The series between the Southern Maryland Senators and the Bethesda Big Train has been nothing short of a battle for both teams. Game two of the three-game series was no different. Despite the Senators falling to the Big Train 6-4, it was still a close ball game with much action.

Friday night baseball was upon those at Shirley Povich Field for game two of the Cal Ripken League Semifinal series, and the Senators would be considered the home team.

Southern Maryland used that momentum to strike first, scoring three runs in the bottom of the third inning. The scoring started when Adam Troch (Duke) came up to bat with runners on second and third, hitting a line drive single that scored Cale Vinson (Middle Tennessee). Next was Logan Tribble (Wofford), and he hit a single, bringing Nick Flores (VCU) home. The third and final run of the inning came when Troch came across the plate on a sacrifice fly by Steven Kraus (Binghamton).

With a three-run lead, Southern Maryland’s starter, Michael Walsh (VCU), could now pitch with a little more ease as he continued dealing against a high-scoring Big Train offense. He held Bethesda hitless until the bottom of the sixth. Walsh found himself in a little bit of trouble, which led to his exit.

 Nate Bersonski (Mount Saint Mary’s) went into pitch in the middle of the top of the sixth inning, tasked with getting out of a jam. Big Train ended up scoring three runs that inning to tie the game.

The very next inning, Bethesda scored one more to take the lead; however, it was short-lived as Southern Maryland responded with a run of its own in the bottom of the frame. Kraus came through for his team again, hitting an RBI single that scored Calvin Cook (Middle Tennessee).

Knotted up at four, the game entered the ninth inning. For the Senators, Luke Emory (Fairmont State) was back out on the mound, and Big Train was able to score two more runs to gain the lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Senators' last chance to make some magic like they had the previous two nights. However, they were set down in order, and Big Train came out with the win, tying the series up.

On July 26, the Southern Maryland Senators and the Bethesda Big Train will face off one more time at Shirley Povich Field to determine who will advance to the League Championship Series against the Alexandria Aces.