Aces Ignite for fifteen in Football-Score Rout of Grays, 21–3, in Doubleheader Opener
In sweltering heat, Alexandria unleashes a record-tying 15-run inning showcasing power, depth, and resilience in Woodbridge showdown.
WOODBRIDGE, VA – On a Thursday afternoon that felt more like a live-fire drill than a baseball game, the Alexandria Aces turned up the heat even higher with a jaw-dropping 15-run sixth inning to blow past the D.C. Grays, 21–3, in the opening game of a doubleheader at Woodbridge Senior High School, the temporary 2025 home of the Grays. The game-time temperature was 94 degrees, with humidity that clung to uniforms and cooked dugouts into saunas. Still, both squads showed incredible toughness and grit.
The D.C. Grays, who entered the day at 9–5 and have played excellent baseball all season in the South Division of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, came into the matchup with momentum. Even though the score line was lopsided, the Grays have proven themselves to be one of the toughest teams in the league, and they will undoubtedly bounce back. But Thursday belonged to the Aces.
After taking a 6–0 lead into the sixth, Alexandria ignited for fifteen runs in a single inning — the second time this summer the Aces have pulled off that improbable feat. The sixth featured ten hits, five walks, two hit batters, a grand slam, and a parade of chaos that saw Alexandria bat around twice against four different Grays pitchers.
Diego Peña (Western Michigan) led the charge, going 4-for-5 with a towering solo home run, three RBIs, and four runs scored, while playing the entire game behind the plate in punishing conditions. Derek Almeda (Chaffey College) reached base six times, going 2-for-2 with a double, four walks, three runs scored, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Off the bench, Adham Sahebzadeh (George Washington) smashed a pinch-hit grand slam, drove in five runs, and pitched the final outs of the sixth inning. Gavin Miller (Pitt) added two hits, two walks, and two runs, while Tripp Capers (George Mason) scored twice, drove in one, and reached base twice. Will Twomey (Michigan) chipped in a pinch-hit single. As a team, the Aces racked up fifteen hits, fourteen walks, and four stolen bases.
On the mound, Connor Hutchinson (Ball State) was in complete command. The righty threw five innings of one-hit, scoreless baseball, striking out four and walking just one to earn the win. He appeared poised for a complete game before Alexandria’s extended sixth inning forced a change. The Grays’ starter, Kimani Davis (Xavier of Louisiana), took the loss after allowing three earned runs over four innings. With the bullpen depleted, D.C. turned to position players Ethan Nagy (Lock Haven) and Rocco Gilbert (Alabama State) to finish the frame.
Other Grays contributors included Tyler Wiltsey (Rutgers–New Brunswick), Eli Owens (Washington & Jefferson College), Ryan Soong (Washington University in St. Louis), Lucas Caucci (Lafayette College), Joey Chitla (Wofford College), T.J. Addonizio (Richmond), Jack McMullan (Liberty), Andy Rivera (Holy Family), and Austin Williams (Methodist).
Said Chris Berset (Head Coach, Alexandria Aces) reflecting on the game:
“Four of my main crew — Diego Peña starting things off with a solo shot and going 4-for-5. Connor Hutchinson was electric. He was going for a one-hit complete game but the long last inning (sixth) I had to pull him. The combo of Derek Almeda and Toby Hueber were getting on base and running all day. Even with the heat, yesterday was a fun day.”
Said Jen Hammond (Assistant Coach, Alexandria Aces) after the match-up:
“Stellar Aces pitching once again. Toby Hueber with solid defense and another night serving as an offensive spark plug. Diego Peña hit 4-for-5 with a loud shot over the fence; he hung in behind the dish in brutal heat. Nine Grays caught stealing by Diego, helped thwart the DC’s offense, thanks also to a great tag from Toby. Adham Sahebzadeh’s pinch-hit grand slam was a no-doubter over the right field fence. Gavin Miller remains hot at the plate. Most importantly, we continue to get strong contributions from the top to the bottom of the lineup.”
Game 2 of the doubleheader started and was canceled due to adverse weather conditions and will be made up at a later date.
The Aces also want to thank their host families who support players throughout the season. They provide more than housing, they offer stability, friendship, and a critical connection to the local community. Without them, seasons like this one would not be possible.
The Aces return to the friendly confines of Frank Mann Field tonight (Friday. June 27) to host the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts at 6:30 p.m. Free parking is available, and fans can enjoy delicious food and tasty beverages at the concession stand and cool off with a visit to the ice cream truck on the first-base side of ‘The Frank’. On Saturday, June 28, the Aces visit Shirley Povich Field to face perennial league rival the Bethesda Big Train at 7:00 p.m., before returning home Sunday evening, June 29, to welcome the Olney Cropdusters at 6:30 p.m.
Now in their seventeenth season as proud members of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League calripkenleague.org, the Alexandria Aces continue to bring high-level collegiate summer wooden-bat baseball to Northern Virginia and fans can purchase tickets for future games at alexandriaaces.org/tickets.
