ARMS VERSUS BATS: RIVALRY CONTINUES BETWEEN THUNDERBOLTS AND BETHESDA BIG TRAIN TONIGHT, CLASH FOR TOP SPOT IN NORTH

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
SILVER SPRING, JUNE 26—While the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts’ pitching staff is the second-best in the League, the difference between the team winning and losing has boiled down to their offense. In the Thunderbolts’ six losses, they’ve produced just 3.33 runs per game. That number jumps to nearly seven runs in the wins.

Yesterday’s 10-4 defeat in Olney was just another example. The Thunderbolts (9-6) pounced on Olney’s starting pitcher for a four-run first inning. Once the offense went silent, it spiraled out of control for the Thunderbolts. The Cropdusters scored the last nine runs of the game and the Thunderbolts only manufactured one hit, which came in the first. 

The Thunderbolts rank last in a few offensive categories but the biggest one is runs scored. They have scored just 81 runs, one below the Alexandria Aces, and a drastic margin behind the sixth place team. The Thunderbolts also rank last in hits (100) and total bases (133) and RBIs (65).

The offense will likely be the difference maker tonight against the Bethesda Big Train (10-5).Thee teams played three times and Bethesda leads the series, 2-1. The Thunderbolts lost June 6 at Blair, 3-1, and then 8-5 in the first game of a June 21 doubleheader, before taking down the Big Train, 7-5.

Cam Elicier (Moravian) takes the mound today. He has a 7.71 ERA but has yet to make his first start of the season. Only pitching out of the bullpen thus far, Ellicier has hurled 4.2 innings in four appearances. He last pitched on Monday in relief against the Metro South County Braves, where he recorded five outs and allowed one run.

Elicier will be tasked with slowing down the hottest offense in the league, and he will need to be up for the challenge to give his team a shot.

Not many teams have scored 20 runs in a single game throughout Ripken League history. This year’s Bethesda squad has already done it twice and nearly did it in back-to-back games. The Big Train has also posted seven double-digit scores.

On Tuesday, Bethesda handled the Metro South County Braves, 20-7. The Big Train has grown accustomed to games in shootout fashion to the point where the first team that posts a zero usually wins the game. Bethesda’s 19-11 victory against the Gaithersburg Giants yesterday was no different.

Logan Ponnett (North Carolina Charlotte) is a force to be reckoned with at the plate. He has shown the power to leave the ballpark and step up in critical situations. Ponnett leads the league with three home runs, 17 RBIs. and 19 runs scored. He has also walked eight times and stolen seven bags.

Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) was the Big Train’s best hitter last season. This year’s been nothing different. After a relatively slow start, Gonzalez is red-hot with a six-game hitting streak. He has had five three-hit performances, slashing .400 and has driven in 17. Gonzalez has scored 17 times.

Alex Peltier (East Carolina) is hitting .400, Peyton Steele (Alabama) has plated 14 runners, Brennan Wright (South Alabama) has 12 RBIs and Parker Corbin (Maryland) has 12 RBIs.

Bethesda’s offense is dangerous and can strike in a number of different ways from everyone in the batting order. But the Thunderbolts have slowed them down twice already. They will need to do it a third time to get the win and stay in the North Division title race. Thunderbolts are just one game behind Bethesda.

Today’s contest starts at 8 p.m. and will be played at Blair Stadium. The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak on the call.

SUNDAY UPDATE: DH AT BLAIR ON JUNE 29 VS METRO SOCO BRAVES TO MAKE UP BOLTS-BRAVES GAME POSTPONED DUE TO HEAT ON JUNE 23

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 26—Sunday doubleheaders used to be quite common in the Major Leagues back in the day. They were regularly scheduled as part of the season. Over time, the use of the DH, Sunday or otherwise, declined but it made a bit of a comeback in recent years.

The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts will stage a Sunday DH on June 29 when the heat-postponed game between the Thunderbolts and the Metro SoCo Braves of June 23 will be tacked on to the regularly scheduled Sunday game at Blair between the two teams. Ergo, a Sunday doubleheader at Blair…just like in the old days.

The first game is scheduled for 4:30 pm and the second is slated to start at 6:30 pm.

And don’t forget tonight’s game vs the Bethesda Big Train starts at 8 pm, not 7. Something to do with the field usage.

Mark your calendars.

See ya at Blair.

THUNDERBOLTS’ OFFENSE SHUT DOWN IN 10-4 DEFEAT AGAINST THE OLNEY CROPDUSTERS, FINISH WITH JUST ONE HIT FOR THE GAME

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
OLNEY, JUNE 25—To say that the teams within the North Division of the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League dislike each other is an understatement. The rivalry between the Thunderbolts and Bethesda Big Train was on display a couple days ago with heated exchanges between the dugouts. Those exchanges reemerged Wednesday against the Olney Cropdusters. With both dugouts chirping, a six-run second inning was the jolt Olney needed to shut down a red-hot Thunderbolts’ squad, 10-4.

The first two innings provided plenty of entertainment with 11 combined runs. While the T-Bolts offensive fireworks disappeared, the sparks were still there. Frustrations with umpire calls and tensions between the teams only grew as the contest went along.

Pitcher Gabe Wheeler (Tampa) cruised through his first two starts, with eight scoreless innings. That was not the case against Olney. The right-hander faced traffic right away and ended up taking the loss (0-1).

In the first, Olney’s left fielder Andrew Kell (Salisbury) blooped a single to right and was active on the basepaths. He stole second before advancing another 90 feet on a wild pitch. Designated hitter Jimmy Kirk (Millersville) hit an RBI single. 

But Wheeler worked out of the jam, in large part due to right fielder Vance Bonior (UMass). Bonior gunned down a runner at the plate with ease on an impressive throw to limit the damage, ending the first.

The Thunderbolts scored four runs in the first two innings Tuesday against the Southern Maryland Senators. They matched that total in the first inning alone, capitalizing on a pair of Duster miscues. 

Shortstop Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) hunted pitches within the strike zone, and it paid off. Erd drew a leadoff walk and third baseman Tyson Gill (Clarion) sent a 2-2 pitch to center for a knock. Erd advanced to third on an erratic pickoff attempt. Catcher Steve Thomas drove him in on a sacrifice fly. 

Bonior and first baseman Brady Grimes (Youngstown St) worked two uncontested walks. Then those mistakes took effect. Two throwing errors allowed three runs to score, and the Thunderbolts took a 4-1 lead.

It quickly unraveled for the Thunderbolts after their four-run first. The offense couldn’t put together anything threatening and the bats were often left on shoulders, leading to 13 strikeouts

The Cropdusters’ offense exploded in the top of the second. Four singles, a double, a walk and a fielding error fueled Olney’s surge, resulting in the Cropdusters plating six runs. 

Wheeler’s night was over after recording four outs, giving way to Bryce Greene (Florida International). Greene was electric out of the pen, striking out two batters to end the frame. 

After a hectic first three frames, the pitching settled down. Greene pitched 2.2 scoreless innings and allowed just two baserunners. Matt Shamany (Millersville) and Gavin Lill (Millersville) shut down the Thunderbolts’ offense from that point on. Shamany (1-0) earned the win.

The Thunderbolts managed just two baserunners in four innings: a four-pitch walk to designated hitter Nathan Rodriguez (Mount St Mary’s) in the third, and a walk to Grimes in the fifth after working the count full. 

Aidan Denham (UMBC) and John Doyle (Marymount) combined to pitch two scoreless frames for the Thunderbolts. Doyle allowed a one-out double to shortstop Walker Zampella (East Stroudsburg) but mowed down the final two hitters.

Olney’s offense added some insurance in the eighth. Kell — who was the spark plug for the Cropdusters’ opening run and reached base in two of his first three plate appearances — saw his pitch and put a charge into it. He crushed a solo shot to left to leadoff the inning. Zampella earned a walk, stole second, and advanced to third on an errant throw. He scored on a wild pitch.

Liam Bowen (Frostburg St) entered in relief and worked himself out of a jam. With runners on first and second and two outs, Bowen punched out the final hitter to stop the bleeding.

The Cropdusters only piled on the pressure in the ninth. After retiring the first two batters, the third out was the hardest to get. Kell lined a double down the third-base line before a walk and two hit by pitches drove in a run. Bowen ended the inning with a strikeout.

Shawn Rosemond (Salisbury) pitched the final three innings for Olney.

The Thunderbolts return to Blair Stadium in what has felt like an eternity. Tomorrow’s game against the Bethesda Big Train could prove decisive in the division title race. The contest starts at 8 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

NORTH DIVISION RIVALS COLLIDE: THUNDERBOLTS EYE THIRD WIN OVER OLNEY CROPDUSTERS, HOPE TO STAY PACE WITH BETHESDA

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
OLNEY, JUNE 25—It may not be a conventional Ripken League team, but the Silver Spring-Thunderbolts have paved their own way to victory. In an offense-heavy league, the Thunderbolts have relied on stellar starting pitching and a bullpen that hunkers down when given a lead./

Initially, it looked like the Thunderbolts had configured a five-man starting rotation that would stick. Josh Zuckerman (Emory), Brayden Fetherolf (Clarion), Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St), Zach Danielczyk (Tampa) and Gabe Wheeler (Tampa) started the first five games.

The first time around, they pitched 20 scoreless innings, helping the Thunderbolts post a 3-2 record. It got a bit rocky after that. In those next three starts, they allowed six runs (four earned). However, the Thunderbolts’ offense stepped up, propelling them to three wins, including the suspended game that picked up on Monday.

Those struggles opened the door for head coach Brock Hunter to test a new arm in the rotation. That pitcher was Jake Treasure (Stevenson). He has certainly tossed his hat in the ring with two gems. Treasure pitched four scoreless innings against the Olney Cropdusters on June 14th and five lockdown innings against Southern Maryland yesterday.

Through 55 innings pitched this season, the starting rotation has a 2.13 ERA. Fetherolf, Domaracki, Wheeler, and Treasure have still yet to allow an earned run and only three unearned runs combined.

Wheeler will make his third start on the mound today and hopes to piggyback off a dominant pitching performance yesterday. He likes to work the defense behind him, recording just two punch outs in eight innings hurled. 

The bullpen has been dynamite as well, with only two blown leads. Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan), Brady Grimes (Millersville), Hunter Layhew (Frostburg St), Vance Bonior (UMass) and Bryce Greene (Florida International) have all pitched in high-leverage situations.

While all the talk has been about the Thunderbolts’ pitching staff, the offense has been exceptional when called upon.

Bonior and David Vozzo (Moravian) are two of the top hitters, hitting .370 and .367 respectively. Grimes and Steve Thomas (Catholic) have each displayed strong power with home runs. But it really has been a team-effort offensively, and one that is sustainable long-term.

The defense has also made some stellar plays, notably Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville), Nolan Kutney (UMBC), Tyson Gill (Clarion), and Gabe Ruiz (UMBC).

The Thunderbolts’ squad will face off against Olney today, a team that has hit a bit of lull after a red-hot start. The Cropdusters won their first three games but only have victories in four of their past 13. The Thunderbolts have taken them down twice already, 8-4 and 8-3.

Olney’s pitching staff has scuffled a bit as of late. However, the offense has risen to the occasion.

Carter Richey (VCU) has bounced around between the three-hole and cleanup position since he’s begun to see the ball well. Richey’s success at the plate has single-handedly fueled the Cropdusters’ offense. He is slashing an impressive .350 and has eight RBIs, seven runs scored and seven walks.

After a few disappointing seasons, the Thunderbolts have assembled a roster capable of bringing home the championship trophy. They sit just 1.5 games behind Southern Maryland. That journey begins today against Olney.

Today’s contest starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be played at OBGC Park. The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

THUNDERBOLTS SHOCK THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND SENATORS IN 5-1 VICTORY, FILIBUSTER THEIR OFFENSE WITH DOMINANT PITCHING

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

WALDORF, JUNE 24—Tuesday was a day filled with offense throughout the Ripken League. The other three games combined to score 67 runs. That was not the case between the Thunderbolts and Southern Maryland Senators. The Thunderbolts only needed five runs to take down the top team in the League, shutting down the second-best offense in their 5-1 win.

While the Thunderbolts haven’t yet had one game where the offense explodes, they haven’t needed to. The pitching staff has been exceptional, and the Thunderbolts have backed that with timely runs, guiding their success.

Monday’s ninth-inning comeback win vs the Metro SoCo Braves on the road was one of the Thunderbolts’ best offensive frames of the season, rivaling a seven-run first inning against the Olney Cropdusters and a six-run eighth inning against the DC Grays. They rode that momentum into Tuesday’s contest.

The Thunderbolts have been one of the most patient teams, with 80 free passes in the first 13 games. Shortstop David Vozzo (Moravian) immediately showed that off. He watched five of the six pitches thrown go past him and drew a leadoff walk.

Right fielder Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) sent a 0-1 pitch right past the outstretched glove of the third baseman. With Vozzo’s heads-up baserunning to advance to third, catcher Jack McCarthy (Marymount) hit an RBI fielder’s choice. Despite the Thunderbolts leaving two runners on base, the offense was just getting started.

Jake Treasure (Stevenson) entered his second start as one of the few pitchers left in the league without a run allowed. That remained true. Treasure quickly retired the side with 14 pitches in the first. 

The southpaw got plenty of run support when he stepped onto the mound a second time.

In the top of the second, third baseman Bryce Curry (Hofstra) earned a five-pitch walk and left fielder Tyson Gill (Clarion) worked back from an 0-2 count to hit a single up the middle. Center fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) kept his bat on his shoulders while drawing a walk. Vozzo used the whole field to his advantage and blooped a two-run opposite-field single. A wild pitch scored Sturtevant from third and gave the Thunderbolts a 4-0 lead.

Southern Maryland starter Bruce Wadiak (Iona) had his outing cut short before it even got started. Wadiak (1-1) recorded five outs, but allowed four runs and suffered the loss.

On the other side, Treasure was dealing. It didn’t matter who the Senators sent up to the plate. Catcher Chet Bowling (Winthrop) hit a one-out single and designated hitter Jax Nichols (Motlow State C.C.) reached base via a walk. Treasure buckled down and sent down the last batter. That was Southern Maryland’s best chance against the starter.

Treasure’s success on the mound was keyed by his ability to attack the zone. He threw first-pitch strikes to 14 of the 19 batters he faced and finished with 51 of his 81 pitches in the strike zone. Treasure’s night ended after five scoreless innings and six punch-outs. He earned his second win of the season.

After a shaky start, Southern Maryland’s bullpen did their job and posted zeros. Michael Walsh (VCU) and Nate Berzonski (Mount St Mary’s) combined to throw six scoreless innings and fanned six batters.

The Senators’ offense finally broke through in the sixth against Michael Preske (Cecil C.C.). Center fielder Adam Troch (Duke), first baseman Steven Kraus (Binghamton) and third baseman Danny Surowiec (Boston College) each ripped doubles. Those hits only scored one run, though. That was due to Sturtevant. He gunned down a runner at the plate after collecting a ball that dropped right in between center and right.

Nathan Rodriguez (Mount St Mary’s) entered the game in the bottom of the seventh with runners on first and second and just one out. With the tying run coming up to bat, Rodriguez kept Southern Maryland off the board. McCarthy caught a runner in between second and third before Sturtevant made an incredible diving catch in center.

Rodriguez's defense once again helped him in the eighth. Shortstop Nolan Kutney (UMBC) snared a sharply hit ball and fired across the diamond to end the inning.

First baseman Brady Grimes (Millersville) padded the Thunderbolts lead with an insurance run in the ninth. He demolished a fastball to left for his second bomb of the season, both in his past two games.

Hunter Layhew (Frostburg St) capped off the dominant pitching performance with a clean ninth inning.

The victory keeps the Thunderbolts tied with the Bethesda Big Train on top of the North division. 

The Thunderbolts (9-5) remain on the road tomorrow against the Olney Cropdusters (7-9) in what is technically a home game for the Thunderbolts. That game starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

TWO OF THE BEST: THUNDERBOLTS TACKLE LEAGUE-LEADING SO. MARYLAND SENATORS TONIGHT AT REGENCY, START TIME AT 7 PM

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

WALDORF, JUNE 24— The Thunderbolts scored just three runs in the ninth inning during their first 12 contests. This season, the offense has usually struck early and often, allowing the Thunderbolts to build leads they don’t let up.

In games where the Thunderbolts have trailed in the sixth inning or later, they are 0-4. They had yet to mount a comeback late in any game this season. That changed yesterday.

With the Thunderbolts down four and three outs left to salvage a victory, the offense broke through. Extra-base hits from Gabe Ruiz (UMBC) and Ryan Cuadros (Marymount) sparked the rally. Matthew Kim (Frederick C.C.) and Vance Bonior (UMass) hit singles to help tie the game. The Thunderbolts also drew three walks, including the winning free pass from Brayden Foster (Youngstown St). That production resulted in a five-run ninth and led to the walk-off.

While the offense was vital in the comeback, the defense gave the Thunderbolts a shot to pull off the win. Ruiz made two stellar throws in the seventh to limit the damage to just one run, gunning down a runner at third and home.

After the pitching staff allowed six runs in the first seven innings, Aidan Watts (Rochester) and Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) posted two crucial zeroes. The Thunderbolts were forced to use six pitchers, but their bullpen depth shined.

The 7-6 victory over the Metro South County Braves coupled with Bethesda Big Train’s defeat pushed the Thunderbolts into a tie atop the North division. Bethesda’s loss came against the Southern Maryland Senators. That is who the Thunderbolts face today.

Jake Treasure (Stevenson) gets the starting nod today for the Thunderbolts. He has yet to allow a run in six innings pitched this season. Treasure made his first start over a week ago against the Olney Cropdusters and pitched four innings of one-hit ball. Treasure punched out four batters and only walked two.

He will have a daunting task slowing down the second-best offense in the league and top overall team.

After falling to the Braves in its first game, Southern Maryland got red-hot. The Senators rattled off nine straight victories in pretty comfortable fashion. Alexandria dealt Southern Maryland its first defeat in 2.5 weeks on Sunday but had to do so with a comeback. The Aces scored six unanswered runs, including the game-winning run in the ninth.

The leader of the offense is Adam Troch (Duke). Troch has bounced around between Southern Maryland’s two and three-hole in the batting order. It hasn’t mattered where he’s been hitting, though. Troch has a league-leading .409 batting average. He had an impressive 4-for-5 performance on Sunday despite the loss. Troch has also scored nine runs, stolen nine bases, produced eight RBIs and walked seven times. 

Carter Groen (Connecticut) is the Senator’s slugger, and has the power to show for it. Groen has two long balls, eight runs, seven RBIs, four walks, three stolen bases and a pair of extra-base hits. However, Groen has slowed down at the plate after his hot start. He has just one hit in the last four games which came yesterday.

Logan Tribble (Wofford) and Nick Flores (VCU) are two crucial hitters at the top of the lineup. Tribble is hitting .333, with 12 runs scored, eight RBIs and six walks. Flores has played in every game this season, and made a big impact. Alongside a .327 batting average, Flores has scored 13 runs, driven in eight, walked seven times and ripped five doubles.

Southern Maryland has incredible depth throughout the lineup and can beat teams in many ways.

In a matchup between the league-leading Senators and a dangerous Thunderbolts’ squad, one side will cement themselves as the frontrunner. 

Today’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak on the call.

THUNDERBOLTS STUN THE METRO SOUTH COUNTY BRAVES WITH FIVE-RUN LIGHTNING STRIKE IN NINTH, COME FROM BEHIND TO WIN 7-6

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

LORTON, VA, JUNE 23—With three outs remaining against the Metro SoCo Braves, the Thunderbolts were on track for their fourth loss in five games. Trailing 6-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth (due to the makeup rules, the Thunderbolts were the home team), they were staring defeat in the face. It looked bleak for the Thunderbolts. But they showed resilience, and it paid dividends.

Center fielder Gabe Ruiz (UMBC) roped a leadoff double. Then, chaos unfolded. Nine batters came to the plate, helping the T-Bolts post a stunning five-run ninth inning which ultimately led to their 7-6 comeback victory over the Braves.

For eight innings, the Thunderbolts couldn’t manufacture anything threatening. They only needed one hit to flip a switch. Ruiz’s extra-base hit did just that.

Designated hitter Ryan Cuadros (Marymount) brought him home with a double. Second baseman Matthew Kim (Frederick C.C.) drove the first pitch he saw right back up the middle to make it 6-4. Shortstop David Vozzo (Moravian) reached base on an error. 

The Thunderbolts knew one swing wasn’t going to tie the game. Instead, they relied on a patient approach, passing the baton to the next batter. The strategy worked to perfection. Third baseman Tyson Gill (Clarion) and right fielder Steve Thomas (Catholic) each drew walks. Catcher Vance Bonior (UMass) ripped a 2-1 pitch right past second, tying the game at 6-6.

Those at-bats set the table for first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St). With the bases loaded, one out, and the score tied, Foster waited for his pitch to hit. He never got that pitch. Foster watched four of the five pitches thrown go past him, and they were called balls. Foster’s walk capped off the Thunderbolts’ improbable ninth-inning rally.

It was a slow start that pushed the Thunderbolts’ backs against the wall.

Over a week ago at Blair, right hander Zach Danielczyk (Tampa) took the mound as the Thunderbolts’ starter. While he cruised through five innings in his first start, this one wasn’t smooth sailing.

Danielczyk couldn’t locate a putaway pitch, and the Braves made him pay. He raced out to 0-2 counts against the first two batters, but allowed both to reach base. A walk, two singles, a hit by a pitch and a fielder’s choice drove in two runs in the first.

Thomas stepped up to the plate down 2-0 in the second and left with the Thunderbolts trailing by one. He took the first pitch and launched a 351-foot bomb out to left field. In the bottom of the third, the game was suspended due to lightning with the Thunderbolts trailing, 2-1.

When the game was picked up last night, Pietandrea was on the mound again and Thomas’ home run was the only blemish on his pitching line for six innings. He allowed just three baserunners until the seventh: a leadoff single from Cuadros in the third, a walk to Vozzo in the third, and a single from Gill in the sixth. Pietandrea fanned eight batters in that stretch and induced weak contact.

While the southpaw shut down the Thunderbolts’ offense, Metro SoCo provided the necessary run support to grow their lead.

Against Cam Ellicier (Moravian) in the fourth, the Braves sparked a two-out rally. Designated hitter Nich Francuzenko (Towson) destroyed a double, before advancing 180 feet on two wild pitches to make it 3-1. Ellicier prevented any further damage and stranded two baserunners.

Metro SoCo struck once again two innings later. Two walks, three singles and a double drove two runs in and pushed the Braves up four. However, Ruiz showcased his incredible arm in center. He gunned down a runner at third and home to help Henry Steene (Washington & Lee) get out of the jam in the sixth. 

The Braves added an insurance run in the top of the seventh. 

Center fielder Walker Bazile (Houston Baptist) and shortstop Sam Grube (Mount St Mary’s) worked walks. A double play helped Liam Miller (Rochester) stop the bleeding, but Metro SoCo wasn’t done. Bazile scored on a wild pitch with two runners still on base. Miller generated a lazy flyout to end the inning.

The Thunderbolts seized some momentum in the bottom half. Foster hit a leadoff single but was erased on a fielder’s choice. Ruiz stole second and advanced to third on a groundout. Kim knocked an RBI single for their first run in six innings. But the Thunderbolts left two runners on base.

Aidan Watts (Rochester) and Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) pitched scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth to give the Thunderbolts a chance. They each allowed a hit but punched out two combined. Keane (1-0) earned the win.

The Braves used three pitchers in the ninth, but none were able to hold the lead. Pietandrea — who was pulled three batters into the inning — finished with 10 strikeouts in 8.1 innings. Tyler Kelly (William & Mary) allowed the winning run and took the loss (0-1).

With the Thunderbolts win and the Bethesda Big Train’s 6-2 loss to the Southern Maryland Senators (10-2), the Bolts moved back into a tie with Bethesda for the lead in the Ripken League’s Northern Division. Both teams sport 8-5 records.

Speaking of the Senators, the Thunderbolts face off against them tonight at 7 p.m. The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak on the call.

THUNDERBOLTS AIM TO GET BACK IN THE WIN COLUMN WITH RESTARTED GAME AGAINST METRO SOCO BRAVES, TRAIL 2-1 IN THIRD

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

LORTON VA, JUNE 23—A few days ago, the Thunderbolts stood at an impressive 6-2 record and were on top of the North division. That has quickly changed. Defeats in three of their past four games has dropped the Thunderbolts to 7-5 and one game behind the Bethesda Big Train.

The biggest difference has been the League getting to know the T-Bolt pitching staff. 

In the first eight games, the T-Bolt starters and relievers cruised through opposing lineups and mowed down anyone sent to the plate. But now, the Thunderbolts may relinquish their league-leading ERA. The most earned runs the Thunderbolts allowed in a single game during that initial stretch was four. They’ve allowed at least that number in each of the past four games.

As for the Bolts offense, they don’t rely on home run power, they rely on a different approach to score runs. The Thunderbolts usually don’t beat themselves at the plate, only swinging at pitches within the strike zone. They have drawn over six walks a game, overcoming a league-low 80 hits this season.

Yesterday’s game was a sign of promising things to come. They produced 13 hits and ripped four extra-base hits: doubles from David Vozzo (Moravian), Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) and Bryce Curry (Hofstra), and a triple from Steve Thomas (Catholic). 

Despite those hits not resulting in runs, it was an indicator that the Thunderbolts are starting to see the ball well.

However, that first hint happened over a week ago in a game that was suspended. Thomas belted a solo home run in the bottom of the first against the Metro South County Braves, the team’s first bomb of the season. 

That game was abruptly stopped in the bottom of the third with Vozzo up at the plate. The Thunderbolts trailed 2-1 with Ryan Cuadros on base and one out. Both sides will wrap up that game tonight, starting at 9 p.m.

After winning their opening game against the Southern Maryland Senators, the Braves’ season looked destined to be one with playoff aspirations. Things have quickly flipped. Metro SoCo has had a pair of losing streaks, but none have been longer than its recent four-game stretch.

The Braves currently sit at the bottom of the South Division with a 3-9 record. It hasn’t been the offense that’s led to this struggle, though.

Franklin Gomez Jr (Fairleigh Dickinson) hits out of the two-hole and always finds a way to reach base. He is hitting .361, with 13 walks drawn, 12 runs scored, and six RBIs. Gomez Jr has had a duo of three-game hitting streaks, and is riding one at the moment.

Sam Grube (Mount St Mary’s) does his damage from the top of the lineup. The leadoff hitter is tied for the second-highest RBI total in the league at 12. Grube has also drawn a league-leading 16 walks, scored 10 runs, and stolen nine bags. 

Tonight’s continuation will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

BURNT OUT: EXTREME HEAT CANCELS DH AT SOUTH COUNTY WITH BRAVES; SUSPENDED GAME TO BE PICKED UP STARTING AT 9 PM

LORTON, VA, JUNE 23—If it’s not the rain cancelling games in the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League, it’s the heat. And tonight, the expected temperature of 98 degrees at game time in South County Field, home of the Metro SoCo Braves, led the League to cancel the scheduled doubleheader between the Thunderbolts and Braves.

It will be replaced by a single game—the pickup of the suspended game between the Thunderbolts and the Braves from June 13 at Blair. In that game, the Braves led 2-1 in the bottom of the third inning. In the bottom of the frame, Ryan Cuadros led off with a single then Matthew Kim flied out to right. David Vozzo was batting with a 1-0 count and one out when the game was called.

With both teams expected to play six innings to finish the game, the start time will be 9 pm. The Thunderbolts will be the home team. Temperatures are expected in the high 80s.

Coverage from our intrepid team of Andrew Relvas and Patrick Moran from South County begins shortly before 9 pm.

THUNDERBOLTS AID MANNA FOOD DRIVE FOR RIPKEN LEAGUE EFFORT

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 23—The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts once again took part in the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League’s Manna Food Drive. Three Thunderbolts—outfielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) and infielders Josh Erd (Frederick CC)and Matthew Kim (Frederick CC) joined Head Coach Brock Hunter this past Saturday, asking for donations at the Arliss Street Giant Food in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The Thunderbolts received 356 pounds of food for their Saturday effort.

The Manna Food Drive, now in its 12th year, helps Manna Food, a nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger in Montgomery County through food distribution, educational programs, and advocacy efforts.

This year, three other teams in addition to the Thunderbolts—the Bethesda Big Train, the Olney Cropdusters, and the Gaithersburg Giants—combined to collect 2,267 pounds of food, according to the League. In the last 11 years, the League says it has collected and donated more than 25 tons of food.

Hunter told Mahaley Wise of the Ripken League that he was amazed by the community involvement. He told her, “We got something from almost everyone who went into the store today.”

Sturtevant added, “It's amazing to see the community support and everyone helping out each other.” While some of the players are not from the area, Wise reported, they still find it important to help people in need. “Just going out and helping the community, it’s good to do even when you are not from around here,” Sturtevant added.

Sturtevant told the League that he was inspired to come out and gather food because, “I think everybody deserves to have the things they need… It's great to help people who are less fortunate.”

Haley reported that Bethesda Big Train supporter John Green, who donated canned goods, observed that the event offered a chance for teams to engage with fans, strengthen community ties, and raise awareness for the CRSCBL.

Bruce Adams, President of the Bethesda Big Train, who was out collecting food himself, told Mahaley that, “The Manna Food Center was always happy that someone will go out in the 100-degree heat for them because their shelves get pretty bare in the summertime…Baseball is our platform, but building a stronger community is our purpose.”

Congrats to all the players, coaches, and staff who went out and collected food for the Manna Food Drive. They do the League and the community proud.

You can read Mahaley Wise’s report here.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: JUNE 25 GAME VS OLNEY CROPDUSTERS WILL BE PLAYED AT OLNEY, NOT BLAIR BASEBALL STADIUM

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 23—The headline says it all but the June 25 game between the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and the Olney Cropdusters, scheduled for Blair, has been moved to Olney. The game will start at 5:30 pm at First Responder Field by ServPro at OBGC (Olney Boys and Girls Club) Park.

The schedule in the printed program was composed prior to the season and doesn’t reflect any changes to th schedule. And brother, have there been changes. The adjusted schedule is on our Schedule tab.

Coverage of the game will be provided by ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. Check back for who is going to be on the call. Go to the Media Tab and then Live Games.

GIANTS OFFENSE SHOWS OFF IN 7-3 WIN AT BLAIR; THUNDERBOLTS DROP TO SECOND PLACE IN RIPKEN LEAGUE’S NORTH DIVISION

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 22—The Thunderbolts surrendered 18 runs in their first eight games of the season for a league-leading 2.19 ERA. But after this weekend, they exited with a 3.60 ERA and 24 runs yielded in their last four. That was in evidence Sunday against the Gaithersburg Giants. A four-run fourth inning gave Gaithersburg the cushion it needed to take down the Thunderbolts, 7-3.

But it wasn’t just pitching. After scattering seven hits across 14 innings against the Bethesda Big Train yesterday, the offense came out aggressive today. The Thunderbolts manufactured 13 hits. Those hits didn’t translate to runs, as they stranded 12 runners on base.

Right hander Zach Danielczyk (Tampa) last pitched over a week ago in a game that was suspended. The 6-foot-5 right-hander ran into some trouble in the first inning.

After fanning the first batter, Gaithersburg’s offense came to life. A pair of first-pitch singles put traffic on the basepaths before a spiked wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position. Second baseman Brady Powell (Radford) punched an RBI groundout and left fielder Aaron Babaev (San Mateo) pushed the Giants ahead, 2-0, with an RBI single.

Danielczyk worked himself out of jams in the next two innings. He allowed the first two runners to reach in the second and had runners on the corners with two outs in the third, but came out unscathed.

The Thunderbolts’ offense broke through in the bottom of the second against Gaithersburg starter Britton Wildasin (Golden Beacom).

First baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) laced a double down the first-base line and left fielder Gabe Ruiz (UMBC) beat out a two-out infield single. With both runners in scoring position, third baseman Bryce Curry (Hofstra) blooped a single into center that plated two, tying the game.

In the bottom of the third, right fielder Steve Thomas (Catholic) drilled the first pitch he saw out to left center and sprinted around to third. Designated hitter Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) immediately drove him home with an RBI single.

The Thunderbolts’ 3-2 lead didn’t last long. Danielczyk was one out away from wrapping up the fourth. That elusive final out didn’t come easy. Three singles and a throwing error tied the game at three with two runners on base. Up stepped second baseman Brady Powell (Radford). Powell demolished an 0-2 pitch to left for a three-run towering bomb. 

Danielczyk retired the last hitter of the fourth, but the damage was done. He allowed six runs on nine hits, and struck out five batters in his outing. Danielczyk (1-1) suffered the loss.

The Thunderbolts had a chance to respond in the bottom half of the fourth. Curry clobbered a one-out double down the third-base line. Shortstop David Vozzo sent the first pitch he saw to right to for a double. However, Curry, trying to score, got caught in a pickle between third and home and was tagged out. 

Righty Aidan Denham (UMBC) was electric out of the bullpen in relief of Danielczyk. He pitched three no-hit innings, walking two batters and punching out two. Denham gave the Thunderbolts a chance to claw back in the game. But on this night, they wouldn’t get it done.

The Thunderbolts went down in order in the fifth. In the sixth, Foster and Ruiz both singled, putting runners on first and second with one out. A flyout and strikeout ended their chance.

Wildasin (1-0) ended his night after the sixth, with just three runs allowed and earned the win.

In the seventh, the Thunderbolts threatened again. Center fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) drew a five-pitch walk and Thomas singled. The tying run came to the plate. But a strikeout and double play closed the window of opportunity. 

Gaithersburg added an insurance run in the top of the ninth against righty John Doyle (Marymount). A walk and two stolen bases from center fielder Brady Ruiz-Weiss (Yale) was followed by a single from Powell. Ruiz-Weiss and Powell combined for six of the Giants’ nine stolen bags.

The Thunderbolts weren’t done as they loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth. But their struggles to produce that critical base hit continued as the next two batters struck out and flew out.

The Thunderbolts (7-5) head on the road tomorrow against the Metro South County Braves (3-9) for a doubleheader. The first game is a continuation of the suspended contest and begins at 4:30 p.m. Both games will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak on the call.

ROUND THREE ON DECK: THUNDERBOLTS AND GAITHERSBURG GIANTS MEET ONCE AGAIN IN A NORTH DIVISION CLASH, GAME AT 6 PM

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 22—The Thunderbolts secured just 12 wins last season in what was considered a disappointing year. After yesterday’s split with the Bethesda Big Train, the Thunderbolts are more than halfway on pace to match that win total with 29 games left.

While the Thunderbolts’ pitching staff has been exceptional all season, the offense was responsible for the nightcap win yesterday. After getting shut out on Friday, they needed a bounceback performance. That is exactly what they did.

The Thunderbolts drew 15 walks on the day and took advantage of any base runners they got in the second game. Despite only having four hits, they often came in big moments. Vance Bonior (UMass) led off the third with a double before Brady Grimes (Millersville) clobbered a two-run home run. Later in that inning, Tyson Gill (Clarion) hit an RBI single.

After allowing eight runs in the opener of the doubleheader, the Thunderbolts pitched well for five innings in game two. They allowed one unearned run in the third but that was all the damage. 

Bethesda didn’t go down without a fight, ripping a bases-clearing three-run double in the sixth and tacked on one more in the seventh. However, the Thunderbolts staved off any comeback and held on to win.

The Thunderbolts and Big Train are tied for first in the North Division with a 7-4 record, trailing league-leading Southern Maryland Senators by 2.5 games. The Senators have won nine straight.

Righty Zach Danielczyk (Tampa) gets the starting nod today on the mound against the Gaithersburg Giants. He pitched five scoreless innings back on June 7, with a hit, walk and four punch outs. Danielczyk also pitched three frames against the Metro South County Braves, allowing two runs. However, that game was suspended in the bottom of the third.

The Thunderbolts and Giants have met twice already, and both meetings went in favor of the Thunderbolts. They won 6-4 on the road for their first victory and 9-8 during their five-game winning streak.

Coming off last season’s North Division title, Gaithersburg has taken a step back this campaign. The Giants have the worst record in the league and have just two wins in 12 games: a 11-10 victory over Big Train and a 12-7 win against the Braves.

Gaithersburg’s pitching staff has struggled mightily, with the second-highest ERA in the league at 6.27. The Giants have had command issues as well, walking just over seven batters a game. 

The offense has kept Gaithersburg afloat at times and single-handedly won games.

Jayden Brown (Ranger College) is the best leadoff hitter in the league, and it's not really close. He brings a mix of speed and power to the plate, making him a tough out. Brown has the second-highest batting average (.401) and RBIs (12). Brown has also demolished two home runs and has scored nine times.

Danny Orr (UMBC) and Collin Hughes (VCU) have formed a nice three-headed monster at the top of the lineup. Orr has a .378 batting average, nine RBIs, eight runs scored, four doubles and four walks. Hughes is close behind, hitting .375 and has seven RBIs. He has also scored five times.

After losing two of their past three games, the Thunderbolts will need to get back on track. That begins with today’s game at Blair Stadium.

Tonight’s contest begins at 6 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas, Pat Moran and Neal Lavon on the call.

HEAVYWEIGHTS EXCHANGE PUNCHES: THUNDERBOLTS BOUNCE BACK WITH 7-5 VICTORY OVER BETHESDA BIG TRAIN IN SECOND GAME

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

BETHESDA, JUNE 21—Anytime the Thunderbolts and Bethesda Big Train take the same field, things get interesting. Saturday was no exception. While the first game brought an emotional flare with tempers boiling over, the nightcap was when the Thunderbolts staked their claim as contenders. Two spectacular defensive plays, a towering bomb from first baseman Brady Grimes (Millersville) and stellar pitching helped the Thunderbolts split the doubleheader with a 7-5 victory.4

Both games were played at seven innings.

The opening contest left a sour taste among Thunderbolt players. They immediately responded with a strong start.

Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) was untouchable on the mound for the Thunderbolts. The southpaw’s stuff was on right away, and it was noticeable. Domaracki cruised through the first inning, with the exception of a two-out walk to shortstop John Martinez (Florida Atlantic).

After stranding two baserunners in the first, the Thunderbolts capitalized on some shaky command from Big Train starting pitcher Cole Ketchum (Mississippi) in the second. Grimes drew a four-pitch walk, right fielder Nathan Rodriguez (Mount St Mary’s) roped a single and center fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) was plunked. The Thunderbolts were in business with one out.

It was more of the same from the top of the lineup. Shortstop David Vozzo (Moravian) earned a walk to drive in a run, left fielder Steve Thomas (Catholic) got hit by a pitch and designated hitter Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) capped off a three-run frame with a walk.

Domaracki overcame an early error in the bottom half to face the minimum three batters. He induced several swing-and-misses and was supported by a spectacular play in center. 

With nobody out and a runner on first, left fielder Josh Skowronski (Winthrop) demolished a ball that looked destined to find the gap in right center. Sturtevant had other ideas. The center fielder covered at least 100 feet of ground and went full extension to make a diving catch that left fans stunned. Sturtevant bounced back up and gunned down the runner at first.

The Thunderbolts grasped full control of the momentum in the top of the third. Catcher Vance Bonior (UMass) smashed an 0-2 pitch into right center and eased into second for a leadoff double. That set the stage for Grimes. He stepped up to the plate and ambushed a no-doubt two-run blast to left for the Thunderbolts’ second home run of the season. 

Sturtevant turned his stellar defense into some offensive production. He was hit by a pitch, used heads up baserunning to get to third on a routine ground ball and scored on a single from second baseman Tyson Gill (Clarion). The Thunderbolts led 6-0.

Bethesda’s offense emerged in the bottom of the third. 

An error and a double off the bat of first baseman Matthew Westley moved two runners in scoring position with two outs. Martinez smashed a ball past Vozzo to score one run. The Big Train tried to send Westley from second but Thomas threw him out with ease from left field.

Domaracki settled down after the chaotic third to retire the side in the fourth, fanning two batters. He finished his outing with one hit allowed, a walk, an unearned run and four punch outs. 

The Thunderbolts tacked on an insurance run in the top of the sixth. Vozzo earned a walk, moved to second on a groundout and stole third. With the throw from Bethesda’s catcher sailing over third, Vozzo rounded the bases and scored.

The Thunderbolts’ 7-1 lead over the Big Train remained intact with righty Bryce Greene (Florida International) on the mound. 

After two relatively clean innings, though, Bethesda got to Greene in the bottom of the sixth. A hit by pitch, double, and walk loaded the bases with one out. One batter later, second baseman Parker Corbin (Maryland) clobbered a bases-clearing double that just slipped out of the glove of Sturtevant. The center fielder thought he had made another tremendous play but a collision with the wall jarred the ball loose.

Greene punched out the final batter to end his relief outing. He pitched two innings with six strikeouts and three runs allowed. Greene (2-0) earned the win.

Right-hander Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) struck out two of the first three batters he faced in the bottom of the seventh. However, he allowed pinch hitter Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) to plate Westley from first with a double. Keane retired the final hitter to pick up his second save. 

Ketchum (1-1) suffered the loss for the Big Train.

The Thunderbolts return back to Blair Stadium on Sunday to face the Gaithersburg Giants (2-10). The contest starts at 6 p.m. and will be live-streamed (most likely on audio only) on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak on the call.

TESTY WATERS IN BETHESDA: THUNDERBOLTS FALL, 8-5, AGAINST BIG TRAIN IN FIRST GAME OF DOUBLEHEADER BETWEEN RIPKEN RIVALS

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

BETHESDA, JUNE 21—The rivalry between the Thunderbolts and Bethesda Big Train can’t be overstated. Both sides are located just a few miles away from each other and are founding members of the Ripken league. Those intense feelings resulted in a heated exchange prior to the game between the two coaching staffs. 

The Thunderbolt players entered with a chip on their shoulders, and that was evident. With the bullpen chirping throughout the game, the Thunderbolts drew eight walks and loaded the bases in three straight innings. However, they left a few base runners stranded, which came back to bite them in the end. The Thunderbolts’ comeback efforts were denied, falling 8-5 in the first game of the doubleheader.

Both sides met over two weeks ago in a low-scoring game decided by a couple plays that didn’t go their way. Since that contest, Bethesda’s offense has exploded for just over 12 runs a game, propelling its five-game winning streak. 

The Big Train’s lineup did some damage early on against Thunderbolts’ starter Josh Zuckerman (Emory). The right-hander was the victim of a few unfortunate pitch calls, and Bethesda took advantage. 

Two singles, a walk and pile of stolen bases allowed Bethesda to plate the game’s first two runs.

That same formula worked in the second for the Big Train. A leadoff double from first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) started the rally. It was followed by a walk, a pickoff error and single that allowed Bethesda to open up a 4-0 lead. 

While Zuckerman allowed four runs (three unearned) in his three innings of work, the stuff was there. Several pitches just missed the strike zone and Bethesda’s opportunistic approach converted its limited baserunners. Zuckerman (0-1) took the loss. 

Thunderbolt hitters didn’t have the same success early against Big Train starter Connor Lehman (Alabama). Outside of first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) ripping a double in the second, the Thunderbolts were retired in order the first time up. Lehman 

However, they finally broke through in the fourth.

Three walks, a two-run single from shortstop Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) and a pitching error helped the Thunderbolts chip into their deficit, plating three runs to make it a one-run game.

But the Big Train struck back in the bottom half. With righty Liam Bowen (Frostburg St) entering from the bullpen, Bethesda tagged the reliever with three runs. Bowen walked the first two batters, catcher Dylan Murphy (Florida Atlantic) blooped a single before center fielder Alex Peltier (East Carolina) roped a two-run double. A walk and fielder's choice scored one more, giving the Big Train a 7-3 lead.

Once more, the Thunderbolts loaded the bases with nobody out. Catcher Steve Thomas (Catholic) got plunked on the first pitch, designated hitter Jack McCarthy (Marymount) drew a walk and first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) earned a walk. Center fielder Gabe Ruiz (UMBC) produced an RBI groundout and Bryce Curry scored a runner after reaching base on an error. 

With the Thunderbolts trailing 7-5, righty Brady Grimes (Millersville) was dynamite out of the bullpen in the fifth. He quickly sent down the order with nine pitches. 

In the top of the sixth, the Thunderbolts squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead. They loaded the bases with one out, but failed to convert. The top of the order struck once again with right fielder Aidan Driscoll (Maryland), Thomas and McCarthy all reaching base. However, they were left stranded.

Bethesda tacked on an insurance run in the bottom half. A walk, single and sacrifice fly plated the Big Train’s eighth run of the game.

Tanner Kaler (North Carolina Charlotte) retired the side in order in the top of the seventh to close out the win. The southpaw picked up his first save of the season, with two scoreless innings and three punch outs.

NOT A GREAT DAY TECH-WISE, FOUL BALL AND HEAT DISABLE CAMERA AND COMPUTER; NO GAME ONE BROADCAST, GAME TWO SCHEDULED

BETHESDA, JUNE 21—The heat of a late day sun and a foul ball have disabled both the camera and laptop we use to broadcast Thunderbolt baseball games.

The Thunderbolt broadcast position, which used to be in the press box, was moved down the right field line, directly into the sun. It was not only blistering hot but it left the broadcast crew and camera at the mercy of foul balls.

Which is exactly what happened. A foul ball down the right field line hit the lens of the camera and scratched it severely. it is not usable. On top of that, the laptop used by broadcaster Andrew Relvas was overheating, and rather than risk a personal laptop, we shut down the broadcast.

We hear that the second game will be much more likely to be broadcast but audio only given the state of the camera. We hear we may be in the press box for the second game.

So look for the second game on audio only. We’ll need to sort all this out as we continue to broadcast Thunderbolt baseball. Please have patience and understanding. Thanks!

DOUBLE OR NOTHING: THUNDERBOLTS AND BIG TRAIN CLASH IN DOUBLEHEADER WITH TOP SPOT IN THE NORTH DIVISION ON THE LINE

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

BETHESDA, JUNE 21—Entering yesterday’s contest against the DC Grays, the Thunderbolts’ offense was surging with 36 runs in their previous five games. That offensive firepower helped fuel the Thunderbolts’ five-game winning streak and provided plenty of run support for the pitching staff.

After nearly a week off due to heavy rain, those same bats went silent yesterday. The Thunderbolts finished with just five hits and were shutout for the first time this season. But they still had chances to plate the game’s first runs.

In the first inning, Steve Thomas (Catholic) ripped a two-out double. David Vozzo (Moravian) busted an extra-base hit and Tyson Gill (Clarion) put runners on the corners in the third after reaching base on an error. Neither time the Thunderbolts could produce a two-out rally. 

And the Grays took advantage of their first golden opportunity in the fifth, using a simplistic approach. A leadoff walk, three singles, a triple along with an error and wild pitch allowed DC to score five runs.

The Grays tacked on two more insurance runs in the top of the ninth.

But the Thunderbolts have to quickly refocus after the loss. Today’s doubleheader against the Bethesda Big Train could prove decisive in the end. Both teams stand at 6-3 and are tied for first in the North division.

Righty Josh Zuckerman (Emory) takes the bump for the first game. Zuckerman has been electric as the team’s ace and is one of the league’s top arms. The 6-foot flamethrower has thrown eight innings with a 2.25 ERA and eight strikeouts. Zuckerman struggled a bit in his last outing, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks against the Grays.

Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) gets the ball for the other game. The southpaw has thrown seven scoreless innings, including three perfect frames against the Big Train earlier this season. Domaracki faced some traffic on June 12 versus the Gaithersburg Giants but pitched through the jams.

Those two arms will face off against a red-hot Bethesda squad. After dropping their first two games of the season, the Big Train have gathered wins in six of their past seven. Bethesda’s offense has a lot to do with that, scoring double-digit runs in four straight.

Logan Ponnett (North Carolina Charlotte) is the best hitter in the league, and it's not close right now. Ponnett has shown off incredible power and has had timely hits, leading the league in home runs (3) and RBIs (14). He has also scored 12 runs, walked eight times and stolen six bases.

Alex Peltier (East Carolina) puts the ball in play and good things usually happen as a result. He is third in the league with a .387 batting average while also scoring 12 runs, hitting seven RBIs and stealing six bases.

The Big Train’s offense gets production from everywhere in the lineup. Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) has driven in 11 runs, Peyton Steele (Alabama) and Parker Corbin (Maryland) both have eight RBIs.

The first game starts at 4 p.m. and the latter is scheduled for 7 p.m. Both contests will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. 

Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak on the call.

FROM SIZZLE TO FIZZLE: RAIN STORM COOLS DOWN THUNDERBOLTS’ BATS IN 7-0 DEFEAT AGAINST DC GRAYS, ENDS WIN STREAK AT FIVE

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA, JUNE 20—The Silver Spring-Thunderbolts (6-3) committed five errors during their five-game winning streak, three of which happened in one contest. That clean defense allowed their pitching staff to feast. However, on Friday, the Thunderbolts made two costly mistakes that the DC Grays (5-4) pounced on. A five-run fifth inning and two insurance runs in the ninth was all the offense DC needed to shutout the Thunderbolts, 7-0.

The Ripken League has widely been considered an offensive-heavy summer ball destination filled with talented hitters looking to get more at-bats. The season usually features several high-scoring affairs. You couldn’t tell that from Friday’s contest, though. 

Early on, it was a pitcher’s duel between the Thunderbolts and DC Grays in which the Thunderbolts were the home team.

T-Bolt right-hander Gabe Wheeler (Tampa) showed no signs of any rust after an extended break from his last start on June 9. The 6-foot-1 product from Florida pitched another gem in his second appearance.

Wheeler attacked the strike zone early and often, which allowed him to work from ahead in the count. He threw first-pitch strikes to the first eight players sent up to the plate and 11 of the 14 batters he faced. Wheeler only threw three combined balls in the first two innings.

This approach kept the Grays off the basepaths and scoreboard. Wheeler allowed just two baserunners: a walk from designated hitter Joey Chitla (Wofford) in the third and a two-out single from left fielder Andy Rivera (Holy Family) in the fourth. Both times Wheeler buckled down and prevented any damage.

But the Thunderbolts’ bats failed to hand him run support. 

Grays righty Ty Morris (Undecided) was unfazed by Wheeler’s dominant performance on the mound. He exceeded the Thunderbolts’ starter with seven scoreless innings, keeping Thunderbolt hitters off balance. Morris (1-1) struck out eight batters in his dazzling outing while also earning the win.

However, the right-hander’s night wasn’t entirely clean. The Thunderbolts had a couple of chances to plate some offense. 

Designated hitter Steve Thomas (Catholic) launched a ball to left center that clunked off the top of the wall in the first. Thomas eased into second base standing up. But he was stranded as the inning ended.

The Thunderbolts best chance happened in the third. They had runners on the corners after shortstop David Vozzo (Moravian) hit a double and third baseman Tyson Gill reached base on an error.

In the fourth and fifth innings, catcher Jack McCarthy (Marymount) and Vozzo each had a single but were left stranded.

Once Wheeler exited the game, DC’s offense was the first to manufacture runs in the fifth. With righty E.J. Youngling (Moravian) on the mound, the Grays blew the game open. A leadoff walk, four hits, an error and a wild pitch propelled DC to a 5-0 lead. The biggest blow came off the bat of right fielder Marc Quarrie (Wofford), who roped a triple into right center.

Youngling faced some more traffic in the top of the sixth with two runners in scoring position and one out. This time, he was able to work out of the jam unscathed. Youngling (0-1) took the loss.

First baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) drew a leadoff walk in the bottom half, but he was erased on a routine double play hit by right fielder Aidan Driscoll (Maryland). 

Righty Nathan Rodriguez (Mount St Mary’s) pitched two scoreless innings in his relief appearance from the bullpen. He overcame baserunners in both frames to keep the deficit at five. 

After a shaky fifth inning, the Thunderbolts’ defense settled down. That was exemplified by McCarthy’s play in the eighth. In an area the Thunderbolts have struggled in, McCarthy gunned down a runner trying to steal second.

Cam Elicier (Moravian) punched out two of the first three batters he faced in the top of the ninth. However, the right-hander couldn’t produce the elusive third out. Center fielder Dixon Monk (Georgetown) hit a single and Noel Rivera (Marist) drew a five-pitch walk. Left fielder Rocco Gilbert (Alabama St) capped off the two-out rally with a two-run double.

The Thunderbolts look for a bounce-back performance tomorrow against the Bethesda Big Train as part of a doubleheader at Povich Field. The first game starts at 4 p.m. and the latter begins after the conclusion of the opener.

NORTH DIVISION-LEADING THUNDERBOLTS FINALLY RETURN TO ACTION TONIGHT AGAINST THE DC GRAYS AFTER EXTENDED BREAK

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA, JUNE 20—The Thunderbolts have played just eight games in over two weeks since the season started — tied for the fewest total in the league. Despite cancellations to the Thunderbolts' past five contests, which led to them not stepping on the field since Saturday, there will be baseball tonight.

What was scheduled to be an afternoon home game for the Thunderbolts against the DC Grays has now been relocated to Woodbridge High School due to unplayable field conditions at Blair Stadium. The new start time is 7 p.m.

The time off may have allowed Thunderbolt players to recover from any lingering knocks, but it could also have halted their momentum as one of the hottest teams in the league.

After starting the season 1-2, the Thunderbolts found their groove with five straight victories to boost them atop the North division and into the second spot overall in the league, trailing the Southern Maryland Senators by one game.

That momentum was evident in the Thunderbolts' last game against the Olney Cropdusters on Saturday. The Thunderbolts scored two runs in the first and never took their foot off the gas pedal, resulting in a comfortable 8-3 victory.

A monsoon of rain has since then erased that performance from fans' memories. However, with the dark and stormy clouds clearing up for the foreseeable future, the schedule becomes jam-packed over the next week.

Head coach Brock Hunter hands the ball to righty Gabe Wheeler (Tampa) tonight for the first of 11 consecutive game days, filled with a pair of doubleheaders. Wheeler has been well-rested since his last start on June 9, when he pitched four innings against the Alexandria Aces. He faced traffic with five baserunners but kept the Aces off the board.

While the Thunderbolts’ pitching staff will be tested over the next week and a half, they have shown plenty of success to handle the difficult stretch. The Thunderbolts boast a 2.19 ERA, which is nearly half of the next closest team.

Since the Thunderbolts and DC Grays last met on June 11, DC has played just one game. That was an 8-6 win over the Metro South County Braves. The Grays are 4-4 and sit second in the South division.

DC’s starting pitching has been somewhat comparable to the Thunderbolts, with plenty of arms capable of throwing gems. The Grays’ starter tonight has yet to be announced, but they can turn to anyone in that staff with the extended break.

In what has been a rollercoaster of a season for DC thus far, its offense has brought stability.

Ryan Soong (WashU) is a name many Ripken fans remember and one that opposing pitchers circle on the batting order. Soong has been a stalwart in the Grays’ starting lineup, having missed just one game. He is seventh in the league with a .375 batting average, while also drawing nine walks. Soong is a threat on-base as well, stealing a league-leading 12 bases.

Andy Rivera (Holy Family) and Noel Rivera (Marist) provide the offense to support Soong and drive him home regularly. Andy Rivera is hitting .364, with six RBIs, seven runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Noel Rivera has a team-high nine RBIs, alongside a home run and sports a .313 batting average.

The Grays have speed up and down the lineup, and use it to their advantage once they get on base. That will be a nightmare for whoever the Thunderbolts start behind the plate, forcing him to gun down runners often.

Tonight’s contest will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games. Join Andrew Relvas on the call.

THUNDERBOLTS TO PLAY AFTER ALL; BUT AT WOODBRIDGE, VA, AGAINST DC GRAYS IN SHUFFLE OF BASEBALL FIELDS

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 20—Well, so much for afternoon baseball at Blair under a sun-drenched sky with warm temperatures. That game was deep-sixed because of the unplayability of the field. And, silly us, we thought that was that.

But never fear; one thing about life in the Ripken League (besides no lead being safe) is that things can change in an instant. The DC Grays, who were to be the opponent in the canceled game at Blair this afternoon, has offered its home field at Woodbridge HS in Woodbridge, Virginia, for the contest. Offer accepted.

The Grays have gotten umpires, trainers, and with the Thunderbolts agreeing, now have everything they need to go with the resumption of baseball at 7 pm this evening.

Gabe Wheeler, the right-hander from the University of Tampa will start tonight for the T-Bolts. Gabe is 0-0 on the season. But he threw four innings of no-run, three-hit ball vs Alexandria back on June 9 at Blair in a game the Bolts won, 3-2. No word on the Grays starter.

This game is so new, it’s not even on the League website yet. But it will be played.

So, there will be Thunderbolts baseball tonight. Andrew Relvas will be on the call from Woodbridge tonight at 7 pm on the ThundderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. Link on the Media Menu.

Also, on Tuesday, June 24, a T-Bolts day off and makeup day, the Bolts will travel to Waldorf, Maryland, to play the Southern Maryland Senators. Game time, 7 pm. That game, too, will be broadcast by ThunderboltsBaseball on YouTube.

Ah, life in the Ripken League!

THE WATERS WILL RECEDE…BUT NOT BEFORE TWO PM; HOME AFTERNOON GAME VS DC GRAYS CANCELED DUE TO FIELD CONDITIONS

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 20—After yesterday’s torrential, tree branch-shearing, and power-outaging downfall in the area, this afternoon’s scheduled game between the Thunderbolts and DC Grays, scheduled for 2:00 pm at Blair, is canceled.

The baseball field has turned into Lake Blair making play impossible. Water polo or swimming, maybe, but not baseball.

Seven out of the past eight games for the Thunderbolts have been cancelled or suspended due to rain. But the weather forecasters have said the rains have ended. Noah has now let the dove out of the ark, and the dove returned, saying Play Ball! But not, apparently, until tomorrow, when the Bolts visit Bethesda to play the Big Train in a twin bill. The first game starts at 4 pm and the second is set for 7. The Thunderbolts lead the Big Train by one game in the Ripken League’s Northern Division and that lead will be impacted by tomorrow’s DH.

While yesterdays deluge knocked out baseball as well as power in some parts of the area, it didn’t impact the Thunderbolts 25th Anniversary Dinner held at Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken last night in Silver Spring. About 100 members of T-Bolt nation came to Nando’s—Thunderbolt board members, players, staff, and families—to mark a quarter century of Thunderbolt baseball.

Montgomery County (Maryland) Council Member and former Mayor of Takoma Park Kate Stewart attended and read a County Council Proclamation hailing the Thunderbolt anniversary. She reminisced how she and her family came to games and what a good time that was. Thunderbolts Founder Dick O’Connor also spoke at the event noting that the players who make up the current team weren’t even born back in 2000 when he bought the Southern Maryland Battlecats and turned them into the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts.

Tempus fugit, Dick. And this 25th Anniversary Season for the Thunderbolts has been great so far, and the players who were there last night, want it to continue on through the rest of the schedule, starting tomorrow, in all likelihood, in Bethesda.

Game coverage of the DH will air on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube with Andrew Relvas and Evan Park on the call. Link on the Menu at Media/Live Games. Welcome back!

NO GAME TONIGHT (FOR A CHANGE) BUT THERE IS A GREAT THUNDERBOLTS EVENT—TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 19—The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts have the day off, according to the schedule of the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League. So if it rains this afternoon, as predicted, it won’t matter to the home team; we’re not playing anyway.

The next scheduled game—we hesitate to use the word, “regularly”—is slated for tomorrow afternoon (Friday) at 2 pm at Blair vs the DC Grays. There is no admission and the concession stand will not be open. It will be a pretty barebones operation. Yet…it’s afternoon baseball under what appears to be sunny skies and no rain—just the way it was always intended to be. So, school’s out; bring the kids to a rare afternoon game. Should be fun.

Also check the Schedule tab for the series of doubleheaders coming to make up the rained-out games. There will be a lot of baseball played in the next week.

But if there’s no game tonight, there is a great Thunderbolt event. The Thunderbolts 25th Anniversary Dinner and Celebration will be held at Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken on 932 Ellsworth Avenue in Silver Spring. The dinner will start at 6:00 pm and the festivities will go to 8.

T-Bolts Board Member Ted Dacy will bring his laptop to Nando's and run a Powerpoint show featuring former Board member and longtime T-Bolt photographer Dave Stinson's team photos. These pictures have been taken over the past 25 years and will highlight many of the players who have suited up in the red, white, and blue. There might even be a version of Board Member Kevin Adler’s 25th Anniversary Yearbook on hand detailing everything you wanted to know about the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts.

Every diner will pay for his or her own food and beverages. The team will provide a special Thunderbolts 25th Anniversary cake from Woodmoor Bakery. Perhaps with all the rainouts, and the players and coaching staff looking for Thunderbolts outlets, they may stop by. Montgomery County (Maryland) Council President Kate Stewart will attend.

Hope to see many of you there as we relive 25 years of Thunderbolt history.

See ya at Nando’s.

TONIGHT’S GAME BETWEEN THE THUNDERBOLTS AND ACES IS RAINED OUT; TO BE MADE UP LATER

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 18—Tonight’s game between the Thunderbolts and Aces at Blair Stadium, set for 7 pm, is rained out.

Details on a make-up game to be determined later.

Let’s Play Two? We’d be happy to play one.

LET’S PLAY TWO—THUNDERBOLTS TO PLAY TWO ROAD DOUBLEHEADERS ON JUNE 21 VS BETHESDA AND JUNE 23 VS METRO SOCO BRAVES

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 18—Hall of Famer Ernie Banks who played 19 seasons in the Majors with the Chicago Cubs, is known for hitting 512 home runs, batting in 1600 runs, and winning the National League MVP title twice, leading the NL in homers twice, and being named to 14 All-Star teams.

But these days, he is recalled for his purported statement before a game, “Boy, it’s beautiful today. Let’s play two!”

Accounts differ as to exactly what he said and when, but the statement has come down through the decades, and is invariably quoted whenever doubleheaders loom on the horizon.

Which brings us to this coming week in the Ripken League. Due to the rainouts that affected the League this past week, the Thunderbolts will play two doubleheaders—one on Saturday, June 21, and another on Monday, June 23.

The June 21 doubleheader will be against the Bethesda Big Train at Shirley Povich Field. The first game is scheduled for 4:00 pm and the second for 7:00 pm.

The June 23 doubleheader will be played at South County HS Field against the Metro SoCo Braves. The first game starts at 4:30 pm and the second at 7:00 pm.

Games with both Bethesda and Metro SoCo were rained out so this schedule will make them up. The game rained out at Blair vs Olney will be played Wednesday, June 25, at Olney, with a start time of 5:30 pm.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 17—Due to the rainy season here in the DMV, there are some changes to the Thunderbolts schedule.

The Friday, June 20 game, is now officially set for 2:00 pm at Blair.

The June 25 game vs Olney, scheduled for Blair, will now be played at First Responder Field OGBC in Olney with a start time of 5:30 pm. The Thunderbolts will be the home team.

“THE RAIN IT COMETH EVERY DAY…” TO T-BOLTS

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 16—Shakespeare knew about rainouts. The rain has truly cometh. It’s been soaking the region for the past two days. The Friday game with the Braves at Blair was suspended due to rain; the Sunday game between the Thunderbolts and the Bethesda Big Train was washed out; the game tonight at 7pm vs the Southern Maryland Senators in Waldorf was also postponed.

Not only was the 7 pm Senators game postponed, a game scheduled for 4 pm today at Waldorf as part of a makeup doubleheader was also cancelled due to inclement weather.

Well, the grass on the fields in the Ripken League are getting a good soaking so it should be nice and green when we do resume play.

“The rain it cometh every day,” sang Feste in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, which was supposed to indicate the ups and downs of life; the rain meaning both hardship and the passage of time.

Well, enough time has passed, but the hardship continues. Except for Tuesday, which is supposed to be just cloudy, and just happens to be a day off; Wednesday and Thursday have chances of rain in the forecast. But Friday…“Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain…” Friday is supposed to be beautiful, mostly sunny with just a small chance of rain.

So, to paraphrase the Bard, in this spring of our discontent, be thankful, that this, too, shall pass. And remember: “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”

Hopefully, baseball on Wednesday. Gadzooks!

ONLY WEATHER CAN HALT THE THUNDERBOLTS; TODAY’S AM GAME AT BETHESDA IS CANCELLED

BETHESDA, JUNE 15—The Big Train announced that this morning’s game between the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and the Bethesda Big Train, set for 10 am at Shirley Povich Field, has been cancelled.

The culprits? Inclement weather and unplayable field conditions. The game will be made up at a later date.

That’s two games in the past three days that have been cancelled due to Mother Nature (she must have been watching the Stanley Cup Finals). Welcome to the DMV in the summer.

We’ll have details on the makeup dates. But we can report on one game that has been definitely rescheduled—the Friday, June 20, game vs the DC Grays will now start at 2:00 pm.

An afternoon game, under God’s Lights, just like in the old days. School’s out in Montgomery County, Maryland, on June 17, so get the kids to the afternoon game and show ‘em what it was like back in the day. Hint: You might want to come, too!

See ya at Blair.

THUNDERBOLT BATS SIZZLE IN 8-3 ROAD VICTORY OVER OLNEY CROPDUSTERS, WIN STREAK AT FIVE

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

OLNEY, JUNE 14—The Thunderbolts scored just 14 runs in their first three contests and held a 1-2 record. Since their June 7 game against the Olney Cropdusters, the bats have come to life. The Thunderbolts entered with at least eight runs in three of their last four games. That trend continued on Saturday. A trio of multi-run innings was all the Thunderbolts needed to cruise to a 8-3 victory over Olney, extending their win streak to five.

The Thunderbolts’ pitching staff has been the team’s calling card throughout the majority of the young season. But in the first meeting against the Olney Cropdusters, the offense was responsible for the win. On Saturday, both the offense and the pitching were in sync once again.

Just two players remained the same from the batting order in the first game vs Olney. It didn’t matter, though. 

Shortstop Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) ripped a leadoff single and second baseman Nolan Kutney (UMBC) followed suit, reaching base in a different fashion. Kutney worked a six-pitch walk and the Thunderbolts were in business early on. 

Catcher Steve Thomas (Catholic) blooped a single into center, loading the bases and creating a golden chance to blow this game open. In one at-bat, the Thunderbolts scored two runs. A balk combined with a sacrifice fly from designated hitter Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) pushed the Thunderbolts ahead, 2-0.

While they failed to score any more runs with Thomas still in scoring position, the missed opportunity didn’t come back to haunt them.

Jake Treasure (Stevenson) — who was making his first start on the mound this season — put on a show in his outing. The southpaw struck out the first two batters sent to the plate and retired the side in order. 

After a shaky first inning, Olney starter Gavin Metrick (Towson) settled down from that point on. He allowed right fielder Nathan Rodriguez (Mount St Mary’s) to get on via a base hit, but the right-hander erased the early baserunner.

Treasure sat down two hitters on five combined pitches, before first baseman Cadeyrn Ahearn (Lehigh) drew a two-out walk. He regrouped and ended the second with consecutive zeros on the scoreboard.

The Thunderbolts left the bases loaded in the third, with Kutney hitting a single, Driscoll earning a two-out walk, and first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) producing a single. However, the Cropdusters shut down the Thunderbolts two-out rally.

The Thunderbolts finally converted in the fourth, putting on a clinic in situational hitting. Center fielder Gabe Ruiz (UMBC) knocked a leadoff single and advanced to second on a productive groundout. Ruiz stole third and later scored on an infield error.

Treasure walked catcher Carter Richey (VCU) to start the bottom of the fourth, but the starter ended the inning unscathed. He finished his four frames with one hit, two walks and four punch outs.

With righty Egan Lowery (Alabama) on the mound for Olney, the Thunderbolts took advantage of his shaky command. Walks to Rodriguez, left fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville), Kutney, and Driscoll plus Erd getting plunked, allowed the Thunderbolts to take a 5-0 lead in the sixth.

The Cropdusters finally broke through in the bottom half. Center fielder Brian Scott (Frostburg St) drew a walk, stole second and scored on a difficult ball hit to Kutney. That was the only run righty Aidan Denham (UMBC) allowed in his two innings of work. 

Right-hander Henry Steene (Washington & Lee) entered from the bullpen in the seventh and his stuff was electric. Steene struck out four of the six batters he faced and held Olney’s offense scoreless.

The Thunderbolts added some insurance runs in the ninth. Foster drew a walk before the Thunderbolts’ two-out rally went into full effect. Ruiz, Rodriguez and Sturtevant reached base via walks. Then, Erd roped a two-run single, which capped off the Thunderbolts’ explosive night at the plate.

Vance Bonior (UMass) was called on to close out the ninth, but it wasn’t smooth sailing for the righty. He walked Richey and shortstop Will Henson (VCU to start the frame. Bonior hit Ahearn to load the bases. A fielder’s choice and single from second baseman Walker Zampella (East Stroudsburg) plated two runs. Bonior retired the final hitter.

Treasure (1-0) secured his first win and Metrick was dealt the loss.

The Thunderbolts stay on the road tomorrow against the Bethesda Big Train, with a 10 a.m. start time. Righty Cam Ellicier (Moravian) takes the mound. Watch coverage of the game on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube—link on the Media/Live Games menu. Join Pat Moran for the call.

ALIVE FOR FIVE: THUNDERBOLTS HOPE TO REMAIN HOT TONIGHT AGAINST OLNEY CROPDUSTERS

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

OLNEY, JUNE 14—Exactly one week ago, the Olney Cropdusters came to Blair Stadium as the top team in the Ripken League. They left with their first loss of the season. And the Thunderbolts got a dream start in their 8-4 victory.

The Thunderbolts — who have struggled with offensive production at times this season — broke through. With a simplified approach at the plate, the Thunderbolts erupted for seven runs in the first inning.

Five hits and three walks allowed the Thunderbolts to bat around and break the game open. Griffin Puvel (Rider) ripped a bases-clearing three-run double to cap off the explosion.

After that explosion, the offense went quiet and the pitching and fielding filled the void, guiding the Thunderbolts to the win.

That game was the turning point in their season, starting a four-game winning streak. The Thunderbolts will be looking to ride the momentum into today’s road clash.

Lefty Jake Treasure (Stevenson) will take the mound for the Thunderbolts in his first start of the season. He hurled two scoreless innings against the Bethesda Big Train in his lone relief appearance. While the southpaw hasn’t pitched much in the Ripken League, he stacked some quality performances in his sophomore season. Treasure recorded 42.1 innings with a 7.02 ERA.

Olney has struggled since that last meeting. The Cropdusters defeated the Metro South County Braves, 8-7. It’s been all downhill since then. Olney has lost its last three games: 4-3 to the DC Grays, 9-0 to the Southern Maryland Senators, and 5-3 to Bethesda.

The Cropdusters’ starter today is still yet to be determined.

Dusterr catcher Carter Richey (VCU) has been one of the best hitters in the league so far, sitting with a .500 batting average and remaining at five RBIs. Richey went 1-for-3 his last time out, with a walk and hit by a pitch.

Infielder Rohne Klein (Utah) has cooled down since that last meeting. The 6-foot-4 power hitter has driven in four runs during league play on just five singles. However, Klein has just one hit in his last 11 plate appearances.

Today’s contest starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be played at OBGC Park. The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games.

Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

BOLTS ON BIKES: THUNDERBOLTS ARE SPECIAL GUESTS IN LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BIKE RIDE

SILVER SPRING. JUNE 14—Thunderbolts Jack Hurda, Jack Doyle, Jay Wandell, and Matt Walters all took part in a local elementary-school sponsored bike ride yesterday as special guests.

Called the Elementary Bike Bus, the event is an adult-led weekly bike ride on Fridays that takes kids from neighboring areas to Forest Knolls Elementary School in Silver Spring.

All in all, it’s a great event that gets everybody outside, on bikes, and moving around. The Thunderbolts, as part of their community outreach and service, were thrilled to ride along with the kids and parents.

Besides playing baseball at Blair Stadium, the Thunderbolts engage in various community service projects that are part of the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League mandate for local teams.

The next major project will be the Manna Food Drive a week from today on June 21. For over a decade, the Montgomery County teams in the Ripken League have organized a food drive at various Giant Food locations around the county.

Players from the teams hand out flyers that Manna provides as shoppers entered the stores and asked people to make additional purchases to put in baskets as they leave the stores that the teams will take to Manna Food in Gaithersburg.

For the Ripken League and the Thunderbolts, it’s not just baseball for the local community, it’s a lot more.

Thanks to Jack Hurda, Jack Doyle, Jay Wandell, and Matt Walters for stepping up to the plate in the Thunderbolts community service efforts.

TONIGHT’S GAME SUSPENDED DUE TO LIGHTING, RAIN, THE GAME WILL BE MADE UP LATER

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 13—The game between the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and the Metro SoCo Braves at Blair Stadium has been suspended in the bottom of the third inning due to lightning.

There were several lightning strikes, some rain beginning to fall, and the umpiring crew suspended the game. It will likely be resumed as part of a DH with Metro SoCo the next time they visit Blair which is June 29.

But it could be rescheduled at any time. We’ll keep you informed of the date the suspended game will be resumed.

The game made it to the bottom of the third with the Thunderbolts trailing, 2-1. Thunderbolt RF Steve Thomas hit a home run, the first of the Thunderbolts season in the bottom of the first inning, accounting for the Thunderbolts sole run.

Game tomorrow on for Olney, weather permitting.

TOP DOGS IN THE NORTH: THUNDERBOLTS LOOK TO HOLD OFF A SCRAPPY METRO BRAVES TEAM TONIGHT

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 13—If there's anything yesterday’s contest proves, it’s that this year’s Thunderbolts squad is accustomed to close games. Of the seven games played in the 2025 Ripken League season, the Thunderbolts have been involved in five games decided by two runs or less.

And the Thunderbolts have found ways to win. They are 3-2 in such games, with two victories over the Gaithersburg Giants and one over the Alexandria Aces. The Thunderbolts have dropped two games this season by a combined margin of three runs.

Against a resilient Gaithersburg squad, the Thunderbolts never backed down. Anytime time the Giants brought the game within a run, the Thunderbolts had an answer. 

After watching Gaithersburg wipe away their two-run lead, the Thunderbolts exploded for three runs in the bottom half. With two outs and the bases loaded, Ryan Cuadros (Marymount) stepped up and delivered a huge blow. He blasted a three-run double into left center, handing the Thunderbolts a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

However, those answers didn’t just come on the offensive end.

Nolan Kutney’s spectacular play at second kept the Thunderbolts ahead in the top of the eighth and halted Gaithersburg’s last threatening chance. Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) — who entered the game with one out in the eighth — limited the damage and struck out the side in the ninth.

Now, the Thunderbolts turn their attention to the Metro South County Braves tonight at Blair. Right-hander Zach Danielczyk (Tampa) will take the mound for the Thunderbolts. He pitched five scoreless innings against the Olney Cropdusters, with one hit allowed and one walk. Danielczyk will need another complete outing for the Thunderbolts to keep their momentum.

The Braves are no stranger to close games either. They have played in six games decided by three runs or less, making Metro’s 3-6 record a bit deceptive.

Yesterday, the Braves fell to the DC Grays, 8-6. Metro SoCo scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to get within two but left two runners on base when they were finally retired.

The Braves will be turning to Luke Pietandrea (Frederick C.C.). The southpaw delivered four innings holding Alexandria’s offense off the board. However, he faced five baserunners in the game — four hits and one walk.

And the Braves’ offense is no slouch either. 

Nich Francuzenko (Towson) has had a pair of four-game hitting streaks. He has reached base in every game this season. Francuzenko is batting an impressive .394, with five walks and five RBIs. Once he gets on, he wreaks havoc on the basepaths, stealing six bases and scoring six runs.

Sam Grube (Mount St. Mary’s) is not your typical leadoff hitter, but is certainly a threat. Grube has drawn 13 walks and knocked nine hits. However, his damage usually comes with runners on base. Grube has driven in 11 runs — second-best mark in the league. He has one bomb and a double, alongside six stolen bases and seven runs scored.

With the Thunderbolts sitting atop the North Division, they will have a target on their backs throughout the season. Metro will be the first obstacle in their path for a deep postseason run.

Tonight’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and takes place at Blair Stadiu. The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games.

Join Pat Moran and Andrew Relvas on the call.

CUADROS GOES CUATRO: FOUR RBIs POWER THUNDERBOLTS PAST GIANTS, 9-8, IN WILD WIN

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 12—Thursday’s 9-8 contest between the Thunderbolts and Gaithersburg Giants can be described in one word: dogficght. In those games, a moment of brilliance can be the decider. That moment happened in the top of the eighth before the announced crowd of 207.

The Giants, trailing by one, had the bases loaded with two outs and were threatening to take the lead. A sharply hit ground ball up the middle got behind the bag and was headed to center field. Incredibly, second baseman Nolan Kutney (UMBC), got to it, pirouetted to his right, planted his back foot, and launched a heave to first. The throw beat the runner by inches. That incredible play snuffed out a Gaithersburg rally and helped the Thunderbolts prevail, 9-8.

Kutney’s heroics at second maintained the Thunderbolts’ one-run lead and gave his team a jolt of energy to close the game out. However, three costly Thunderbolt errors earlier in the night allowed Gaithersburg to hang around.

Offensively, the Thunderbolts were led by a four-RBI performance from center fielder Ryan Cuadros (Marymount), who was making his first appearance of the season.

The start wasn’t initially promising, though.

After hurling three perfect innings his last time out, the Giants tagged southpaw Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) early on.

Third baseman Danny Orr (UMBC) laced a single to right center and cleanup hitter Collin Hughes (VCU) later drove him home with an RBI single to left. Domaracki retired the final hitter of the first inning, but the Giants’ damage wasn’t done just yet.

In the next inning, second baseman Brady Powell roped a leadoff single, before a productive groundout and passed ball moved him to third. Shortstop Fredy Diaz (Davidson) plated Powell with a sacrifice fly and the Giants led, 2-0.

With the Thunderbolts trailing, they turned to a patient approach at the plate. Gaithersburg lefty Grey Willis (Harford C.C.) struggled with command, and the Thunderbolts took advantage. They spiked Willis’ pitch count up and created a jam out of seemingly nothing.

Five walks in the frame, coupled with a timely RBI hit from Cuadros and a sacrifice fly from right fielder Matthew Walters (Cornell) gifted the Thunderbolts four runs. 

Designated hitter Aidan Driscoll (Maryland), Kutney, first baseman Brady Grimes (Millersville), shortstop Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) and left fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) all drew walks. Kutney and Grimes scored on wild pitches.

After gaining run support from his offense, Domaracki settled in and shut down the Giants’ batters. He kept his defense on their toes, generating several lazy flyouts and groundouts. Domaracki pitched four innings, allowed two runs (both unearned) and punched out three batters as well.

Once Domaracki exited the game, though, Gaithersburg showed its resilience against lefty Michael Preske (Cecil C.C.) in the fifth.

Diaz, center fielder Jayden Brown and Orr loaded the bases with singles. Hughes hit an RBI fielder’s choice and right fielder Joey Nicholson (Gaston) plated Brown with the fourth hit of the inning. However, Sturtevant gunned down a runner at third to end the frame and keep the Thunderbolts tied at four.

Cuadros struck again in the bottom of the fifth. Catcher Vance Bonior (UMass) blooped a single into left and Kutney followed suit with another hit. Third baseman Bryce Curry loaded the bases before Cuadros launched a three-run double. The Thunderbolts took a 7-4 lead into the sixth.

Righty John Doyle dominated in the top of the sixth, retiring the side in order with two strikeouts.

The Thunderbolts added an insurance run in the bottom half. It started with Erd reaching base on an error. Two wild pitches and Sturtevant’s ground out allowed Erd to round the bases and score., and the T-Bolts now led, 8-4.

But the Giants wouldn’t go down without a fight, and Doyle was the victim of some miscues in the seventh.

Two Thunderbolt errors in the inning — one of which was Doyle’s own doing — added fuel to the fire. Brown and Hughes both ripped singles before first baseman Zach White drove a double down the right field line. The Thunderbolts four-run lead quickly vanished to one, 8-7.

The offensive slugfest continued in the bottom of the seventh.

Driscoll drew a walk and Kutney reached on an infield error. Curry plated Driscoll with an RBI single to extend the Thunderbolts’ lead to two. In any other game, that advantage would look safe. However, that wasn’t the case today.

Righty E.J. Youngling (Moravian) plunked Diaz to start the eighth. Two batters later, Brown lined a single to put runners on the corners. With righty Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) entering in relief, Orr drew a walk to load the bases. Keane hunkered down and recorded the second out. Hughes hit an RBI single, but Kutney’s dazzling play limited the damage.

Keane struck out the side in the top of the ninth, extending the Thunderbolts’ win streak to four and moving them to 5-2.

Preske took the win, Cody Sharman (Frostburg St) was dealt the loss and Keane recorded the save.

The Thunderbolts stay at Blair Stadium Friday night against the Metro South County Braves (3-6), starting at 7 p.m. Watch coverage of the game on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube—link on the Media/Live Games menu. Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran for the call.

GIANTS WALK INTO A STORM: THUNDERBOLTS READY TO STRIKE AGAINST GAITHERSBURG

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 12—After collapsing in the season-opener, things looked a a little too familiar for the Thunderbolts. But they have slowly built momentum on the back of some complete performances. Now, a three-game winning streak has the Thunderbolts atop the North division.

The Thunderbolts have been playing their best ball in recent memory, and they have the results to show for it. An 8-4 win over the Olney Cropdusters, followed by a tight 3-2 win over Alexandria Aces, and yesterday’s 8-2 victory over the DC Grays, has cemented the Thunderbolts as a team to watch.

While the Thunderbolts starting pitching has been the talk of the team, the bullpen has quietly stacked solid outings. 

Last night, starter Josh Zuckerman (Emory) allowed the only runs of the game in the first. Once he exited, Liam Bowen (Frostburg St), Liam Miller (Rochester) and Hunter Layhew (Frostburg St) pitched a combined five innings of scoreless ball. Brady Grimes (Millersville), Bryce Greene (Florida International) and Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) are other key high-leverage arms. 

And timely hitting has supported those pitchers with run support. Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) has hits in all four games he’s appeared in, with a .385 batting average and six walks. Vance Bonior (UMass) has slashed a team-high .417. David Vozzo (Moravian) and Nolan Kutney (UMBC) are providing offense in the middle infield.

The Thunderbolts will turn to lefty Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) against the Gaithersburg Giants tonight. Domaracki delivered three perfect innings his last time out against Bethesda Big Train. He struck out three batters and kept Bethesda off the basepaths.

Since that first meeting, Gaithersburg has struggled to produce wins. The Giants sit at 1-6 with the worst record in the division, the lone victory coming against the Big Train. 

Grey Willis (Harford C.C.) is making his second start of the season today. The southpaw tossed three innings of one-run ball against the Thunderbolts. Willis struggled with command after walking three batters.

While the pitching staff has struggled, Gaithersburg’s offense has kept the team in games at times this season. 

Jayden Brown (Ranger College) has the potential to carry his team on his back. The lefty brings a mix of speed and power to the plate, serving as an elite two-way player. Brown leads the league with a .524 batting average, eight RBIs and two stolen bags. He also has two bombs to his name — the second-highest total in the league.

Aaron Babaev (San Mateo) is an unconventional three-hole hitter. He hasn’t showcased any power to leave the ballpark, but instead seems to always find a way onboard. Babaev has five hits, five walks, an impressive .417 batting average and five runs scored. He has no RBIs yet but can start rallies on his own.

Tonight’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games.

Join Neal Lavon and Andrew Relvas on the call.

NORTHERN DIVISION FIRST PLACE THUNDERBOLTS GIVE GRAYS THE BLUES WITH 8-2 VICTORY ON ROAD

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA, JUNE 11—With the game tied at two heading into the top of the eighth, the Thunderbolts needed their offense to come to life. Up stepped right fielder Aidan Driscoll (Maryland). He roped a double over the head of the center fielder, sparking a major rally. The Thunderbolts unleashed six runs in the frame to separate themselves in their 8-2 victory. 

The win moves the Thunderbolts to 4-2 and atop the North Division.

The Thunderbolts struck early, and the big blow came off the bat of shortstop David Vozzo (Moravian). The leadoff hitter ripped a triple into the gap and designated hitter Jack Hurda (Clarion) plated Vozzo with a sacrifice fly.

However, the Thunderbolts missed a big opportunity to post a crooked number in the first. 

Grays’ starter Brady Myers (Lock Haven) struggled with his command early on. He walked third baseman Tyson Gill (Clarion), Driscoll and first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St). The Thunderbolts failed to drive any of those runners home, though, leaving the bases loaded in the top half.

And DC certainly made them pay in the bottom of the first with a more opportunistic approach. Right fielder Ryan Soong (Washington University) blooped a single into center and shortstop Noel Rivera (Marist) beat out an infield hit. 

Those two hits, coupled with three stolen bases allowed left fielder Andy Rivera (Holy Family) to hit an RBI groundout. First baseman Ethan Nagy (Lock Haven) singled to right, bringing home Noel Rivera. Suddenly, the Grays were ahead, 2-1.

Both starting pitchers settled down after a shaky start.

Thunderbolts’ starter Josh Zuckerman didn’t have the same dominance he had in his opening appearance. However, the right-hander battled through traffic throughout his outing. Zuckerman’s offspeed pitch forced several swing-and-misses at critical times.

His counterpart, Myers, found the strike zone in a hurry after the first. The righty sent down six straight batters, striking out the side in the third. Myers worked ahead in the count and kept Thunderbolt batters off balance.

But the Bolts broke through in the fourth. Catcher Jack McCarthy (Marymount) singled to center and quickly stole second. Foster drew a six-pitch walk followed by left fielder Vance Bonior (UMass) driving an RBI single up the middle. 

Grays righty Jace Szaflarski (Lock Haven) came into relieve Myers after the run scored and would throw three scoreless innings while only allowing one baserunner.

In the middle frames, the Thunderbolts displayed their improved play in the field. Third baseman Tyson Gill has been playing over at the hot corner this season, among the many positions he’s played in his career. His defensive excellence shined, notably in the bottom of the fifth. With a sharp hit ball down the third-base line, Gill ranged over to his right and snagged the ball before firing it across the diamond to record the out. It was yet another highlight-reel fielding play from Gill.

Righty Liam Bowen (Frostburg St), who relieved Zuckerman in the fifth, was dominant in his two innings of relief work for the Thunderbolts. The righty struck out four batters, walked one, and conceded one hit. That knock came in the bottom of the sixth. Designated hitter Isaac Ahokovi (Nicholls St) laced a double to left, but Bowen hunkered down and rang up the final batter.

In the top of seventh, Vozzo was 90 feet away from putting the Thunderbolts up one. He drew a one-out walk, stole second and advanced to third on a flyout. However, they failed to bring him home against righty Sam Moseman (NYU).

Liam Miller (Rochester) pitched a scoreless inning out of the bullpen in the seventh. With one out and a man on first, McCarthy gunned down the runner trying to steal second. Miller completed the strikeout to end the inning.

That led to the big blow in the eighth. 

Driscoll lined a double and McCarthy brought him home with a single. Bonior reached on an error, center fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) drew a four-pitch walk and Matthew Kim was on the receiving end of a two-bag error. Vozzo smashed a double. Gill and Hurda both produced singles, before Driscoll hit a sacrifice fly. In a flash, the Thunderbolts scored six runs and batted around in the frame.

Righthander Hunter Layhew closed out the final two innings. Bowen earned the win and Moseman was credited with the loss.

With the Cropdusters 9-0 shutout loss at the hands of the Southern Maryland Senators, the Thunderbolts vaulted to first place in the Ripken League’s Northern Division.They lead the Cropdusters by a half game. The Sens have the League’s best record at 6-1.

The Thunderbolts come home to Blair tomorrow, as they face off against the Gaithersburg Giants (1-6) at 7 p.m. 

Watch coverage of the game on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube—link on the Media/Live Games menu. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak for the call.

THUNDERBOLTS LOOK TO CARRY HOMESTAND SUCCESS ON ROAD, TRAVEL TO DC GRAYS TONIGHT

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

WOODBRIDGE, VIRGINIA, JUNE 11—The past two seasons for the Thunderbolts have been quite contrasting. Through five games last year, the Thunderbolts record stood at 1-4, a slow start they failed to overcome. That record has drastically improved this season.

The Thunderbolts currently sit a half game out of first place in the Cal Ripken League’s North Division with a 3-2 record — behind the 4-2 Olney Cropdusters. If the Thunderbolts win over the DC Grays today at Woodbridge High School, and Olney loses, the Thunderbolts will move to the top of the Division.

The difference this season has been the Thunderbolts pitching staff. A once glaring weakness has turned into the top group in the league. The Thunderbolts’ team ERA is a paltry 2.11. The next closest team is the Cropdusters at 4.02.

The Thunderbolts have only allowed 11 earned runs in the first five games, which has been overshadowed by some inconsistent fielding. A team fielding percentage of .864 has prevented them from a perfect campaign so far.

But the Thunderbolts starting pitchers have been elite this season. They have not allowed a run in 20 innings pitched. 

That starts with righty Josh Zuckerman (Emory). He will take the bump today and look to continue his success from the opening game. Zuckerman pitched four no-hit innings against Alexandria a week ago, striking out six batters and walking two. He exited with a 6-0 lead but the Aces later tied it up, preventing him from earning the win. The Aces won in 12, 8-07, but Zuckerman did not figure in the decision.

Zuckerman will toe the rubber against the DC Grays. 

DC started the season with wins over Bethesda Big Train (12-11) and Metro South County (7-6). A three-game losing streak to Alexandria, the Southern Maryland Senators, and Bethesda was snapped yesterday with a 4-3 victory over Olney.

Righty Brady Myers (Lock Haven) will get the starting nod for the Grays. Myers pitched four innings of one-run ball against Bethesda to start the season. However, he struggled with command, walking five hitters and allowing a hit. If the Thunderbolts can remain patient at the plate, and swing within the zone, they may have some success against Myers.

But the DC pitching staff hasn’t always been rock solid, leaving times when the offense needs to step up.

Ryan Soong (Washington University) is the leader of the pack. He is hitting .389 through five games, with three RBIs, six walks and nine stolen bases. While Soong doesn’t contain the power to spray home runs, he makes up for it with his quick speed on the basepaths and always finds a way to get on base. Soong could cause problems for the Thunderbolts’ infield.

Noel Rivera (Marist) brings those runners home, and he is one of the best in the league at that. Rivera has plated nine runners — tied for second-best in the League. He has the potential for extra-base hits, with two doubles and a long ball. Rivera also has four stolen bases and four runs scored.

Just five games into the season, the Thunderbolts have shown promise of an extended campaign. If they hope to make the playoffs, the Thunderbolts will need to keep pace with the top teams in the league. A win today will keep them on that path.

Tonight’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games.

Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

THUNDERBOLTS TAKE THE FIFTH AND GAIN 3-2 VERDICT OVER ALEXANDRIA ACES AT BLAIR

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 9— Two hours and 16 minutes. That’s how long Monday’s contest between the Thunderbolts and Alexandria Aces lasted. In a game filled with dynamite pitching, runs were at a premium. Those runs all came in the fifth inning. After the Aces plated two runs in the top half, the Thunderbolts outperformed them with three in the bottom. That was all the run support the Thunderbolts needed to hold on for a 3-2 victory.

The Thunderbolts (3-2) played an error-filled game the last time these teams met, and that cost them the win. Less than one week later, the Thunderbolts played clean defense and even made some stellar stops to support the pitching staff.

With strong defense behind them, the pitchers on both sides pounded the strike zone. Some 88 of the 140 pitches thrown by Thunderbolt pitchers were called strikes and the Aces struggled to keep up with those pitches. Alexandria (2-3) only had four hits to show for their offensive output.

Thunderbolt righty Gabe Wheeler (Tampa) stepped onto the mound and kept the Aces’ offense at bay. He faced some traffic in the first three frames but battled through the jams.

Alexandria second baseman Toby Hueber (George Mason) knocked a 1-2 pitch into the outfield grass for a lead-off base hit. However, Wheeler immediately recorded a double-play himself, snagging the ball hit right back at him and catching Hueber off the base.

In the bottom of the first, right fielder Matthew Walters (Cornell) reached first base on an infield error and later moved into scoring position after stealing a bag. The Thunderbolts were unable to drive him home, though. 

Wheeler pitched to contact throughout his outing, recording just one strikeout. The strategy worked to perfection, as he generated three lazy fly outs in the top of the second. Wheeler erased a one-out baserunner.

The Thunderbolts second baseman, Nolan Kutney (UMBC), produced a two-out knock, but the game remained scoreless. 

In the third, after the first two batters were retired, Alexandria put runners on the corners with shortstop Derek Almeda (Chaffey College) hitting a single, stealing second and third. Designated hitter Gavin Miller drew a walk before Wheeler recorded the final out.

It was a pitcher’s duel between Wheeler and Aces’ starter right-hander AJ Murray (Bucknell). Through four innings, neither side could generate any real threat on the basepaths. Any traffic faced was quickly dispatched.

Wheeler allowed three hits and two walks in his four frames of work. Murray pitched four frames of one-hit ball, walking two batters. 

But the floodgates opened for both sides in the fifth.

T-Bolt righty Aidan Watts (Rochester) struggled with his command in the top of the fifth, walking two hitters and hitting one. First baseman Jovan Gill (Grand Valley St) squibbed a two-run single that landed in center, plating catcher Diego Pena (Western Michigan) and Almeda. Watts retired two of the first three batters but was unable to complete the inning.

Lefty Ayden Alexander (George Washington) didn’t fare any better for Alexandria. Kutney started the rally with a single, center fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) drew a five-pitch walk and designated hitter Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) beat out an infield single. 

Then, Walters drove home Kutney and Sturtevant to tie the game at two. Shortstop Tyson Gill (Clarion) reloaded the bases with an infield single, paving the way for third baseman Bryce Curry (Hofstra) to bring home Erd from third on an RBI groundout. Alexander took the loss.

That was the last run of the game, and the pitching certainly notched back up.

Thunderbolt Bryce Greene, a right-hander, relieved Watts and was lights out from the get-go. The third-year Thunderbolt pitched 2.1 innings of scoreless ball, allowing one walk and no hits. He threw just six balls in his 23 pitches and earned the win.

The Aces’ bullpen was just as good. Righty Cole Gebben (Western Michigan) retired the side in order in the sixth.

Righty Adan Longoria (South Florida) torched the Thunderbolts once again. After striking out 11 batters in five innings of scoreless relief on Wednesday, he struck out four hitters in his two frames. Catcher Steve Thomas (Catholic) was the only Thunderbolt to get a hit off him.

In his first appearance of the season, righty Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) was electric. He punched out four of the seven batters he faced in the final two frames with only five balls thrown, picking up the save as well.

The Thunderbolts get the day off on Tuesday before traveling to Virginia for a clash with the DC Grays (2-3). Wednesday’s game begins at 7 p.m. and takes place at Woodbridge High School.

Watch coverage of the game on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube—link on the Media/Live Games menu. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak for the call.

THUNDERBOLTS PRINTED PROGRAM NOW UP ON WEBSITE; CLICK ABOUT, THEN PRINTED PROGRAM

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 9—You never know what those clever people at tbolts.org will do next.

You know how we give away a printed program at each home game, along with a roster of both teams?

Well, hard copies aside, both are now living happily in the digital domain on our website.

To get the printed program, with lots of information about the team and the players and all the history (especially on our 25th anniversary!), just go to the About Menu on top, then click, of all things, Printed Program. You will get the whole program at your fingertips.

And the Gameday Roster is also up on the website on the About Menu. Just click on About and navigate down to Gameday Roster.

Both will be in .pdf formats.

Get the best of both worlds by obtaining a digital copy of the program and the roster…and then get them again at the ballpark! What could be easier?

Whether you’re a fan, a paper product, or a bunch of zeroes and ones, we’ll see ya at Blair!

THUNDERBOLTS SEEK TO SHUFFLE THE ACES AND HOLD WINNING HAND AT BLAIR, START TIME 7 PM

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 9—Thunderbolt fans remember all too well that first game of the season on the road against the Alexandria Aces. After a strong start and opening up a six-run lead, Aces struck back in a hurry, tying the game in the fifth inning. The game went to extras before Alexandria prevailed, 8-7.

The bats went silent in the final five innings, as pitching on both sides ramped up. But in the end, a slew of errors in the 12th made the difference and dampened the hopes of T-Bolt supporters.

But now the Thunderbolts will get a shot to avenge that loss, this time at home. The Thunderbolts host the Aces at Blair Stadium tonight in a battle between two middle of the pack teams in the Ripken League standings.

Both teams enter the game at 2-2 and are in a three-way tie for third place in the League.

Despite the day off yesterday due to rain cancellations, the Thunderbolts enter today’s game fresh off their most complete performance. The offense came to life in the first inning, exploding for seven runs while patiently waiting at the plate for the right pitch. Pitching and an error-free game pushed them to the finish line

Righty Gabe Wheeler (U of Tampa) steps on the mound for the Thunderbolts today, looking to continue the starting rotation’s dominance — no runs allowed through 16 innings. In his five appearances at Tampa, Wheeler pitched 10 innings with a 6.30 ERA. He struck out 11 hitters and walked only three batters, but allowed 11 hits.

Wheeler will face off against an Alexandria offense that has been shut down since the first meeting.

While Wheeler needs to have a good outing, the team’s success also hinges on the defense. The Thunderbolts have committed just one combined error in their two wins. That number spikes to seven in the two defeats.

The Aces lost 7-3 against the Southern Maryland Senators, defeated the DC Grays, 3-2, and dropped a 8-1 blowout game against the Metro South County Braves.

Alexandria will send out righty AJ Murray (Bucknell). He made two starts in his 13 appearances this past year, finishing with a 10.80 ERA. Through 18 innings, he allowed 30 hits, walked 17, and struck out 15.

While the Aces don’t possess any elite power hitters, they make up for it with a contact approach.  In Alexandria’s six-run inning earlier this season, five batters hit singles and one hit a double.

Shortstop Derek Almeda (Chaffey College) is the table setter and got that rally started. He is hitting .307 through the first four games, including a 4-for-7 performance in the opening game. Almeda slashed an impressive .346 in his freshman season, driving home 40 guys and scoring 50 runs. He puts a lot of pressure on the basepaths as well, stealing 12 bases.

Center fielder EJ Hankerson (Maryland) always finds a way to get on base even if he’s not seeing the ball well. The 16th-ranked player in Maryland in the class of 2023 has been batting .375 and has also drawn four walks. He had four hits this past season in his 17 plate appearances.

Tonight’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games.

Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

TONIGHT’S GAME VS THE SOUTHERN MARYLAND SENATORS IS CANCELLED; WILL BE MADE UP LATER

WALDORF, JUNE 9—The Thunderbolts game tonight scheduled for 7 pm against the Southern Maryland Senators at Regency Furniture Stadium has been cancelled.

It will be rescheduled at a later date. The Bolts play Monday at Blair vs the Alexandria Aces, have Tuesday off and then have another long drive on Wednesday, June 11—this one to Woodbridge, Virginia, to take on the DC Grays in their temporary 2025 season home, Woodbridge High School.

The League website says the game starts at 7; our schedule page says 5. The League time is correct. The schedule was from earlier this year. We’ll change it shortly.

Enjoy the night off.

THUNDERBOLTS DUST THE OLNEY CROPDUSTERS EARLY IN 8-4 VICTORY, SECURE FIRST HOME WIN

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 7—The Thunderbolts entered Saturday’s contest against the Olney Cropdusters with just one first-inning run. A quick start was pivotal if they hoped to snap Olney’s unbeaten streak. That was exactly what happened, as a seven-run opening frame allowed the Thunderbolts to cruise to an 8-4 victory at Blair Stadium.

The Thunderbolts scored just one run against Bethesda in a disappointing offensive showing. Brock Hunter’s squad came out swinging the bat early and often, barreling up several pitches. 

Center fielder Griffin Puvel (Rider) drew a five-pitch leadoff walk, stole second base and advanced to third. It quickly unraveled for Cropdusters’ starter Mike Costello (Millersville) after that. Third baseman Tyson Gill laced a double down the third-base line. Left fielder Jack Hurda (Clarion) and designated hitter Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) earned walks. 

With nobody out, first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) drove in a two-run single. Catcher Vance Bonior (UMass) ripped a single between third base and shortstop, plating Driscoll. Shortstop David Vozzo (Moravian) singled to left before Puvel smashed a bases-clearing double. In a matter of minutes, the Thunderbolts led 7-0.

Center fielder Gabe Ruiz (UMBC) replaced Puvel after he appeared to be limping from his abrupt stop at second.

After a nine-pitch first frame, righty Zach Danielzcek (Tampa) picked up where he left off, despite the extended break between pitches. While the 6-foot-5 pitcher doesn’t have an elite strikeout arsenal, Danielzcek utilized Olney’s aggressive swings to his advantage, pitching to contact. He induced several groundouts and lazy fly balls to avoid any traffic.

On the other side, Mac Crismond (Charleston) — who entered the game with two outs in the first — settled his team down after a rocky start. He walked Driscoll in the second inning and plunked Bonior two batters later, but the righty retired the final hitter of the frame.

Danielzcek allowed center fielder Brian Scott (Frostburg St) to single in the third, which broke up his perfect game, but the starter allowed a weak flyout to right to avoid any further damage.

Crismond retired the side in the bottom of the third and the first two outs of the ensuing frame before Driscoll broke the streak with a single. 

After a loud offensive first inning for the Thunderbolts, Danielzcek and Crismond toed the rubber in a pitcher’s duel through the next three frames. 

Following suit of his other starting pitchers, Danielzcek produced five scoreless innings, allowing two baserunners — a walk and single. Ruiz made a spectacular diving catch in center to rob a potential extra-base hit, ending the fifth.

The Thunderbolts’ offense tacked on another run in the bottom of the fifth. Right fielder Matthew Walters (Cornell) advanced to first on an infield error and immediately stole second. Second baseman Matthew Kim (Frederick C.C.) and Ruiz drew walks before Walters scored on an error to extend the Thunderbolts’ advantage to eight.

Righty Nathan Rodriguez (Mount St. Mary’s) escaped a jam in the sixth with two men in scoring position and one out, keeping the Cropdusters scoreless.

In the bottom of the sixth, Bonior and Walters reached base on a single and a walk, but lefty Shawn Rosemond (Salisbury) came out without a blemish.

Olney finally plated its first runs in the seventh. Righty Bobby Burk (Babson) walked catcher Tyler Cook (Troy), hit second baseman Zakye Hawkins (Utah) and walked designated hitter Charlie Buckles (Florida St). With the bases loaded and nobody out, Hunter pulled Burk in place of righty Cam Elicier (Moravian).

Elicier allowed all three inherited runners to score, with a wild pitch, an RBI groundout from left fielder Jaden Knight (Notre Dame) and base hit from shortstop Ayden Frey (Delaware). However, Elicier ended the rally with the Thunderbolts still ahead, 8-3.

In the eighth inning, Elicier allowed an RBI single from Hawkins, which plated third baseman Carter Richey (VCU) after he drew a walk and stole second.

Righty Brady Grimes (Millersville) struck out the side in the ninth to seal the victory. Danielzcek is credited with the win and Costello takes the loss.

After a two-game homestand, the Thunderbolts travel on the road to the 4-1 Southern Maryland Senators Sunday at Regency Furniture Stadium with a 7 p.m. start time.

Watch coverage of the game on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube—link on the Media/Live Games menu. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak for the call.

THUNDERBOLTS HOPE TO HARVEST WIN OVER OLNEY CROPDUSTERS TONIGHT AT BLAIR, GAME TIME, 7 PM

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 7—Just three games into the season, one team has emerged as a frontrunner: the Olney Cropdusters. The Thunderbolts — who are among the many teams in the chase pack — will look to hand Olney its first loss of the season tonight at Blair Stadium.

But that will be no easy task for an up-and-down squad. The Thunderbolts have had chances to come away with a perfect start as well. 

On Opening Day, a six-run advantage heading into the bottom of the sixth was quickly wiped away in Alexandria against the Aces. Alexandria’s bats came alive with six hits in the frame. Also, the Thunderbolts committed a costly infield error. The Thunderbolts’ offense went silent, scoring just one run over the final eight innings.

Yesterday against Bethesda, those same problems reappeared. As part of Bethesda’s two-run fifth inning, the Thunderbolts made a fielding error, a throwing error and had two passed balls. These miscues allowed two unearned runs to cross the plate. The Thunderbolts also only had two hits after the fourth frame. 

However, just three games have been played, meaning that there is plenty of time for the Thunderbolts to find their groove.

Righty Zach Danielzcek (Tampa) takes the mound for the Thunderbolts. The Oakton, Virginia native made four relief appearances in his freshman season, posting a 5.79 ERA through 4.2 innings. Danielzcek struck out seven batters but conceded four hits and five walks.

He will face off against a red-hot Cropdusters’ squad which is the lone remaining unbeaten team. Olney defeated the Metro South County Braves, 8-6, handed the Bethesda Big Train a 10-4 defeat, and dealt the Gaithersburg Giants a 7-4 loss.

The Cropdusters have yet to announce their game four starter.

Glenn Smith (Richmond ) went three innings of two-run ball on Wednesday, Tore Indomenico (Notre Dame) pitched three scoreless frames on Thursday and Ryan O’Born (Indianapolis) gave up three runs last night. Those three pitchers are unavailable to start today.

While Olney’s pitching staff has done its job, the hitters have plated an abundance of runs to support those hard throwers. 

Catcher Carter Richey (VCU) has been one of the best players in the league so far, sitting top with a .714 batting average and tied for first with five RBIs. However, he struggled in his senior year, hitting .133 through 30 at-bats.

Infielder Rohne Klein (Utah) has formed a nice one-two punch with Richey. The 6-foot-4 power hitter has driven in three runs during league play on just three singles. Klein only managed three plate appearances in his freshman season and failed to produce a hit.

After finishing second in the North Division with a 17-19 record last season, and falling in the opening round of the League Championship Series, the Cropdusters look poised to cement themselves as a contender.

Today’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. You can link easily by going to the top of the menu and clicking on Media/Live Games.

Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

THUNDERBOLTS SEE ERROR OF THEIR WAYS: FALL TO BIG TRAIN, 3-1, BEFORE 236 AT HOME OPENER

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 6—Anytime you play the Bethesda Big Train, the finest of margins can be the difference in the outcome. The Thunderbolts committed one error last night against the Gaithersburg Giants in what looked to be an early turning point for their season. Those same miscues from opening day resurfaced Friday night at Blair Stadium. Three errors helped the Big Train to a 3-1 victory.

Righty Liam Miller (Rochester), the second of five Thunderbolt pitchers, took the loss, lefty Adekide Adetuyi (Florida Atlantic) got the win for Bethesda and Owen Stewart (George Mason) secured the save.

After watching his fellow starting pitchers — Josh Zuckerman (Elon) and Braden Fetherolf (Clarion) — work four scoreless innings in their respective outings, southpaw Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) pounded the strike zone early on. He struck out leadoff hitter Alex Peltier (East Carolina) on three pitches and retired the side with 13 pitches.

Bethesda’s aggressive approach at the plate also played into Domaracki’s hands, allowing him to work around the zone with ease. His fastball-curveball combo left the Big Train’s offense guessing and inducing several swing-and-misses.

While Domaracki cruised through the first three frames without any baserunners, Thunderbolts batters couldn’t back his success. 

Big Train lefty Drew Bellis (Central Florida) faced some traffic in the opening inning after right fielder Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) ripped a single and catcher Jack McCarthy (Marymount) drew a two-out walk, but Bethesda’s starter came out unscathed.

From that point on, Bellis settled into the game. He set down three straight batters via strikeouts and finished his three innings of work with six punch outs. However, Bellis walked Driscoll in the third with Driscoll advancing to second on a wild pitch, but was stranded once again.

Miller entered the game in place of Domaracki, and the right-hander retired the top of the order in the fourth inning.

The Thunderbolts’ offense finally woke up in the bottom of the fourth after Bellis exited. 

With patience at the plate and some shaky command from Adetuyi, second baseman Nolan Kutney (UMBC) and first baseman Brady Grimes (Millersville) picked up walks. Designated hitter Steve Thomas (Catholic) brought Kutney home with a single that squeaked in between first and second base with Grimes going to second.

Shortstop Josh Erd (Frederick CC) singled to left but Grimes was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second on a nifty right field to second base to catcher relay.

Then the Thunderbolts’ self-inflicted mistakes came back to bite them in the fifth frame. Bethesda third baseman Logan Ponnett (North Carolina Charlotte) laced a single into center and left fielder Matthew Westley reached on an infield error. A couple of wild pitches and a throwing error plated both baserunners.

Adetuyi struck out the side in the bottom of the fifth, leaving the Big Train ahead, 2-1.

Jake Treasure (Stevenson) — who replaced Miller on the mound — faced some traffic in the sixth inning with singles from catcher Jacob Hauk (Maryland) and shortstop Brennon Wright (Meridian C.C.). However, the lefty buckled down and kept them scoreless.

Strikeouts haunted the Thunderbolts through the first five frames and the sixth inning was no different. Kutney’s punch out was the team’s seventh of the game.

While both offenses went silent in the middle innings, the Big Train’s hitters finally came to life in the eighth. 

E.J. Youngling (Moravian) was quickly greeted by Hauk who ripped a first-pitch single to left. After a long battle with Peltier, Youngling came out victorious but the out allowed Hauk to move into scoring position. Two batters later, Designated Hitter John Martinez (Florida Atlantic) drove Hauk home with a single that just evaded the outstretched glove of shortstop Josh Erd.

Driscoll was the bright spot in the Thunderbolts’ batting order Friday, and the Maryland sophomore gave his squad a jolt of energy with his second hit of the day to lead off the bottom of the eighth. After advancing to second base, two hitters came to the plate and both were unable to plate Driscoll.

A scoreless ninth from righty Henry Steene (Washington and Lee) left the Thunderbolts with a chance to overcome a 3-1 deficit.

In the bottom of the ninth, Grimes produced the Thunderbolts’ lone extra-base hit of the game — a one-out double into the left-center field gap. Thomas drew a walk. However, Stewart retired the final two hitters to hand Bethesda its first win of the season.

Two of Bethesda’s three runs were unearned in a loss that showed how closely matched the two teams are. But for the Thunderbolts, it’s another game Saturday at Blair; this time, their opponent is the 3-0 Olney Cropdusters. The Cropdusters lead the Ripken League’s Northern Division followed by the T-Bolts and Big Train tied at 1-2.

Right-handed pitcher Zach Danielcyk (U of Tampa) has been given the nod by T-Bolts Head Coach Brock Hunter. The Cropdusters starter has yet to be named.

Watch coverage of the game on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube—link on the Media/Live Games menu. Join Andrew Relvas and Patrick Moran for the call.

FORMER THUNDERBOLT AMANI JONES JOINS STATEN ISLAND FERRYHAWKS IN INDY ATLANTIC LEAGUE

SILVER SPRING, JUNE 6—Infielder Amani Jones, who spent 2023 with the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts, signed with the independent Staten island Ferryhawks of the Atlantic League. To date, he has gotten into one game, drawn a walk, and scored a run.

Jones was a volunteer assistant with Millersville University where he started 107 games at shortstop. He earned All-PSAC East Second Team and ABCA All-Atlantic Region Second Team honors as a senior in 2025, hitting .343 with 15 doubles, four homers and 45 RBIs.

Jones played two seasons at Stevenson before transferring to Millersville. He was an All-MAC Commonwealth selection in 2023.

For the Thunderbolts, Jones played 33 games and hit .289 driving in 26 runs, good for fourth highest in the League. He was picked for the Ripken Classic Team which played a two-game series against the Atlantic and Sunbelt Collegiate Leagues.

He appeared in both games going 1-3.

THUNDERBOLTS NOTES FOR INTERNS, HOME OPENER, TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, CAMPS, AND MORE

TAKOMA PARK, MAY 20—There are just 15 days—just a bit more than two weeks—before the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts open their 2025 season in the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League.

The Bolts open on the road against the Alexandria Aces, Wednesday, June 4, at 6:30 pm at Frank Mann Field. The Bolts remain on the road in Gaithersburg the following night, June 5, when they take on the Gaithersburg Giants at 7 pm at Criswell Automotive Field.

The home opener will be Friday night, 7 pm, vs the Bethesda Big Train at Blair. Hope to see you out there. We’ll have more details on the home opener as we get closer to the date.

Meanwhile…some announcements…

SPORTS INTERN JOBS: We have two immediate openings for our Management Intern program. Interns work from 4-10:30 pm on dates for home games. Ages: 17-24. SSL hours or work study available. The start date is June 1, 2025, from 5-7 pm for training. Send a note of interest to Tboltsbaseball@gmail.com by May 28. Paid stipend for the season: $1,000.

This is a great opportunity for Sports Management majors who want to gain real-world experience working in sports. Or if you just love baseball and want to work behind the scenes and learn what it takes to stage a sporting event.

Not to mention the $1000 stipend. If you love sports and are thinking of it as a career, you can’t pass up this kind of opportunity. If you or someone you know might be interested, don’t wait. Apply today!

HOME OPENER: The home opener is at 7 pm, June 6, vs. the Bethesda Big Train at the friendly confines of Blair Stadium. Check our top menu at Schedule for our complete 2025 schedule.

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY: There will be lots of events and observations going on this season to note the 25th anniversary of the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts franchise. A complete commemorative booklet is being produced as well as special online reports. Also, please join us for a culinary celebration on Thursday, June 19, at Nando’s Peri Peri, 924 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring.

The event will begin at 6:00pm and end at 8:30pm. Nando’s will donate 40% of sales proceeds to trhe Thunderbolts. See you and lots of T-Bolt luminaries on June 19, at Nando’s!

THUNDERBOLT BASEBALL CAMPS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS: Besides college baseball, the Thunderbolts offer five weeks of baseball camps in June and July (ages 7-14) and two specialty camps (two-day camps from 9:30-12:30, stressing pitching and hitting, ages 11-16). The minimum age is a rising fifth grader. Registrations are limited and many of our sessions are almost sold out. Register to make sure you are not shut out. On-line registration is available at Tbolts.org/Camps.

SEASON PASSES: Season passes and individual tickets available online or at the stadium. A family season pass is good for all immediate family members. Cost is $100—that’s $5 per game for all family members. Order now at Tbolts.org/tickets.

PARTIES: Celebrate a birthday, hold a family picnic, or have a company outing at Blair Stadium during a Thunderbolts home game this summer. When you schedule an event at Blair, space will be set up for a pre-game meal. For kids’ birthdays, the birthday boy or girl can celebrate by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch (and get to keep the ball!) The price includes food and drinks, admission to the game, and reserved grandstand seating. Party information at Tbolts.org/Community.

LATEST THUNDERBOLT ROSTER UP ON ROSTER TAB

TAKOMA PARK—The latest Thunderbolt roster for 2025 is now on the Roster tab of the About Menu on the top of the Home Page.

Currently, the roster is at 40 players.

Four players are from Marymount University, four from UMBC, and three from Clarion University, Frostburg State University, Moravian University, and Fredrick Community College.

See more on the Roster tab.

NEW POST ON SUBSTACK AND T-BOLTS FAN ABOUT THUNDERBOLTS IN THE PROS FOR 2025

TAKOMA PARK, March 28—The former Thunderbolts who play baseball professionally are settling on to teams for the 2025 season. The Majors are underway, the Minors begin in two weeks, and the Independent Leagues get going in late May.

And, even though it’s far across the oceans, the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan will also be graced by several players who wore the Red, White, and Blue.

A post went out on T-Bolts Fan (thanks, Kevin Schweikhardt) and if you are not getting that—and you should—here’s a link for the story:

https://open.substack.com/pub/neallavon/p/t-bolts-banter-770?r=eyjjs&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Enjoy!

MARCH MADNESS THUNDERBOLTS STYLE; 2025 TICKETS AND SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE ONLINE

TAKOMA PARK, March 8—With March Madness around the corner, the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts are engaging in a March Madness of their own.

Thanks to T-Bolt Web and Computer Ace Ted Dacy, it’s now possible to order individual game and season tickets on the Thunderbolts website. Just navigate to the Tickets Menu on top of the page and voila! You can click and buy either (or both!)

Individual game tickets had to go up a couple of bucks so now they are $8 for adults and $3 for children under 18. Plus, as always, uniformed youth softball and baseball players and children under the age of five get in absolutely free.

The Season Passes come in a variety of options from full season to half season, family to business, and even a season pass for kids.

All the details are on the Ticket page. So get a jump on the ticket line and get ready for Thunderbolts basball 2025!

SHAMELESS PLUG: To keep up with all things Thunderbolts, subscribe to TBolts Fan on Substack. Lots of information about the team, season updates, etc. There’s a story there about three of our former players from Taiwan who are making a splash in baseball’s international competitions (further details below). Coming soon, a report on the former Thunderbolts who are active in major, minor, and independent league baseball and where they wind up on Opening Day.

Our Kevin Schweickhardt does a great job on managing the site and it’s definitely worth your while to stop by. Keep those views and recipients coming!

REMEMBER OUR PLAYERS FROM TAIWAN? THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC AND PREMIER12 DO

TAKOMA PARK, March 5—Adam Lee, who keeps track of our Taiwanese baseball players, emailed me with some great news. One of our former pitchers, Yung-Chen Lu (2018), was a member of the Taiwanese team that earned a berth in next year’s World Baseball Classic.

And wait, there’s more! Two of our former Taiwanese pitchers, En-Sih Huang (2015) and Kuan-Wei Chen (2016) were on last year’s Taiwan team that won the Premier12 Championship. The Premier12 takes the 12 best international baseball teams and stages a tournament among them. The Premier12 is considered the third most important baseball tourney after the WBC and the Olympics.

Details on this are on a Substack story that soon hopes to be part of Kevin Schweikhardt’s new TBolt Fan Substack. But for now, it’s living on Neal Lavon’s stack as T-Bolt Banter. Here is the link:

https://neallavon.substack.com/cp/158393257

Hopefully, stories about Thunderbolts past and present will be going out on Kevin’s Substack, TBolt Fan. Until then, enjoy!

TBOLTS 2025: SCHEDULES, CAMPS, AND INTERNS:

SILVER SPRING, February 1—The 25th Anniversary season for the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts begins Wednesday, June 4, against the Alexandria Aces at Frank Mann Field. Game time is 6:30 pm at Blair Baseball Stadium. The entire 2025 schedule is posted on our website (see below).

THUNDERBOLT BASEBALL CAMPS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS: Five weeks of camps June 16-July 18 (Ages 7-14) and two specialty camps. Register early to make sure you are not shut out. Early bird registration features discounted rates before April 1. On-line registration is available at Tbolts.org/Camps. Registration opens February 1.

THUNDERBOLT INTERNS AND BAT BOY/GIRL POSITIONS: Assistant Camp Director - work with the Thunderbolts Camp Director checking in and checking out campers, supervise lunches, coordinate on field schedules of counselors, fill in where needed in training sessions, and assemble all equipment each day. Hours: 8:30- 3:15 pm; dates of work: M-F (5 weeks) June 16-July 18; ages: 19-24 years old; Stipend $2400.

SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD/MUSIC DIRECTOR: Will post game and team information and highlights on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, team website) on a regular basis. Experience in creating social media content on the college level, or its equivalent, is preferred. Candidate must be able to use all major social media platforms. Age: 19-24; nominal stipend.

Music Director– responsible for coordinating game day music. Position requirements: work hours: 6-10:30 p.m.; Dates of work: Twenty (20) selected dates at Blair Baseball in June and July; Age: 17-24 years old; nominal stipend.

MANAGEMENT INTERNS: Three (3) vacancies for June 2-July 24 (20-22 game days) Duties: Interns will be involved in all aspects of team operations and will rotate through assignments such as marketing/publicity; food service and concessions; stadium maintenance; fan liaison services; game-day promotions; fan party management and general fan service. Age 17 -24.Work: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. on home game days (20-22 dates). Nominal stipend.

FIELD OPERATIONS INTERN: Work includes lining, dragging infield, preparation of field boxes, watering infield, and setup and take down equipment for batting practice. Intern will work from 4:00 - 7:30 pm on home game days. Age requirements 16-24. Unpaid positions.

BAT BOY/BAT GIRL: We will have four (4) bat boy/bat girl positions this season. Bat boy/bat girls will work in teams of two each game from 6 pm to the end of game.

Positions are open for students age 10-13 years of age. The league season runs from June 2- July 31. Unpaid positions.

Application Process: Please send a short letter of interest, including your contact information, EITHER by email to tboltsbaseball@gmail.com or by regular mail to Intern Position, SS-T Thunderbolts, 7110 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. Specify which internship or other position you are applying for during the summer. Deadline is April 1, 2025.

TBOLTS SCHEDULE FOR 2025 NOW ON SCHEDULE TAB

SILVER SPRING, December 4—The schedule for the 2025 Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League (CRCBL) is set and is posted on our Schedule tab.

This new season will see 40 games played, an increase of four over last year’s total of 36. The 2025 season opens on Tuesday, June 3, when the Southern Maryland Senators travel to South County Field to take on the Metro SoCo Braves in a 7 pm tilt. The remainder of the teams go into action the following day.

The Thunderbolts open their season on the road on Wednesday, June 4 against the Alexandria Aces at 6:30 pm at Frank Mann Field. OnThursday, June 5, they will play against the Gaithersburg Giants at 7:00 pm at Criswell Automotive Field.

The Thunderbolts home opener at Blair Baseball Stadium is set for Friday, June 6, when they host the 2024 CRCBL League Champion Bethesda Big Train in a 7 pm contest.

The Thunderbolts will play six games—three home and three away—against six of the eight teams in the CRCBL: the Bethesda Big Train, the Alexandria Aces, the DC Grays, the Gaithersburg Giants, the Olney Cropdusters, and the Metro SoCo Braves.

They will face the Southern Maryland Senators only four times in 2025—two away and two at home.

The Bolts and Big Train will once again play in a 10:00 am game at Shirley Povich Field. This on is scheduled for Sunday, June 15.

All home games at Blair Baseball Stadium start at 7:00 PM except for Sunday games which start at 6:00 pm. There are five Sunday home games this year—June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, and July 20.

The League has designated makeup days for rainouts throughout the season and the League will take off doe the July 4 holiday. The CRCBL All-Star Game is slated for Wednesday, July 9, 7:00 pm, at Shirley Povich Field.

The post-season playoffs begin with the two Play-In Games on Wednesday, July 23, among the 3-6 ranked teams. The best of three League Semi-Final Series starts the next day and runs through July 26. The best of three League Final Series opens on July 27 and runs through July 29.

Two rainout days are available on July 30-July 31. The July 31 date is the end of the CRCBL season.

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