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“We had great at-bats, we had a great approach, and we took care of business,” manager Sal Colangelo said.

Three Big Train homers highlighted the offensive showing – James Outman (Sacramento State), Zach Jancarski (Maryland) and Mike Emodi (Creighton) all went deep, combining for seven RBIs.

Emodi, who had an excellent 2016 season with the Big Train but was hitting only .174 before Saturday, recorded his first multi-hit game of the season after going hitless in his last seven games. His solo shot in the sixth was also his first homer of the year.

“It’s relieving,” Emodi said about having a big night at the plate. “I haven’t been hitting the ball nearly as well as I wish I was. I just have to keep going out there every day and attacking the ball at the plate.”

The Big Train pitching also kept Gaithersburg lineup in check, allowing only three runs on five hits and combining for 14 strikeouts. Tyler Smith (East Carolina University) threw five strong innings of three-run ball, notching six strikeouts. The bullpen, though, was lights-out, allowing no hits over the last four innings. Matt Green (St. Mary’s) continues to gain the trust of the Big Train coaching staff on the mound. The outfielder struck out two of the batters he faced in his inning of work, and has yet to allow a hit over four innings pitched.

“[Saturday’s win] started on the bump,” Colangelo remarked. “The pitchers threw very well, kept us in the game, and we took care of the rest.”

Saturday’s victory also guaranteed at least a split of the weekend homestand’s games. Though the Big Train have struggled early at home, they have recorded two consecutive wins at Povich Field since June 12-14. Succeeding at home will be instrumental to the Big Train’s goal of winning the South division moving forward.

“I just told [the players] we’ve got to play harder when we’re at home,” Colangelo said.

The Big Train take on the D.C. Grays in a doubleheader on Saturday. The games are scheduled to start at 4 and 7 pm.