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“You can’t rest back on an early lead like that,” Kevin Milam (St. Mary’s) said, “because that’s what happens. Teams will come back and beat you.”

Picking up right where they left off over the last four games, the Big Train continued their offensive outburst by putting up five quick runs in the first three innings. Milam blasted a solo shot in the second, the first home run for a road team at Criswell Automotive Field this season.  

In the third, Milam’s fellow Californians padded the Big Train lead. Vinny Esposito (Sacramento State) drove in two on a single. James Outman (Sacramento State) promptly brought Esposito home with a two-run knock, his team-leading fourth of the season.

Despite holding opposing teams to just five runs over the past four games, the Big Train pitching struggled to protect the early lead. Starter Austin Keen (U of Kentucky) threw four strong innings, his only blemish a three-run shot in the fourth. Five Big Train relievers made appearances, with Mitchell Wilson (Maryland-Baltimore) leading the pack with two scoreless frames. Stephen Schoch (Maryland-Baltimore) racked up two more strikeouts in his 1.2 innings of work, bringing his season total to 22 in 11.2 innings. Milam, a two-way player, took the loss after pitching in the eleventh.

Despite a disappointing night, the Big Train will quickly shake off the loss and head confidently into tomorrow’s matchup of the top two teams in the Cal Ripken League. Currently two games behind the Alexandria Aces, the Big Train hope to narrow the gap in the South Division. 

“We’re a great offense no matter what,” Milam said. “We have a chance to win the game, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing.”

The first pitch at Frank Mann Field is at 7 pm.

Check out the Big Train's highlights on our YouTube Channel! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B9vVhzv3Hs&feature=youtu.be