Alexandria Native Daniel McGinnis Leads Aces Past Braves, 14-11
LORTON, Va. — From my seat near the third-base line at South County High School on Saturday night, it did not take long to see why Daniel McGinnis (Eastern Mennonite University) has become one of the most talked-about hitters in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League.
The Alexandria Aces designated hitter went 3-for-3 with a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored as Alexandria defeated the Metro South County Braves, 14-11, before a crowd of 45 fans.
The win improved the Aces to 5-3 and gave Alexandria its second victory over the Braves in Lorton this season.
Through eight games, McGinnis is batting .600 with 18 hits in 30 at-bats. He leads the league with 18 hits, 10 RBI, 23 total bases, a .600 batting average, and a .667 on-base percentage.
For Alexandria baseball fans, McGinnis’ success carries an added measure of hometown pride. The Alexandria native graduated from Alexandria City High School in 2023 after playing for the Titans baseball program. This summer, he is putting up impressive numbers for his hometown Alexandria Aces before returning to Eastern Mennonite University.
Aces Head Coach Brian Wirth, an assistant coach at Frostburg State University, said McGinnis has earned every bit of the attention he is receiving.
“Not sure there’s anybody in the Ripken League swinging a hotter bat right now than Daniel McGinnis,” Wirth said.
“He’s just locked in, making great swing decisions.”
McGinnis helped Alexandria break the game open in the third inning when he singled to left field, scoring Noah Harvey (University of Richmond) and giving the Aces a 5-2 lead. Later in the inning, he came around to score as Alexandria pushed four runs across and stretched the lead to 8-2.
Two innings later, he led off the fifth with his first home run of the season, sending a drive over the left-field fence to make it 9-3.
The home run produced a memorable moment off the field as well. After the ball cleared the fence, I watched a family member race off in pursuit of it. A few minutes later, the home run ball had made its way back to the McGinnis family.
Elijah Grant (Presbyterian College) had three hits and two RBI, while Liam Irving (Allegheny College), Jackson Sgro (Haverford College), and Jack Warner (University of Pennsylvania) also contributed key hits during Alexandria’s 11-hit attack.
Alexandria built a 14-7 lead before the Braves rallied late.
The Aces appeared to have the game in hand, but the Braves made things interesting late.
Metro South County scored seven runs over the final four innings. Alexandria pitchers issued 12 walks and threw seven wild pitches, helping the Braves stay within striking distance.
Shota Fogus (University of Richmond) earned the win, allowing three runs over four innings. Jackson Mariano (Allegheny College) followed with a scoreless inning of relief. Braxtyn Vackar (Southeastern University) recorded the final four outs to close out the victory.
Wirth said McGinnis has already delivered in some of the season’s biggest situations.
“Two out hits win ball games, and he’s been the centerpiece for a lot of two out rallies for us already this season,” Wirth said.
“Not sure there’s anybody in the Ripken League swinging a hotter bat right now than Daniel McGinnis.”
On Saturday night in Lorton, it was hard to argue with that assessment.
UP NEXT
The Alexandria Aces return home to Frank Mann Field on Sunday, June 14, 2026, for a pair of games against the Southern Maryland Senators.
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with the completion of a suspended game that was halted in the bottom of the fifth inning with the Senators holding a 4-2 lead.
Following the conclusion of the suspended game, the Aces and Senators will meet again in their regularly scheduled contest at 6:30 p.m.
Frank Mann Field is located at Four Mile Run Park, 3700 Commonwealth Avenue in Alexandria.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at alexandriaaces.org/tickets to save time at the front gate.
With rain in the forecast Sunday afternoon, fans are encouraged to monitor the Alexandria Aces’ social media channels for any weather-related updates.
