SCHEDULE UPDATE:

On Friday, July 18, the Thunderbolts will play a DH with the Olney Cropdusters in Olney at OBGC Park. This makes up the rained out game at Blair on July 12 and includes the regular season game.

On Sunday, July 20, the Bolts will finish the suspended game with the DC Grays and play their regularly scheduled game.

There will likely be further schedule updates, so stay tuned.

FINAL STRETCH: THUNDERBOLTS TRAVEL TO ALEXANDRIA WITH WEEK LEFT IN REGULAR SEASON

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
ALEXANDRIA, JULY 14—With just a week remaining in the regular season, the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts hold a 12-16 record, having only completed 28 games. The Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League has already lowered the game total to 38 this season due to several cancellations.

The two games not on the schedule anymore are Wednesday’s North Division clash against the Gaithersburg Giants and a makeup game against the Southern Maryland Senators.

Regardless, it will be a jam-packed last week of baseball and certainly an important one.

Over the last five days, the Thunderbolts have had a game suspended because of the Blair curfew and three more outright postponed due to weather. That means they have completed just one game in that stretch.

The Thunderbolts will match that number today, as they travel on the road to the Alexandria Aces. Every game from here on out will have massive playoff implications, with the Giants continuing to gain ground on the Thunderbolts.

At one point this season, the Thunderbolts were amongst the league’s top teams and were challenging the Bethesda Big Train for the top spot in the division. Just a half game back from Bethesda and a few behind the Senators, the Thunderbolts had vaulted themselves into the championship conversation.

Now, they are fighting for their postseason lives. With Gaithersburg still two wins behind, the Thunderbolts control their destiny and have three games in hand to hold off the Giants' push. They will need to snap a nine-game losing streak to book a playoff spot, though.

Brayden Fetherolf (Clarion) will be trusted with part of that responsibility today. After starting the second game of the season and hurling four clean innings, Fetherolf has operated out of the bullpen since. He has allowed two runs in five innings as a reliever. But Fetherolf is an arm that expects to return to the starting rotation down the stretch.

His job will not be an easy one, as he faces a red-hot Alexandria Aces squad. The Aces have won 13 of their past 18 games, widening their gap at the top of the South Division. 

Derek Almeda (Chaffey College) is the table setter for Alexandria’s batting order and has bounced around the top of the lineup. Almeda’s mindset has remained unchanged: find a way aboard. With the second-highest league batting average (.379) and 17 walks, Almeda has reached base in 20 out of 22 appearances and is riding an eight-game hitting streak.

Operating out of the heart of the Aces’ lineup, Gavin Degnan (Penn) has seemingly always stepped up to the plate with men on base. He is clutch in those situations. Degnan has 21 RBIs — tied for the fifth-most in the league — including nine in the past six games. His four-RBI performance against the Big Train helped them snap Bethesda’s 11-game winning streak.

It won’t be an easy journey to make the playoffs, but the Thunderbolts are plenty up for the challenge. 

Today’s contest starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be played at Frank Mann Field.  The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. Join Evan Pak and Andrew Relvas on the call.

PLAYOFF PROGNOSTICATOR: THE THUNDERBOLTS ARE IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE…BUT…

SILVER SPRING, JULY 13—This time it was the rains—not the Blair Curfew—that took out three games for the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (12-15). This afternoon's cancelled DH with the Southern Maryland Senators (15-14) at Blair now join last night’s postponed contest at Blair with the Olney Cropdusters (17-12) as just the latest in the series of cancelled and postponed games throughout the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League.

The Thunderbolts have a Make Up Day on Tuesday, July 15. The League will determine whether that slot will be used for one makeup game against Olney, or the DH with the Senators. If the League chooses the DH with the Senators, the Olney game would likely be made up as part of a DH at Olney on Friday, July 18, or on a scheduled Make Up Day on Tuesday, July 22.

If the League chooses Olney, the Senators DH could be played on Make Up Tuesday, July 22—which just happens to be the day before the scheduled play-in game.

All of the rainouts and cancellations—the Bolts have had twelve games cancelled and two suspended—forced the League to cut two games from its 40-game schedule. This 38-game schedule was designed to get all teams to the same number of games played and avoid late-season tripleheaders.

For the Thunderbolts, this plan would eliminate a makeup of the June 8 game against the Southern Maryland Senators and the Wednesday, July 16, game at Criswell Automotive Field against the Gaithersburg Giants (9-21).

Thanks to the Thunderbolts nine-game losing streak, the Giants, along with the Metro SoCo Braves (9-22), have been creeping back into the playoff picture. Currently, the Thunderbolts lead both teams for a spot in the four-team play-in round; the Giants by four and a half games and the Braves by five.

Under the reduced schedule, the planned forfeit of the suspended game and the cancellation of the regularly scheduled game against the Giants, the Thunderbolts record is really 12-16.

So, instead of a four and a half game lead, it’s really a three and a half game lead over Gaithersburg. As a result of the Braves 12-0 loss at Bethesda today, the Bolts have a five game lead over Metro SoCo.

SS-T has ten games left under the 38-game schedule while Gaithersburg has eight games left and Metro SoCo has seven. The Giants play today at home against Alexandria, weather permitting, so these numbers can change.

As far as the playoff race with the T-Bolts goes, the conceded loss in the July 8 Giants-Bolts suspended game and the July 16 game being cancelled means the Giants would win the season series, 3-2, and hold the first tiebreaker.

Even if the regularly scheduled game were to be played, the Giants hold a substantial lead in the second tiebreaker the League uses--run differential. In the five games played between the two teams (counting the suspended game as a 12-10 Giants win), the Giants hold a 28-20 lead in runs over SS-T. So to turn the July 16 game to the Thunderbolts' advantage, the T-Bolts would need to beat the Giants by nine runs. Not impossible, but difficult.

The Braves have played four games with SS-T and each team has won two. The fifth and deciding game in the series would be played Thursday, July 17, at Blair. So if that game gets played, one team would end up holding the advantage in the season series and the first tiebreaker. In run differential, the T-Bolts hold a three-run advantage, 16-13.

But assuming a 12-16 record for the Thunderbolts and the current records for the Giants and Braves, the Thunderbolts “magic number” with the Giants is six. Any combination of Thunderbolt wins and Giants losses that total six clinches the playoff spot for the Boys from Blair. For the Braves, it's five. Of course, if the Bolts shake off the losing streak and win six of their next ten, they would earn the playoff spot no matter what the Giants and Braves do.

To ilustrate how the math works, if the Giants win six of their last eight, the Thunderbolts would have to win just four of their last ten to clinch the spot. You can do the math down the line, but the numbers favor the Thunderbolts. However, if the Thunderbolts continue their losing streak, or win just one or two games down the stretch, then, yes, it gets dicey.

And that's assuming all the remaining games get played and the selected cancelled games get made up. That's not altogether clear, and guess what? There's afternoon thunderstorms predicted throughout next week that could wreak additional havoc with the schedule.

So there's lots of permutations that could result from both the games and the weather. We think all of this is right, but it someone catches an error, please let us know and we’ll fix it.

As a famous baseball player is purported to have said, "It's never over ‘til it's over; and predictions are hard...especially about the future.”

Sounds like a perfect description of the Ripken League playoff race.

See ya at Blair (hopefully)!

A DAY THAT ENDS IN “Y” MEANS ANOTHER RAINOUT

SILVER SPRING, JULY 13—The doubleheader tonight between the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (12-15) and the Southern Maryland Senators (15-14) has been—wait for it—cancelled.

The afternoon rains that drenched Blair Stadium has turned the playing field into the DMV’s version of Okefenokee Swamp. Reports indicate ankle-deep water in places around the infield. The rains yesterday, plus those of today, just sloshed the playing surface.

News on makeup of these two games will come from the League at some point, maybe today, maybe tomorrow. The Thunderbolts have a Make Up Day on Tuesday, July 15, and it remains to be seen if the makeup will be with the Olney Cropdusters (18-12), who were rained out last night at Blair, or today’s rainout with the DH with the Senators.

As it stands, the next game the Thunderbolts are scheduled to play is tomorrow, Monday, July 14, vs the Alexandria Aces (16-11) at Frank Mann Field with a start time of 6:30 pm.

We’ll have more as always right here.

NORTH DIVISION RIVALS GO TOE-TO-TOE: THUNDERBOLTS HOST CROPDUSTERS TONIGHT

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
SILVER SPRING, JULY 12—During the first half of the season, the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (12-15) staff distanced itself from every other team in the Ripken League. Holding the top Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League ERA by a considerable margin, the Thunderbolts found success eking out low-scoring wins.

That unit has fallen off since then, allowing double-digit runs in three straight games. As part of an eight-game losing streak, the Thunderbolts allowed the DC Grays, Gaithersburg Giants, and Metro South County Braves to combine for 34 runs.

However, yesterday’s game was a step in the right direction, signaling a hopeful return to those dominant performances. It started with Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St). Entering with the second-best ERA in the league (1.29), the southpaw cruised through DC’s lineup for four innings.

While Domaracki allowed five total runs with three in the fifth, he set the standard for the night’s pitching. Domaracki worked both his fastball and curveball on the outer edges of the plate, which left the Grays guessing and resulting in a season-high six punch outs.

The bullpen took it a step further after Domaracki exited. Needing to keep the Thunderbolts’ deficit at 5-4 and give the offense a chance to tie the game, Head Coach Brock Hunter relied on two arms to get the job done: Hunter Steene (Washington & Lee) and Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan).

After his worst bullpen appearance of the season — allowing seven runs (four earned) against the Grays — Steene delivered his longest outing. He pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two baserunners and lowering his ERA by over a run to 4.15.

However, Keane was the best pitcher of the night in a game filled with quality relievers. The team’s closer pitched the last four frames and kept DC off the board before the game was suspended. His overpowering velocity led to six strikeouts.

Brayden Fetherolf (Clarion) will look to build off the team’s performance yesterday against tonight’s opponent, the Olney Cropdusters (17-12). After starting the second game of the season and hurling four clean innings, Fetherolf has operated out of the bullpen since. He has allowed two runs in five innings as a reliever. But Fetherolf is an arm that expects to return to the starting rotation down the stretch.

He will have to maneuver around a red-hot Cropdusters’ squad that has won 10 of their last 13 games. Olney has moved up comfortably to second in the North Division, leading the Thunderbolts by four games.

The Cropdusters’ pitching has taken a giant leap forward, conceding just 56 runs in their past 13 contests for a 4.31 ERA. They now lead the league in team ERA (4.42).

Walker Zampella (East Stroudsburg), Jimmy Kirk (Millersville), Cade Walter (Jacksonville), Carter Richey (VCU) and Andrew Kell (Salisbury) are names to know. 

Zampella has a team-leading .357 batting average, four home runs, and 14 RBIs, Kirk is close behind with a .350 batting average and 13 RBIs while Walter is hitting .323 with a team-high 25 runs scored and 17 walks. Richey leads the team with 15 RBIs and Kell was named Ripken League Hitter of the Week after his performances against the Braves last week. He had two home runs, six RBIs, four runs scored, and two walks.

Olney’s depth both offensively and on the mound makes them a dangerous team to play.

Today’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be played at Blair Stadium.  The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. Join Evan Pak and Pat Moran on the call.

BLAIR CURFEW STRIKES AGAIN: THUNDERBOLTS AND DC SUSPENDED AT 5-5 IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 12TH

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
SILVER SPRING, JULY 12—Late lightning was spotted at Blair Stadium yesterday, culminating in one of the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts’ (12-15) most entertaining games of the season. One strike away from their ninth consecutive loss, this time to the DC Grays (13-13), the Thunderbolts’ bats came to life.

Second baseman Nolan Kutney (UMBC) stood on second base in the bottom of the ninth after his one-out single and a bunt that moved him into scoring position. Catcher Jack McCarthy (Marymount) patiently waited at the plate. On an 0-2 pitch, he got one he liked and clobbered it to left center off the base of the wall for an extra-base hit. It easily scored Kutney, and tied the game at five.

The crowd of 213, which remained raucous and and faithful throughout the game, erupted.

One inning later, the Thunderbolts thought they had walked it off. Left fielder Tyson Gill (Clarion) jumped on an 0-2 pitch and sent it down the left-field line, allowing third baseman Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) to round third and charge home. However, the ball was ruled just foul and nothing came from the at-bat.

The late offense came hours after the Thunderbolts’ hot start.

They tagged DC Grays’ (13-13) starter Kimani Davis (Xavier) for four runs in the bottom of the first. The Thunderbolts loaded the bases and right fielder Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) brought in Erd from third on an RBI single The bases remained loaded and Kutney hit what became a two-run sacrifice fly after the ball skipped past the catcher on a Grays relay and left the field of play. First baseman Brady Grimes (Millersville) capped off the inning with an RBI infield hit chopped down the third-base line.

Making his sixth start of the season, Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) was dominant for the Thunderbolts up until the fifth. His only blemish early on came in the second with a run-scoring single from right fielder Andy Rivera (Holy Family) and a balk that brought home DC’s second run.

He held the Grays’ offense scoreless in the third and fourth, preserving the Thunderbolts’ 4-2 lead.

After a strong first inning, the Thunderbolts’ timely hitting disappeared. They put runners on base in the first seven innings but no other runs resulted from that traffic.

That allowed DC to claw back in the game and eventually take the lead. With Domaracki going back out for the fifth, the Grays rallied. First baseman Tanner Wolpert (Franklin & Marshall) brought home center fielder Tyler Wiltsey (Rutgers) on an RBI single. Second baseman Noel Rivera (Marist) tied the game at four with his hit and then a rundown allowed shortstop Ryan Soong (Washington) to score from third.

The Grays now led, 5-4.

Domaracki’s outing finished before the completion of the fifth inning, allowing five runs (three earned) and striking out a season-high six batters.

With DC now ahead and the Thunderbolts’ offense still quiet, the bullpen needed to come in and keep the game close.They did just that. Henry Steene (Washington & Lee) pitched 3.1 scoreless innings before Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) entered the game. Keane worked his way out of a pair of jams, including one in extra innings.

In the top of the 11th, center fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) gunned down a runner at the plate to keep the score tied at five.

Due to the 11 p.m. curfew at Blair Stadium, the game was suspended in the bottom of the 12th inning with the Thunderbolts set to come to the plate. This game will likely be finished next Sunday (July 20th), when the Grays are scheduled to return to Blair Stadium.

The Thunderbolts are back in action today against the Olney Cropdusters in a North Division clash at home, starting at 7 p.m.

The game will be streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. The link is available on the Media/Live Games Menu. Join Evan Pak and Pat Moran on the call.

PACKED WEEKEND AT BLAIR: THUNDERBOLTS START FOUR-GAME HOMESTAND TODAY AGAINST DC GRAYS

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
SILVER SPRING, JULY 11—The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts’ (12-15) offense may be peaking at the right time with the regular season winding down and the playoff picture becoming a bit murky. Yesterday’s performance tied their highest scoring two-game span (17 runs) with a seven-run output against the Metro SoCo Braves (8-19).

This offensive surge has not led to better results, though. The 10-7 loss yesterday extended the Thunderbolts’ losing streak to eight games and dropped them just four games clear of the Gaithersburg Giants and the Braves for the final play-in spot.

The difference recently has been pitching.

At one point this season, the Thunderbolts led the league in team ERA by a significant margin. They've now fallen to the fifth-best ERA mark at 4.82 and have allowed double-digit runs in three straight games.

It’s been the walks that have cost them. The Thunderbolts handed out 11 free passes yesterday and the Braves made them pay. Three walks as part of the Barves’ eight-run fourth inning either came around to score or brought in a run.

The Thunderbolts’ pitching has also been tagged for larger run totals per inning than before. Yesterday’s eight-run outburst in the fourth from the Braves was just one example. The Thunderbolts allowed a six-run inning against the Gaithersburg Giants and a five-run inning against the DC Grays, Olney Cropdusters, and Giants.

A once rock-solid bullpen has now conceded 25 runs over the past three games, hindering the team’s ability to get into the win column.  

After playing two of their past three on the road, the Thunderbolts hope a four-game homestand this weekend will flip the momentum in their favor. It starts with DC tonight in a game between two third-place teams.

The ball will be in the hands of southpaw Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) — the team’s ace — today, as the Thunderbolts aim to right the ship. Domaracki allowed a season-high three runs in his last start against Olney, tying his season total entering the game. He holds a 1.29 ERA, which is the second-best in the league.

Domaracki has already faced the Grays’ lineup and was dominant in that outing, with six shutdown innings.

DC has also struggled since that meeting, winning just two of their past eight games. The Grays fell to Gaithersburg yesterday, 6-3.

While DC hasn’t displayed as much power compared to the other teams in the League—just two home runs—they make up for it with aggressive baserunning. The Grays are active on the basepaths, having stolen a league-leading 92 bags.

Ryan Soong (Washington) is the most dangerous player in the League once he gets aboard, which happens often. Soong has a league-leading 26 stolen bases in 23 games while also batting an impressive .320. Soong has earned 22 walks and scored 22 times.

Noel Rivera (Marist) is responsible for driving home any traffic, recording a team-high 18 RBIs. He has also reached base in 14 straight games, either from hits, walks, or being hit by pitches. 

With just 13 games left in the season, every game will be valuable to cling to a postseason berth. A win tonight would certainly ease the pressure and concerns since the skid began.

Today’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be played at Blair Stadium.  The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube.  Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

EIGHT STRAIGHT: THUNDERBOLTS MAKE A VALIANT EFFORT BUT LOSE 10-7 TO METRO SOCO BRAVES

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
LORTON, VA, JULY 10—The results may not be falling their way, but this year’s Thunderbolts squad continues to show fight with their backs against the wall. Facing what would become their eighth consecutive defeat — and trailing by seven runs against the Metro South County Braves — most teams would have folded. That’s not the case with this team. 

Instead, they clawed their way back. With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the ninth, the Thunderbolts trailed by just three runs and threatened to tie or take the lead. But the rally came to a halt with back-to-back strikeouts, sealing a 10-7 loss.

Searching for some momentum and an answer, Head Coach Brock Hunter turned Thursday's contest into a bullpen day. It worked early on.

Michael Preske (Cecil C.C.) made his first start of the season and was sharp. He escaped jams in the first and second, using the defense behind him. Preske’s lone blemish came in the third, when he allowed first baseman Nich Francuzenko (Towson) to belt a solo home run to right over the short fence in South County Field.

But the Thunderbolts’ offense plated their first runs in the top half. Shortstop Tyson Gill (Clarion) hit an RBI single that scored left fielder Jack Hurda (Clarion) and first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) contributed a sacrifice fly.

Heading into the bottom of the fourth, the Thunderbolts led 2-1. That quickly changed. 

With E.J. Youngling (Moravian) on the mound, second baseman Connor Doherty (Delaware) demolished a three-run bomb, driving in left fielder Charlie Brinkman (Liberty) and right fielder Trent Adelman (VCU). After a hit by a pitch and a single, center fielder Franklin Gomez Jr (Fairleigh Dickinson) added an RBI double.

Cam Elicier (Moravian) entered the game for Youngling, but he couldn’t stop the bleeding. Francuzenko ripped his second knock of the game, scoring Gomez Jr. A run-scoring walk, wild pitch, and hit by a pitch brought home three more runs.

Aidan Watts (Rochester) became the third pitcher in the inning. While he immediately retired the final hitter, the damage was already done. Metro SoCo scored eight runs on seven hits and a trio of free passes.

Watts worked out of a jam in the bottom of the fifth, stranding two to post a zero. He allowed the Thunderbolts to fight their way back in the game.

Staring at a 9-2 deficit, the Thunderbolts remained patient in the top of the sixth. With the bases full, center fielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) stayed hot and hit an RBI single to plate Foster. Third baseman Nolan Kutney (UMBC) scored on a wild pitch and Hurda drove in designated hitter Brady Grimes (Millersville) with a run-scoring walk.

Second baseman Matthew Kim (Frederick C.C.) roped another RBI knock before Gill capped off the five-run frame with a productive out. Suddenly, the Thunderbolts trailed by just two runs.

The Braves tacked on an insurance run in the bottom half against Aidan Denham (UMBC) with some heads-up baserunning from right fielder Kyndall Cassidy (Ouachita Baptist). After a leadoff walk, he stole second and advanced 90 feet on a wild pitch. Third baseman Aleksei Goldhill (Bryant) brought Cassidy home with an RBI single.

Brady Grimes (Millersville) threw two scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth, punching out four batters and issuing three free passes.

In the ninth, and two outs away from another defeat, Foster clobbered an extra-base hit. Kutney and Grimes earned walks to load up the bases. However, the Thunderbolts came up empty, extending their losing streak to eight games. They also left 10 men on base.

Tyler Kim (NJIT) earned the win and Preske somehow suffered the loss. This may be disputed.

The Thunderbolts are now just four wins ahead of the Gaithersburg Giants for the final playoff spot.

Seeking their first win in almost two weeks, the Thunderbolts return to Blair Stadium for four home games this weekend. Tomorrow’s contest is against the DC Grays and will begin at 7 p.m.

Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran will have the call on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. The link is available on the Media/Live Games Menu.

THUNDERBOLTS JOURNEY TO THE HOME OF THE BRAVES TO TAKE ON METRO SOCO IN LEAGUE RACE

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
LORTON, VA, JULY 10—The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (12-14) manufactured double-digit runs just once in their first 26 games and held the lowest total runs scored (125) in the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League. While the offense had shown some promising signs as of late, they hadn’t yet put it all together.

Tuesday’s nearly-completed game against the Gaithersburg Giants (7-21) was the first time that unit broke out, and it was a collective effort at the plate. The Thunderbolts posted crooked numbers in three of the opening four innings, allowing them to take a 10-3 lead in the fourth.

Led by a 3-for-5 performance from 2B Matthew Kim (Frederick C.C.) and two hits from SS Tyson Gill (Clarion), the Thunderbolts contributed eight knocks. Those hits usually came with runners on base, something the team had struggled with recently.

Kim hit an RBI single in the third and a two-run single in the fourth. 3B Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) added a two-run triple and CF Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) recorded his first extra-base hit of the season, scoring two.

But that commanding seven-run lead slowly vanished. With the offense fading and tallying just two hits in the last four innings, quality pitching became more important to keep the Thunderbolts ahead.

However, Gaithersburg took advantage of several self-inflicted mistakes in the sixth. A pair of wild pitches and three walks helped the Giants to post a six-spot. They added a run in the seventh, eighth, and ninth to take the lead. In total, the Thunderbolts handed out 10 free passes.

Due to the curfew set in place at Blair Stadium, that game was suspended heading into the bottom of the ninth. The Thunderbolts trailed 12-10 with three outs left.

After a day off yesterday for the All-Star game — which ended up getting rained out — the Thunderbolts hope to snap their losing streak as the regular season winds down. There are just 13 games left before postseason play.

The Thunderbolts will have to right the ship to hold off an up-and-coming Gaithersburg squad, who could be five games behind depending on the result of the suspended contest.

The back half of the season begins tonight with the Thunderbolts traveling to South County Field to play the Metro South County Braves.

It will be a bullpen day for the Thunderbolts with Michael Preske (Cecil C.C.) serving as the starter. Preske has a 2-0 record and 7.10 ERA in four appearances. He will be making his first start.

Metro SoCo sits in last place in the South Division with a 7-19 record. However, the Braves have played better than their record suggests, losing in several close games. The Thunderbolts have won two of the three meetings, including a five-run ninth-inning comeback victory earlier.

For the Braves, Franklin Gomez Jr (Fairleigh Dickinson) is one of the best two-hole hitters in the League. Gomez has the seventh-highest batting average (.351) while also drawing 26 walks. He has driven in 17 and scored 23 runners.

Trent Adelman (VCU) and Charlie Brinkman (Liberty) provide offense in the middle of the lineup and have a knack for getting on base.

The Thunderbolts will need a complete performance to get back on track and avoid what is potentially a trap game.

Today’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be played at South County High School. The game will be live-streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. Join Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak on the call.

RIPKEN LEAGUE RECOGNIZES THUNDERBOLTS 25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH WEBSITE ARTICLE

SILVER SPRING, JULY 10—The Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League devoted the lead article on its website (calrikenleague.org] to the 25th anniversary of the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts.

The article, written by Jack Stashower, has extensive quotes from Thunderbolt founder Dick O’Connor and current Head Coach Brock Hunter. The article also uses information from the Thunderbolts 25th anniversary program.

if you’re a Thunderbolt fan, it’s likely you have heard much of this before, and of course, the entire story and more is contained in the magnificent publication of the 25th Anniversary season produced by Kevin Adler.

Kudos to the League for the article and the recognition of what O’Connor and the franchise have brought to summer collegiate baseball in the area.

You can read the article by going here.

THUNDERBOLTS TRAIL 12-10 TO GIANTS IN BOTTOM OF NINTH IN SUSPENDED GAME AT BLAIR

SILVER SPRING, JULY 8—The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts lost a seven-run lead in the late innings versus the Gaithersburg Giants last night at Blair, and trailed, 12-10, in a suspended game.

The game was suspended at 10:50 pm with the Thunderbolts coming to bat in the bottom of the ninth inning. There is an 11 pm curfew at Blair and officials and umpires believed the inning could not be concluded before the curfew.

The game will be finished most likely July 16 when the T-Bolts visit Gaithersburg for the final meeting of the two teams. At present, the Thunderbolts record is 12-14, and the Giants stand at 7-21. The Thunderbolts are scheduled to play five games before the July 16 date in Gaithersburg.

The game began with the Giants hitting three consecutive doubles against Thunderbolts starter Gabe Wheeler (Tampa). By the end of the first, the Giants got two more hits, and led, 3-0.

The Bolts responded against Gaithersburg starter Grey Willis with three runs of their own coming from two hit batters, two walks, a fielder’s choice and a bunt single from shortstop Tyson Gill (Clarion).

Wheeler settled down after the first and kept Gaithersburg off the board. In the third, the T-Bolts scored three runs on three straight walks, a Matthew Kim single, and a Josh Erd (Fred. CC) triple. Aftrer three, the Bolts led, 6-3.

The T-Bolts weren’t finished and picked up four in the fourth on three hits, including singles from Kim and Nolan Kutney (UMBC) a double from CF Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville), a hit batter, and a walk. The Bolts led, 10-3, and looked home free.

Then came the excruciating sixth inning. In what seemed like an eternity, the Giants sent 12 batters to the plate, scored six runs on five hits, three walks, and a hit batter. Wheeler went one third of the inning and was replaced by Hunter Layhew (Frostburg State). The six runs were charged to Layhew and the T-Bolts held a precarious one-run lead.

That lead evaporated over the next three innings as the Giants tied the game in the seventh on three walks, two wild pitches, and one hit. Layhew was replaced by Bryce Greene (Fla Int Univ) and Greene got out of the inning with the game tied at 10.

The Giants went ahead in the eighth on a walk, a sacrifice, and a single. They scored another run in the ninth on a walk, a sacrifice, and two wild pitches to lead, 12-10.

The Thunderbolts did get some base runners between the sixth and the eighth. In the sixth, Kim hit his third single of the game but was stranded at first. In the seventh, the Bolts went quietly, 1-2-3. But in the bottom of the eighth, a one-out walk to RF Aidan Driscoll and a throwing error from the Giants shortstop Cade Hentz, put two runners on with one out. Then a force play and a strikeout ended the Bolts chances.

The team is off today for the All-Star game but returns Thursday with a road game against the Metro SoCo Braves (7-19) in South County.

The game will be streamed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. The link is available on the Media/Live Games Menu. Join Andrew Relvas and Pat Moran on the call.

STORM WARNING: THUNDERBOLTS HOPE TO SNAP DROUGHT AGAINST SCORCHING GAITHERSBURG GIANTS

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
SILVER SPRING, JULY 8—The Thunderbolts recorded just 12 wins last season and finished at the bottom of the North Division. With a 12-7 record midway through this year, they were on pace to shatter that win total. However, that elusive 13th victory hasn’t come easily.

After taking down the Southern Maryland Senators, 11-6, on June 30th, the Thunderbolts are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak. It hasn’t been one area that’s faltered, though. 

A usually steady pitching staff has been up-and-down. In four of those losses, the Thunderbolts allowed a combined 36 runs, including a season-high 12 runs yesterday against the DC Grays. The Thunderbolts conceded 11 runs in the other three defeats.

However, the Thunderbolts’ offense may have turned a corner. After posting just six total runs in the first three losses, the Thunderbolts have plated at least four in three of the past four games. Yesterday’s performance was their best, scoring five runs and producing nine hits. 

Brady Grimes (Millersville) has been a key piece in the offensive resurgence. Grimes has hit two bombs in his last five appearances and has four RBIs, adding to his league-leading four home runs.

Before the losing streak, the Thunderbolts relied on dominant pitching and timely hitting to win games. That formula hasn’t been on display as of late. To get back on track and climb the standings, they will need to return to those ways.

The Thunderbolts have also utilized quick starts to their advantage, and it has worked quite well. In games the Thunderbolts score first, they are 8-2. When they are forced to come from behind, the Thunderbolts are just 4-12. That stark difference has been noticeable in the skid. The Thunderbolts haven’t manufactured the opening run in the last nine contests, and they've won just one of those games.

Gabe Wheeler (Tampa) starts today’s contest on the mound and will look to carry over his success from his last appearance. The right-hander pitched five innings of two-run ball against Bethesda’s top offense in the league.

Wheeler will have to deal with a Gaithersburg Giants’ squad that is trending in the right direction. Gaithersburg has won three of its past four games after starting the season 4-20. The Giants have slowly gained ground on the Thunderbolts, sitting just six games behind them for the last playoff slot.

The offense is the reason behind this momentum. Gaithersburg has scored 46 runs in the past four games, including 30 in a two-game span.

Danny Orr (UMBC) is the Giants’ top offensive weapon. He is fourth in the league with 19 RBIs while also scoring 23 runs, hitting five doubles and launching three bombs. Orr has hit home runs in each of the past two games from both the two and three-hole.

Andrew Holub (Iowa) made his first appearance on June 23, and has missed just four games since then. Holub is riding a seven-game hitting streak with knocks in nine of his 11 starts. He is hitting .350 along with 13 RBIs and 10 runs scored.

Today’s contest starts at 7 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, Pat Moran and Neal Lavon on the call.

MINOR AND INDEPENDENT LEAGUE NOTES FOR FORMER THUNDERBOLTS IN THE PROS

SILVER SPRING, JULY 8—-Catching up on former Thunderbolts in Independent League and Minor League baseball finds:

Evan Blum (2019), formerly with the Billings Mustangs of the independent Pioneer League was signed by the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League. He is playing outfield, first base, and catching.

Johnathon Thomas (2019) is playing for the Harrisburg Senators in the AA Eastern League, having been promoted from the High A Wilmington (DE) Blue Rocks of the South Atlantic League.

Zachary Racusin (2015-2016), an old fan favorite for the Thunderbolts, has signed with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the independent Atlantic League. It’s a return to the Atlantic League where he last played for the Charleston Dirty Birds, the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, the Gateway Grizzlies, and the Long Island Ducks.

Updates and further information on Thunderbolts playing professionally at T-Bolts in the Pros on the About Menu.

DC GRAYS EXTEND THUNDERBOLTS’ SKID TO SEVEN GAMES WITH 12-5 VICTORY AT WOODBRIDGE

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
WOODBRIDGE, JULY 7—When you load the bases in three consecutive innings with just one out, good things usually happen. That was the case for the DC Grays (13-12) Monday night against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (12-14). DC scored 12 runs between the third and fifth innings, which was enough offense to prevail, 12-5.

The Thunderbolts have been responsible for a pair of come-from-behind victories this season: a five-run ninth inning against the Metro South County Braves and a four-run deficit erased against the Southern Maryland Senators. Designated hitter Brady Grimes (Millersville) hit a three-run bomb in the fifth to cut into a nine-run deficit. It looked like the Thunderbolts could pull off a mammoth comeback, but DC immediately shut the door.

The Thunderbolts left seven runners on base between their two games yesterday, and those missed opportunities came back to haunt them. Situational hitting has been a struggle for Thunderbolt hitters during the losing streak.

They had two early chances to break that extended scoring drought but failed to convert both times. The Thunderbolts ended up stranding 14 runners.

Second baseman Nolan Kutney (UMBC) blooped a leadoff single and Grimes added a base hit. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position with nobody out. However, a pair of strikeouts and a pop-up erased the traffic.

Jake Treasure (Stevenson) has been one of the best pitchers in the Ripken League, entering his fifth start with four runs (three earned) in 15 innings pitched. He worked out of a jam in the bottom of the second, manufacturing an inning-ending double play.

Once more, the Thunderbolts put pressure on DC’s starting pitcher Chris Fortunato (Stevenson) in the third. Fortunato (1-1) ended up with the win.

They loaded up the bases with one out after center fielder Tyson Gill (Clarion) drew an uncontested four-pitch walk, right fielder Aidan Driscoll (Maryland) sent a single to right and first baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) wore a 2-2 pitch. But Fortunato retired the final two hitters to escape again.

The Grays got to Treasure in the bottom half of the third. Three singles and a walk scored one run, leaving three baserunners aboard. Left fielder Marc Quarrie (Washington & Jefferson) ripped a bases-clearing triple into right center and catcher Jack McMullan (Liberty) capped off the five-run explosion with an RBI single.

Treasure’s night was over before he ever found a groove. The southpaw pitched 2.2 innings and was on the hook for five runs — surpassing his season total. Treasure (2-1) suffered the loss.

It only got worse from that point on. 

With Henry Steene (Washington & Lee) relieving Treasure, he allowed a bases-clearing triple to shortstop Ryan Soong (Washington) and an RBI double to Quarrie in the fourth. The Grays extended their lead to 9-0.

Grimes torched a three-run blast to left in the top of the fifth, driving home Driscoll and Kutney. The home run was his league-leading fourth of the season. However, the Thunderbolts’ momentum quickly vanished.

Steene allowed three more runs in the bottom half, all of which were unearned. Back-to-back errors and a single loaded up the bases before a walk, sacrifice fly and wild pitch brought three runs home.

But the Thunderbolts trimmed the 12-3 deficit. Gill, Driscoll and Kutney each drew walks before catcher Jack McCarthy (Marymount) laced an RBI single to score a run in the seventh. 

Third baseman Josh Erd (Frederick C.C.) drew a four-pitch walk, Gill hit a 0-2 single and Driscoll added a single in the eighth. Foster plated a run with a sacrifice fly. 

Liam Bowen (Frostburg St), Nicky Keane (Eastern Michigan) and Grimes combined for 3.2 scoreless innings. They allowed two baserunners and punched out three batters. However, the offense couldn’t dent the deficit.

The Thunderbolts hope to snap their seven-game losing streak tomorrow at Blair Stadium in a critical North Division clash against the Gaithersburg Giants. That game starts at 7 p.m. Andrew Relvas, Neal Lavon, and Pat Moran will have the live coverage on the T-Bolts YouTube Channel.

THUNDERBOLTS HOPE TO WEATHER THE STORM AND STRIKE BACK TONIGHT AGAINST THE DC GRAYS

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
WOODBRIDGE, JULY 7-There have been a handful of stellar individual performances this season across the Ripken League, both offensively and pitching-wise. The outing from Alexandria Aces’ starting pitcher Connor Hutchinson (Ball State) yesterday certainly rises to the top of that list.

His seven-inning complete no-hitter dealt the Thunderbolts a 4-0 loss. As Thunderbolt players watched Hutchinson get doused with jugs of water, the facial reactions of defeat were on display. That feeling has been emblematic of the Thunderbolts’ current rough spell.

A six-game losing streak has dipped the Thunderbolts’ record back under .500 for the first time in a month. The offense has been struggling as of late to support often good pitching.

The Thunderbolts’ offense may not be the most potent in the league, but they have found ways to manufacture runs. That has not been the case recently. The Thunderbolts have produced just 2.5 runs per game during the skid. They also only have one double-digit game: an 11-6 victory over the Southern Maryland Senators, which happens to be their last win.

While yesterday’s results were not what the Thunderbolts were hoping for, Zach Robinson (UMBC) pitched a gem. Robinson delivered four scoreless innings in just his second appearance, allowing just one hit. He could see more time in the starting rotation, alongside the team’s aces: Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) and Jake Treasure (Stevenson).

Fresh off being named to the Ripken League’s North Division All-Star team, Treasure will take the mound today against the DC Grays. He has been exceptional every time he’s toed the rubber. However, Treasure’s last start was a notch below the rest. He allowed his first runs of the season — four runs (three earned) — in that high-scoring victory.

The Grays are part of a three-team race in the South Division, all fighting for seeding come postseason play. DC’s 12-12 record has them in third place, just 2.5 games behind Alexandria in first. 

But the Thunderbolts have had the Grays’ number so far, leading the season series 2-1. The last meeting took place over a week ago, when they shut down DC’s offense for a 4-0 win.

Ryan Soong (Washington) is the leader of the Grays’ offense and is one of the best players in the League at getting on base. He has gotten aboard in nearly every game he’s appeared in. Soong is batting .306, with 20 walks, 26 stolen bases and 16 runs. However, Soong hasn’t had a base hit in his last four games.

Noel Rivera (Marist) brings a mix of speed and power to the plate. Rivera is the team’s RBI leader at 17 and has also hit one home run. Once Rivera reaches base, he wreaks havoc. Rivera has stolen 11 bases and scored 16 times. 

The Thunderbolts still are on track to earn a playoff position, but they would love to end their losing streak and get back in the win column against DC.

Today’s contest starts at 7 p.m. and will be played at Woodbridge High School. 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.

NINE THUNDERBOLTS SELECTED FOR RIPKEN LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME TO BE HELD ON JULY 9 AT POVICH

SILVER SPRING, JULY 7—Nine members of the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts have been selected to the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League North Division All-Star squad. The North Division will play the South Division in the League’s All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 9, at Shirley Povich Field.

The Thunderbolts selected are:
Three pitchers—Josh Domaracki (Frostburg State), Nicky Keane (E Michigan), and Jake Treasure (Stevenson).
Three infielders—Nolan Kutney (UMBC), David Vozzo (Moravian), and Tyson Gill (Clarion)
Three utility players—Steve Thomas (UConn), Vance Bonior (UMass), and Brady Grimes (Millersville). They have played the infield, outfield, catcher, and pitched.

Thunderbolts Head Coach Brock Hunter will be a coach on the North Division team under Big Train manager Sal Colangelo.

Domaracki ranks second in the League with an ERA of 1.29 in 21 innings pitched. Grimes is tied for the League lead in home runs with three. Thomas is hitting .291, the highest average for a Thunderbolt on the team with 2.7 appearances per team game.

Gill leads the T-Bolts in batting with a .300 average in 18 games; Kutney is hitting .296 in 14 games; Vozzo stands at .288 in 15 games, and Bonior is hitting .286 in 14 games. Grimes has three doubles and three home runs in 14 games.

On the mound, Domaracki has started five games and is 1-0. Keane has appeared in seven games and has a 1-1 record and 3.27 ERA; Treasure is 2-0 in four games with a 1.80 ERA. Grimes has also pitched in five games as a reliever and has a 0-0 record with a 3.37 ERA. Bonior has pitched in two games and is 0-0 with a 4.50 ERA.

The first pitch is at 7 pm but there will be a Ripken League Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 6. The inductees are Hunter Brown, who played for the Bethesda Big Train in 2018; Don Dinan, the late founder of the Alexandria Aces, who was with the team from 2008-2024, and who will be inducted posthumously; Alex Thompson, – Management Executive with the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League from 2005-2025), and Jordan Westburg, a player with the Gaithersburg Giants in 2017.

Brown currently pitches for the Houston Astros and Westburg is an infielder with the Baltimore Orioles.

The game will be streamed on the Ripken League YouTube channel at @CRSCBL.

Congrats to the T-Bolts who are on the All-Star team and good luck in the game.

THUNDERBOLTS DROP TWO TO ACES, 7-5, 4-0, AND GET NO-HIT IN SECOND SEVEN-INNING GAME

SILVER SPRING, JULY 6—The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (12-13) slipped under .500 last night in the Cal Ripken Sr Collegiate Baseball League. They did so by dropping a pair of games at Blair, 7-5 and 4-0 to the Alexandria Aces (14-9), leaders of the Ripken League’s Southern Division.

The sweep was capped off by a seven-inning no-hit, no-run game thrown by Alexandria pitcher Connor Hutchinson (Ball State) who threw 84 pitches. He lost a chance at a perfect game when he hit T-Bolts centerfielder Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) with a pitch in the bottom of the sixth.

The Thunderbolts lost their sixth straight game, seventh of their last ten, and hope to right the ship tonight in Woodbridge, Virginia, when they take on the DC Grays (12-12). The Grays have lost three straight and have also dropped seven of their last ten.

In Game One, the Aces scored three unearned runs in the first on two hits and two Thunderbolt errors. The Bolts got two back in the bottom of the second. The Aces answered with two in the top of the third while the Thunderbolts clawed one back in the bottom of the third. Nolan Kutney (UMBC) drove in the run with a single scoring Aidan Driscoll (U of Maryland) who led off the bottom of the third with a double. The Bolts trailed, 5-3.

SS-T tied it up in the bottom of the fifth on another run-producing hit from Kutney, this one a two-run double. Following Kutney’s two-base hit, the T-Bolts had runners on second and third with one out but could not produce any more runs. The game was tied at 5-5.

However, the Aces re-took the lead, thank you very much, with two runs on two hits. That was all she wrote as the Thunderbolts went one-two-three in the final two innings.

T-Bolt starting pitcher Zach Danielczyk (Tampa) deserved a better fate. He gave up four hits and five runs in three innings but only two were earned. Danielczyk was followed by Braden Fetherolf (Clarion) who went three and gave up the two runs that earned the victory for Alexandria. Fetherolf was charged with the loss, he’s 0-1 on the season.

Nicky Keane (E Michigan) finished the game for the Bolts with one scoreless inning. For the Aces, Adam Lehman (W Michigan) got the win in relief of starter Nathan Lake (Shippensburg). Lehman went to 1-0.

The second game was played in a brisk 2:03. Lost in the non-no was the pitching performance of Thunderbolt starter Zachary Robinson (UMBC) who threw four scoreless innings while yielding just one hit. He was followed by an inning of scoreless relief from Bryce Greene (Fla Int Univ).

Aidan Denham (UMBC) came on to throw a scoreless fifth. He gave up one run in the sixth on one hit (following two walks) and three in the sixth on just one hit. Two walks, a hit batter, a passed ball, and a two-run single capped the three-run rally, making the score 4-0.

Denham took the loss, he is 0-1.

It didn’t matter since the Thunderbolts could not get a hit or run or anything else in the second game against Hutchinson.

The Thunderbolts game against the Grays can be viewed on the ThunderboltsBaseball Channel on YouTube. Link available on the Media/Live Games menu.

THUNDERBOLTS AIM TO HOLD WINNING HAND AGAINST ALEXANDRIA ACES TONIGHT IN DOUBLEHEADER

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
SILVER SPRING, JULY 6-One week ago, the Thunderbolts had staked their claim as a team capable of halting the Bethesda Big Train’s quest for a six-peat and a guaranteed playoff squad. The Thunderbolts were sitting just one game out of the top spot in the North Division with a 12-7 record.

That has drastically changed. A four-game losing streak has the Thunderbolts’ season in jeopardy and spiralling out of control. The Thunderbolts are at risk of slipping below .500 for the first time since the third game of the season and are back fighting for a postseason spot.

The Thunderbolts had a chance to end that skid yesterday after taking a 4-3 lead in the sixth. Just two innings away from the finish line, the Thunderbolts allowed the Olney Cropdusters to plate five runs in the eighth, eventually falling 8-4.

While the losing streak has been a troubling sign, the Thunderbolts’ recent schedule has been no joke. 

The Thunderbolts have played a trio of games against the two hottest teams in the league: Big Train and Cropdusters. Bethesda has won nine of their last 10 games and has separated themselves as the frontrunner. Olney has rattled off an 8-2 record after dropping two games under .500.

It doesn’t get much easier for the Thunderbolts, though. They have a doubleheader scheduled today against the Alexandria Aces, a team in red-hot form.

Zach Danielczyk (Tampa) and Zach Robinson (UMBC) will start on the mound today, making their fifth and second appearances of the season.

At one point, Alexandria sat at 3-6 and were riding a three-game losing streak. Since then, the Aces have won nine of their last 12 contests. They’ve done it both at the plate and on the mound. 

Toby Hueber (George Mason) has led the charge offensively. Hueber has reached base in every game this season and leads the league with an impressive .396 batting average. In the two games he hasn’t recorded a hit, Hueber has drawn five combined walks. He has five two-hit performances and a 3-for-4 outing against the Gaithersburg Giants.

Derek Almeda (Chaffey College) is a staple in Alexandria’s lineup and does so from the three-hole, immediately behind Hueber. Almeda is hitting .343, has earned 13 walks and driven in 13 runners. He is a threat on the basepaths too with 10 runs scored and seven stolen bases. Almeda had a perfect 4-for-4 day yesterday in game two of the doubleheader.

It’s been a collective effort on the mound, showing off one of the deepest pitching staffs in the league. 

Adan Longoria (South Florida) has done his damage in relief. He is second in the league with 25 punch outs and has a 1.97 ERA. Longoria cruised through the Thunderbolts’ lineup in both appearances, combining for seven scoreless innings and 15 strikeouts.

Behind Longoria is Mason Christopher (Seton Hall) and Aidan Von Zuben. Christopher has formed a nice one-two punch with Longoria, sitting with a 2.02 ERA, which is third in the league. Von Zuben has fanned 21 batters in his 18 innings of work.

Tonight’s doubleheader starts at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Both games take place at Blair Stadium 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 Pat Moran and Andrew Relvas on the call.

THUNDERBOLTS DROP FOURTH STRAIGHT GAME AFTER 8-4 ROAD LOSS TO OLNEY CROPDUSTERS

By Dylan Schmidt
SS-Thunderbolts
OLNEY, JULY 5- The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (12-11) were six outs away from their first win in nearly a week. With momentum in their favor, and a 4-3 lead, it looked like they would hold off the Olney Cropdusters (15-11). It quickly unraveled in the eighth. Olney’s five-run frame crushed those hopes, dealing the Thunderbolts an 8-4 defeat, continuing their skid.

After holding the Cropdusters’ offense off the board from the fifth to the seventh, and grabbing a 4-3 lead in the sixth, the Thunderbolts turned to Liam Miller (Rochester) in the eighth. Olney jumped on the young right-hander. Second baseman Walker Zampella (East Stroudsburg) ripped an RBI single, first baseman Austin Stalker (West Chester) added a run-scoring knock and a hit from catcher Carter Richey (VCU) kept the rally alive.

That set the stage for third baseman Ayden Frey (Delaware). Liam Bowen (Frostburg St), replaced Miller on the mound with two on and one out. Frey belted the first pitch he saw for a three-run bomb. While Bowen recorded the final two outs, the damage was already done with five runs crossing the plate.

Gavin Lill (Millersville) — who pitched three scoreless innings in the teams’ last meeting — struck out the side in the ninth for the Cropdusters, handing Miller (2-2) the defeat.

The July 4 holiday—a day off—could not have come at a better time for the Thunderbolts. With a DH loss to Bethesda on Wednesday and Thursday’s blowout defeat against the Gaithersburg Giants, the Thunderbolts needed a moment to reset.

During the three-game losing streak, the Thunderbolts posted just over two runs a game. An offense that, at times, hasn’t been able to supplement a dominant pitching staff, hoped to reboot.

The Thunderbolts had chances early on against Olney starter Glenn Smith (Richmond). They didn’t capitalize. The Thunderbolts left a pair of runners in scoring position in the second and third.

Josh Domaracki (Frostburg St) took the mound for the Thunderbolts, making his fifth start. The league leader with a perfect ERA, Domaracki has been exceptional anytime he’s pitched. His last performance was a gem, delivering six scoreless innings. However, this one had some hiccups.

Designated hitter Jimmy Kirk (Millersville) smacked an RBI base hit in the first, driving in shortstop Zakye Hawkins (Utah) from third after his leadoff walk. Domaracki hurled a scoreless second and third, but the Cropdusters struck once again in the fourth. 

Kirk hit a leadoff single and right fielder Andrew Kell (Salisbury) demolished a first-pitch extra-base hit. With two men in scoring position, Zampella hit a two-run single to open up a 3-0 Olney lead.

Returning from an injury that sidelined him for over a month, Jay Wandell (Marymount) entered in relief in the fifth. Last season’s Ripken League All-Star looked like he didn’t skip a beat. Wandell pitched three clean frames, walking just two batters and fanning three. 

He gave the Thunderbolts a chance to get back in the game, and they made the most of it. With Wandell recording zeroes, the offense converted.

In the top of the sixth, designated hitter David Vozzo (Moravian) watched four pitches soar past him for a leadoff walk. Catcher Vance Bonior (UMass) drew a walk and left fielder Jack Hurda (Clarion) reached base on an error. The Thunderbolts didn’t let this golden opportunity slip.

First baseman Brayden Foster (Youngstown St) ripped an RBI single, Bonior scored on a passed ball and second baseman Matthew Kim (Frederick C.C.) drove in two on a single. Suddenly, the Thunderbolts had a 4-3 lead.

While the Thunderbolts failed to score any more runs, Wandell kept his team in front. Once he got replaced, though, the Cropdusters’ offense resurfaced.

Shawn Rosemond (Salisbury) threw two perfect innings in the seventh and eighth, earning his second win and moving him to 2-1.

The Thunderbolts’ defeat dropped them to 12-11, extending their losing streak to four and dropping them firmly in third place in the North Division. They will have a chance to get back on track tomorrow in a doubleheader against the Alexandria Aces at Blair Stadium.

Game one starts at 5 p.m. and the second is scheduled for 7 p.m. Andrew Relvas and Evan Pak will have the live coverage on the T-Bolts YouTube Channel.

GET YOUR SEASON PASSES!

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!

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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