Big Train Too Strong, But Aces Show Bright Spots Despite 15-3 Loss
Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Aces were overpowered by the Bethesda Big Train (4-3) on Wednesday night at Frank Mann Field, falling 15-3 in a game where flashes of promise emerged despite the lopsided final score. Every Alexandria player left their mark, whether at the plate or in the field, as the Aces worked to claw their way through a challenging contest in front of a loyal Port City crowd of 105.
Leadoff man Toby Hueber (Pittsburgh) started strong for Alexandria, working a walk in the first and showcasing his usual grit at second base with a pair of clean assists.
Cleanup hitter Gavin Miller (Pittsburgh) punched Alexandria’s first hit in the second inning, a sharp single that would prove to be a preview of his night. Miller stayed poised under pressure, going 2-for-5 with two RBIs, driving in the Aces’ only runs in the fourth and fifth innings on RBI singles.
E.J. Hankerson (Maryland) offered a burst of life in the fourth, drawing a walk and then scoring Alexandria’s first run after Miller’s RBI single. Hankerson added a base hit in the fifth and swiped his second base of the season. In centerfield, he patrolled the grass with three putouts, making solid reads off the bat.
Behind the plate, Diego Peña (Western Michigan) nabbed two runners attempting to steal and collected a team-high 12 putouts.
Third baseman Michael Powell (Penn) notched a single in the fifth and reached base again in the eighth when he was hit by a pitch.
The true offensive standout for the Aces was John Colligan (Ball State), who reached base four times. Colligan dripped a double in the fifth and singled again in the ninth, showing off his wheels with three stolen bases. He also scored two of Alexandria’s three runs and tracked down a pair of balls in right field.
Despite the 15-3 loss, Alexandria’s young lineup continued to develop chemistry and find individual moments of success. Hueber’s consistency, Miller’s clutch hitting, Colligan’s dynamism, and Hankerson’s hustle all stood out in a game where the scoreboard didn’t tell the full story.
Fans are highly encouraged to purchase tickets to all Aces games online by visiting the team’s official website at www.alexandriaaces.org/tickets.
The Alexandria Aces, founded in 2008, currently in their 17th season, are proud members of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League (www.calripkenleague.org) which plays in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. metro area.
