Alexandria Aces Battle to the Final Out in Heart-Stopping 9-8 Thriller at Frank Mann Field (June 12)
Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Aces (3-5) put together a gutsy, high-energy performance Thursday night (June 12) at Frank Mann Field, taking the high-powered Southern Maryland Senators (7-1) to the brink in a dramatic 9-8 nail-biter that underscored the heart and hustle of this promising Aces squad.
From the very first pitch to the final out, the Aces showed fight, resilience, and flashes of brilliance—both offensively and defensively—as every player contributed in a contest that slipped away only in the final frame.
The Aces exploded out of the gates, putting up a three-run rally in the bottom of the first. Leadoff shortstop Derek Almeda (Chaffey College) set the tone with a sharp single and aggressive baserunning, eventually scoring thanks to a clutch double from Gavin Miller (Pitt), who stayed hot at the plate. Owen Peterson followed with a single and a stolen base, while Michael Powell (Penn) worked a walk to load the bases.
E.J. Hankerson (Maryland) delivered in the clutch with a two-RBI double scorched into the gap, bringing the crowd of 77 to its feet and giving Alexandria a 3-0 lead. On the mound, starter Stehpen Curry (Seton Hall) calmly retired the side in the top half, showcasing his signature control and poise.
Though the Senators chipped in two runs in the second and another in the fourth, Curry remained steady across four innings, striking out three and walking just one, with strong support from his defense. Derek Almeda turned two clean assists at shortstop, while Brayden Huebner (Ball State) anchored second base with poise and a smooth glove.
Offensively, the Aces hit a brief lull, but Trip Capers (George Mason) sparked momentum with a second-inning double and later flashed his wheels by stealing third, though he was stranded. D.J. Scheumann (Ball State), behind the plate, showcased grit by blocking tough pitches and guiding Curry through high-leverage moments.
With the Senators tying the game at 3-3, Alexandria answered right back. Powell showed off his eye at the plate with another walk, then advanced on a passed ball. Gavin Degnan (Penn) stepped up and delivered a two-out RBI single to put the Aces back ahead, 4-3.
The bullpen took over as Mason Christopher (Seton Hall) entered in the fifth and struck out five batters over 3.1 gutsy innings. Though the Senators managed to tie it at 4-4 and tack on two more in the sixth, the Aces weren’t done.
In the bottom of the sixth, Schumann sparked the bats with a sharp single. A walk from Hueber and heads-up baserunning from Capers and Almeda led to another run after Capers plated Degnan on a line-drive RBI single. Almeda also added his second stolen base of the game, pushing the Aces within a run at 6-5.
The home crowd roared as Alexandria erupted for three more runs in the seventh. Schumann once again ignited the offense with a walk, and Hueber followed with a line-drive RBI single that tied the game at 6-6. After Capers reached on a fielder’s choice and stole a bag, Almeda came through again with a two-RBI single, bringing his total to two hits, two RBIs, two walks, and two steals in a standout all-around performance.
By the end of the inning, the Aces had stormed back to take an 8-6 lead, and the dugout was electric.
With a slim lead, Christopher returned to pitch into the eighth before turning it over to Adan Longoria (Kansas State), who struck out a batter and induced weak contact. Almeda made another highlight play at short, diving to his left to stop a potential RBI single and fire to first in time.
Capers ran down a deep fly to center to end the inning, preserving the lead.
The Senators, refusing to fold, found three runs in the top of the ninth, retaking the lead 9-8. Longoria battled with heart, fanning three, but a few timely hits gave the visitors the edge.
In the bottom half, down to their final three outs, the Aces didn’t go quietly. Owen Peterson (Navy) led off with a line drive that was snared at third. Miller drew a walk, and Powell worked a full count before flying out deep to right. Hankerson, already with two RBIs on the night, hit a sharp grounder but was narrowly thrown out to end the game.
Though the box score will show a loss, this was anything but a defeat in spirit. The Aces played with tenacity, heart, and a deep bench of talent. Every starter recorded either a hit, walk, or run—and the defense turned double plays, chased down tough fly balls, and showed the spark of a team that’s just getting warmed up.
With contributions up and down the lineup and an aggressive brand of baseball, the Aces have positioned themselves as one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League. Their 3-5 record doesn’t tell the whole story—but the passion and progress sure do with much more to come as the season progresses.
Next up, the Aces travel today to Olney, Maryland to play the Cropdusters (4-4) at First Responder Field at Servpro with a game time of 7 p.m.
BOXSCORE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Derek Almeda (Chaffey College): 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2 BB, 2 SB, 3 assists
- Tripp Capers (George Mason): 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, double, SB
- E.J. Hankerson (Maryland): 2 RBIs, double
- Toby Hueber (Pitt): 1-for-3, RBI, SB
- Gavin Degnan (Penn): RBI single, SB
- DJ Scheumann (Ball State): 1-for-3, 2 BB, excellent defensive work behind the plate
- Mason Christopher (Seton Hall): 5 strikeouts in relief
- Stephen Curry (Seton Hall): 3 strikeouts in 4 IP
Aces fans are highly encouraged to go to the team’s official website, www.alexandriaaces.org/tickets to purchase tickets online for each game on the 2025 schedule.
The Alexandria Aces, currently playing in their 17th season, are proud members of the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League (www.calripkenleague.org) with teams located in the Baltimore-Washington, DC metro area.
