By Chris Damond

The Alexandria Aces drilled 13 hits and left the Gaithersburg Giants in the dust after a five-run seventh to win, 10-4, on Saturday afternoon at Frank Mann Field. The victory snapped a three-game skid for Alexandria (19-9), which is firmly in second place in the Cal Ripken League Standings.  

The Giants (14-16) are in third and sit six games behind the Aces with a week left in the season.  

It was Women and Girls in Baseball Day at Frank Mann Field, which was orchestrated by assistant coach Jennifer Hammond, a trailblazer with years of coaching and playing experience. She is the only woman coaching in the Cal Ripken League. Along with players, the president of the Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference was in attendance, and a pitcher from DC Girls Baseball, the only girl’s baseball organization in the area, threw out the first pitch.  

“I think it’s really important for the girls to see representation,” coach Hammond said. “10 years ago, even five years ago, it was much harder to find opportunities, but even now if you turn on ESPN or you check your local paper, there are women making headlines …  so representation matters and when they see it, they know that they have opportunities.” 

Trivia questions about women in baseball were announced on the loudspeakers, and fans with the correct answers received some gum and a Starbucks gift card.  

In the game, Gaithersburg took an early 1-0 lead in the first, but Eddie Hacopian made sure it wouldn’t last long. He singled to lead off the day for Alexandria and stole second base, before completing the journey along the bases when CJ Boyd (Appalachian State) put the ball in play.  

Both teams went back and forth for much of the game until the Aces piled it on in the seventh with five runs to go up 10-4.  

Alexandria smacked five hits in the inning, which began with a single from Adam Tellier (Ball State). CJ Boyd drove him home and then scored off Connor Offshack’s (Elon) double. A balk brought in Cade Sullivan (Western Michigan), before Eddie Hacopian (Maryland) capped the hitting onslaught with a two-RBI single.  

Mike Eze (Georgetown) had a breakout game, doing a bit of everything. The Pennsylvania native smacked two hits – including an RBI single that brought in the go-ahead run – stole two bases and recorded six putouts in center field.  

“The pitchers were really throwing strikes again … so I just did everything I could to help them out,” Eze said. [The win’s] huge, obviously, getting back in the win column. I can say that we’re going to get rolling pretty soon into the playoffs.” 

Ben Koomey (RPI) took the mound for Alexandria and allowed just one earned run through four innings. Matt Delano (MGCC) took over in the fifth and came in with a boom, striking out two and retiring the side. The Mississippi native, who has an astounding .049 ERA, pitched three innings and picked up the win.  

Both Alexandria native Reese Crochet and all-star Ryan Brown (Ball State) closed out the game by pitching a scoreless inning.  

The Aces return to action tomorrow with two games against the Olney Cropdusters at OBGC Park. First, Alexandria will finish a game that was suspended on July 2 at 1:00 p.m., before playing a full game versus Olney at 3:00 p.m. 

Gaithersburg Giants (14-16-0) 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Giants 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 4 8 1 Aces 1 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 x 10 13 2

Alexandria Aces (19-9-0) 10

By Chris Damond

The Alexandria Aces scored five unanswered runs on Friday night but still lost to the DC Grays, 12-6, at the Washington Nationals Youth Academy for their third-straight loss.  

After DC jumped out to a 6-0 lead through three innings, Alexandria (18-9) got within one with the help of a four-run fifth.  

Mike Eze (Georgetown) scored the first run after an error, before Thomas Hollingsworth (MGCC) came home after a sacrifice fly in the next at-bat. Cade Sullivan (Western Michigan) followed yesterday’s three-hit performance with an RBI double and then finished the 360-foot journey along the basepaths when Eddie Hacopian (Maryland) singled. 

In the next inning, Adam Tellier (Ball State) singled to narrow the gap to 6-5, but that’s where the comeback would end as the Grays (10-18) put up six more runs in the final four frames.  

Once again, errors were a big issue for the Aces, as they recorded four for the second night in a row. As a result, six of DC’s runs were unearned.  

Alexandria did have a solid offensive outing, though, with 10 hits. CJ Boyd (Appalachian) had two of them and registered two RBI as well, bringing his batting average up to .300. The Aces also displayed their power with three doubles on the night, but they left seven runners on base. 

Sasha Kamenjasevic (U Fraser Valley) picked up the loss with three earned runs off six hits in two innings pitched. Jake Davidson got the win.  

Despite three straight losses, the Aces are still five games ahead of the third-place Olney Cropdusters, whom they play a doubleheader against on Sunday at OBGC Park, with just a week left in the season.  

The Aces three-game road stand is now over, as they return to Frank Mann Field to play the Gaithersburg Giants tomorrow at 12:00 pm on Girls/Women in Baseball Day.  

Alexandria Aces (18-9-0) 6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Aces 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 1 6 10 4 Grays 0 4 2 0 0 3 2 1 x 12 13 1

D.C. Grays (10-18-0) 12

By Chris Damond

After an electrifying six-game winning streak, the Alexandria Aces lost their second consecutive game on Thursday night against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts at Blair Stadium, 7-5.  

Alexandria (18-8) was unbeaten in July and only a half game behind the first-place Bethesda Big Train in the Cal Ripken League Standings before being defeated by the Metropolitan Braves yesterday. Despite the losses, the Aces still have a firm grip on second place, as they’re six games ahead of the third-place Olney Cropdusters.  

Alexandria still had a good offensive showing, though. When Silver Spring jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second, the Aces responded with four runs in the third to go in front. Cade Sullivan (Western Michigan) had a terrific outing, with a team-high three hits and two RBI. His double in the third, Alexandria’s only extra-base hit of the game, put the Aces ahead and scored Adam Tellier (Ball State) and Dylan Koontz (Campbell) to shift the momentum.  

But Silver Spring would equalize right after, before taking the lead for good after a two-run fifth.  

Jacob Hartlaub (Ball State) took the mound for Alexandria and allowed six earned runs in five innings. Thunderbolt Andrew Schaeb picked up the win.  

The Aces relievers, however, were rock solid. The combination of Matt Delano, Reese Crochet and Ryan Osinski pitched 3.1 innings of shutout baseball off one hit. But the Aces couldn’t muster enough offense to win.  

They had opportunities. After two singles and a walk, Alexandria had the bases loaded with two outs in the seventh, but Silver Spring dashed any signs of a comeback with a strikeout to retire the side.  

The Aces finished with eight hits and nine runners left on base. On defense, they committed four errors.  

However, Alexandria’s never lost more than two games in a row and has an excellent opportunity to bounce back on Friday night, as it takes on the D.C. Grays (9-18) at the Washington Nationals Youth Academy to end its three-game road stand. First pitch is at 7:00 pm. 

Alexandria Aces (18-8-0) 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Aces 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 8 4 T Bolts 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 x 7 8 0

SS-T T Bolts (9-16-0) 7

 

By Chris Damond

It seemed like another come-from-behind victory was in store for the Aces on Wednesday night at South County High School. Alexandria had overcome an early deficit, just like they’d done in every game of its six-game winning streak, to take a 3-2 lead in the seventh. But this time, it couldn’t hold on, falling to the Metropolitan Braves, 9-3, to lose its first game since June 30.  

Last time Alexandria (18-7) was at South County High School, they won a 43-run slugfest, 23-20. Tonight was much less hectic.  

Metropolitan homered in the first off Britt Yount (George Mason), who had a solid outing otherwise. He lasted six innings and allowed just two earned runs on three hits. The Stafford, Va., native also recorded five strikeouts.  

Alexandria’s pitching struggled after Yount was taken out, though, as Metroplitan exploded for seven combined runs in the final three frames.  

Prior to that, Alexandria’s two-run seventh gave them their first lead of the game. Braves pitcher Dominic Buonadonna couldn’t find the strike zone and hit the first two batters, before Brendan Harrity (Western Michigan) scored off a wild pitch. The next at-bat, Dylan Koontz’s sacrifice fly brought in Adam Tellier (Ball State), who had a team-high two hits on the night. Tellier’s .400 batting average is third in the Cal Ripken League.  

Alexandria got on the board in the third, as Eddie Hacopian (Maryland) turned on the jets and stole home to tie the ball game.  

Despite the loss, the Aces’ defense was still superb, recording no errors. Koontz even received a standing ovation after he salvaged a poor throw with a spectacular tag at first base.  

Jacob Snell (MGCC) was tagged with the loss, and Buonadonna picked up the win, while Alexandria registered five hits to the Braves’ seven.  

The Aces continue their road trip with a visit to Blair Stadium tomorrow, where they’ll face the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts at 7:00 pm. 

Alexandria Aces (18-7-0) 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Aces 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 5 0 Braves 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 4 x 9 7 1

South County Braves (11-14-0) 9

Tuesday’s game between the Alexandria Aces and Bethesda Big Train has been cancelled. Make up is TBD. Alexandria’s next home game is Saturday at noon against the Gaithersburg Giants.

For much of the year, the Alexandria Aces (18-6) and Bethesda Big Train (19-6) have been a step above the rest. No other team in the Cal Ripken League is over .500.

And now, the league leaders square off on Tuesday night at Frank Mann Field with the winner gaining sole possession of first place in the standings. Currently, the Big Train hold a narrow half game edge over Alexandria, though the season series is split 2-2. First pitch is at 6:30.

Bethesda has won the past five league championships and has held the top spot in the standings for most of the year. Alexandria is trying to change the narrative.

Britt Yount (1-2, 5.31 ERA) from George Mason will likely start for the Aces, while Ryan Sanders (3-0, 1.71 ERA) will take the mound for Bethesda.

By Chris Damond

Though usually known for their high-flying offense, the Aces proved they could win any which way on Monday night. In a pitcher’s duel, Alexandria outlasted the Gaithersburg Giants, 2-1, at Criswell Automotive Field for its sixth-straight victory – its longest winning streak of the season. 

[The win] feels pretty good,” said reliever Josh Berenbaum, who entered the game in the fourth inning. “We’re just coming into the ballpark every day and trying to work … We just come together as a team and pick each other up when we need too. It’s a great environment to be around.”  

Berenbaum (University of Fraser Valley), who hails from Vancouver, pitched 3.2 innings of shutout relief for starting pitcher Alex Walsh (Lafayette). As the sun began to set in Gaithersburg, the Canadian lit up the ballpark, allowing just one hit and picking up the win. 

“Honestly, the changeup was working really well,” Berenbaum said. “I noticed early on that they were swinging and missing on it early, and I just started attacking, especially the lefties.” 

Walsh took the mound for Alexandria first, though, and had a solid outing as well. Gaithersburg (11-13) scored off him in the first, but he didn’t allow another run the rest of the way. The Ashburn, Va., native finished with three strikeouts and only one earned run.  

Alexandria native Ryan Osinski (Bucknell) retired the side in the eighth, before all-star Ryan Brown (Ball State) recorded the save.  

On offense, the Aces (18-6) only scored twice, with two runs in the fourth, but it was enough for the win. Brendan Harrity (Western Michigan) smacked a double to right that brought in the tying run. With Connor Offshack (Elon) 90 feet from the plate, the Giants’ third baseman committed Gaithersburg’s only error of the game. Unable to corral a ball that Thomas Hollingsworth (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) put in play, his costly mistake scored Offshack to put the Aces in front. 

Alexandria finished with six hits divided between three batters: Harrity, Adam Tellier (Ball State), and Dylan Koontz (Campbell), who each had two.  

Koontz led an eighth-inning charge by launching a double that clanged off the bottom of the foul poul. After some discussion, it was deemed fair, pushing Tellier to third to put two Aces in scoring position with no outs. Alexandria could not drive them home, however, but it did not matter.  

Noah Covington was tagged with the loss for Gaithersburg. 

Next up, the Aces, who are only a half game back from the top spot in the Cal Ripken League Standings, clash with the league-leading Bethesda Big Train at Frank Mann Field tomorrow at 6:30. The winner takes sole possession first place.  

Alexandria Aces (18-6-0) 2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Aces 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 1 Giants 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 1

Gaithersburg Giants (11-13-0) 1

 

By Chris Damond

The Alexandria Aces (17-6) will journey to Criswell Automotive Field on Monday night to face the Gaithersburg Giants (11-12). First pitch is at 7:00 pm. Alexandria has won nine of its past ten, and is currently on a five-game winning streak, tied for its longest this season.

Sitting in second place in the Cal Ripken League Standings, the Aces are just a half game back from the first-place Bethesda Big Train. Tonight, they’ll have an opportunity to take sole possession of the top spot for the first time this season.

Gaithersburg is tied for third in the standings will the Olney Cropdusters.

Alex Walsh (3.85 ERA) from Lafayette will likely take the mound for Alexandria, while the Giants’ pitcher is TBD.

Saturday’s game between the Alexandria Aces and Gaithersburg Giants at Frank Mann Field has been postponed to a later date due to weather. Alexandria’s next home game will be Tuesday against the Bethesda Big Train. First pitch is at 6:30.

By Chris Damond

Cade Sullivan drove in the winning run as Alexandria erased an early three-run deficit to beat the D.C Grays, 4-3, at the Washington Nationals Youth Academy on Friday night. The Aces are now on a five-game winning streak, tied for their longest of the season.  

Deadlocked in the eighth, Sullivan (Western Michigan) singled to bring in Eddie Hacopian (Maryland) for the lead, and all-star Jacob Snell (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) held the Grays (7-16) at bay in the last two innings to record the save.  

The victory marked yet another example of Alexandria’s resilience. Previously, it trailed in games one and two of the doubleheader against the Olney Cropdusters on Thursday, before rallying to win them both. 

D.C. bolted out to a 3-0 first inning lead, but Alexandria would not give up another run the rest of the way. Alexandria native Reese Crochet (George Washington), Will Long (Cornell), Joe Shapiro (Western Michigan) and Snell (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC) combined for five innings of scoreless baseball on three hits in relief of Ben Koomey (RPI), who pitched three shutout innings after the first. Shapiro picked up the win.  

D.C was held to six hits, and the Aces registered seven.  

As Alexandria’s pitchers stepped up, Brendan Harrity (Western Michigan) made sure their performance wouldn’t go to waste. His two-run moonshot in the fifth put the Aces within one. CJ Boyd (Appalachian State) tied it with a double that scored Adam Tellier (Ball State).  

At 17-6, Alexandria is just one game back from the first-place Bethesda Big Train (18-5), which has held the top spot the entire year. The teams clash at Frank Mann Field on Tuesday, but before that, Alexandria will travel to Criswell Automotive Field to face the Gaithersburg Giants on Monday night. First pitch is at 7:00 p.m.  

Alexandria Aces (17-6-0) 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Aces 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 4 6 0 Grays 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 2

D.C. Grays (7-16-0) 3