Archive

The Big Train might have turned a page on their home woes with this weekend’s home stand, winning all four games and outscoring their opponents, 31-11.

“Our kids are resilient,” manager Sal Colangelo said. “They want to play. They have fun and get after it.”

The weekend also featured a pair of homers each by Zach Jancarski (Maryland) and Mike Emodi (Creighton). Vinny Esposito (Sacramento State) and James Outman (Sacramento State) also got in on the action, belting one apiece.

The team’s overall offensive effort this weekend was truly impressive, with 36 total hits produced.

“It’s a different guy for us every night that’s contributing and helping us win,” Jancarski said. “Everyone seems to be doing that nowadays.”

The Big Train will look to bring that momentum into Monday’s game against the Aces, who come into the contest on a seven-game winning streak of their own. Their last loss, in fact, was to the Big Train on June 22, a game the Big Train comfortably won, 8-2. The Big Train have been excellent on the road, compiling a 10-1 record. Channeling that success, including the June 22 road win, will be crucial for the Big Train to come out on top tonight and gain ground in the division. The Aces are currently 1.5 games ahead of the Big Train for the South division lead.

Not known for buckling under pressure, the Big Train players and coaches are approaching the game with a simple and effective strategy.

“We’re going out there with the same approach we’ve had these last few days,” Emodi said. “Our pitchers are going out there every day giving us a chance to win and our hitters are doing the same.”

“We’re going to execute the fundamentals, we’re going to throw strikes, and we’re going to catch the ball,” Colangelo said. “If we do that, I like our chances.”

The first pitch at Frank Mann Field is at 7 pm. The game will be live-Tweeted (@gobigtrain) and broadcast by Max Wolpoff and PJ Glasser (mixlr.com/big-train).