Aces beat Big Train twice in doubleheader, inch closer to first place

By Chris Damond

The Alexandria Aces are just a half game back from the top spot in the Cal Ripken League standings after defeating the first-place Bethesda Big Train twice on Thursday at Shirley Povich Field. Alexandria took game 1, 5-4, after Connor Offshack (Elon) walked it off with a two-run single and cruised to a 13-7 victory in game 2. Both games were only seven innings, and the first contest was a make-up from last week, with the Aces as the home team.

With two games left in the regular season, Alexandria controls its own destiny. Win out, and the Aces will secure their first regular season title in team history. Bethesda has won the past four.

But it wasn’t easy to beat the Big Train twice in one day. Bethesda initially jumped out to a 4-0 lead in game 1. The Aces’ relievers held them after the fourth inning, though, with Alexandria native Reese Crochet (George Washington) closing out the game with two scoreless innings and four strikeouts. He picked up the win.

“I think my fastball had a lot of good movement, which was helping to keep hitters off balance,” Crochet said. “The good contact that got made ended up going straight to the fielders.”

Crochet and fellow reliever Matt DeLano (MGCCC) helped Alexandria get back in the game. Mike Eze’s RBI double put the Aces on the board in the fourth, before they got within one after CJ Boyd’s (Appalachian State) two-run single in the next inning. Then Offshack finished the job.

In the second game, Alexandria trailed early again, but a nine-run third put them in front for good. Eddie Hacopian (Maryland) led the offensive charge, with two hits and a team-high three RBI.

“I just felt really good with two strikes,” Hacopian said. “I was taking some swings with less than two [strikes]. Maybe it was getting a little long, but with two [strikes] I was just making that adjustment, trying to shorten up, and it was working for me.”

The Potomac, Maryland, native bypassed three teams in the Cal Ripken League from his home state, deciding to play with Alexandria instead.

“I just wanted to play for a good team,” Hacopian said. “I love Alexandria. I’m an Ace for life.”

Alex Walsh (Lafayette) got the start on the mound and picked up the win. He allowed two hits, three earned runs and struck out three in 2.2 innings. All-star Ryan Brown closed out the game in the ninth.

The Aces return to action on Friday night against the Metropolitan Braves in their last road game this season. First pitch is at 7:00 p.m.