North Division at 8–2 and the Aces leading the South Division at 7–1.
It was a pitcher’s duel early on between the starters for each team. Big Train starting pitcher Patrick Galle (Ole Miss) outdueled Aces starter Cameron Keshock (Auburn) as the two both pitched four innings, with Galle allowing no runs and Keshock just one. That ended up being the difference, as the Big Train bullpen completed the shutout, taking down the reigning champions 5-0.
Galle’s final stat line included four innings pitched, three hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. As for Keshock, four innings pitched, five hits, one earned run and five strikeouts.
The lone run through the first four innings came in the top of the second inning on an RBI single off the bat of Bethesda third baseman Jack Guerrero (UNC Wilmington). The Big Train would threaten putting several other runners on base but could not add to their lead in the early innings.
After Keshock was removed from the game, the Big Train padded their lead in the top of the fifth inning thanks to a two-run single from Carter Cunningham (East Carolina) to make it 3–0 Big Train.
The Big Train would add to their lead with a pair of runs coming in the top of the sixth and eighth innings on a ground ball double play by Dixon Williams (East Carolina) and an RBI double from center fielder Zeb Ruddell (LSU). That would be all of the offense for the game as Big Train relievers Davion Hickson (Florida State) and Evan Marcinko would close the door on the Aces.
After the game, Galle talked about his approach going into each at bat against a deep lineup such as Alexandria.
“Just going into every at bat more or less throwing the ball over the plate trying to get outs and letting the hitter try to make the out for me,” Galle said.
With the Big Train offense exploding over its last couple of games, Galle said the production from the offense has helped him settle in during his starts.
“It’s been amazing having some run support behind me,” Galle said, “allowing me to go out there and pitch with a lead feels good.”
Next on the schedule, the Big Train return home for a four-game weekend homestand starting with the Silver Spring Takoma Thunderbolts on Friday, while the Aces host the Metro SoCo Braves.
