5 Big Train Players Make League All-Stars

Congratulations to the following players who were selected to the Great South League All-Star Team.
Jono Waugh SS #6 - E. Alabama Big Train - Southern Polytech (GA) Oxford AL
Saxon Butler 1B/3B/C #30 - E. Alabama Big Train - Pensacola JC (FL) Oxford AL
Quolon Millender OF #10 - E. Alabama Big Train - N. Alabama Univ (AL) Talladaga AL
Andrew Brooke C/DH #26 - Univ. of North Alabama (AL) - Hoover, AL
Trey Vice LHP #34 - UAB (AL) - Wellington AL

Big Train Loses Championship but Finishes Second

CLICK HERE TO HERE AUDIO OF CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The East Alabama Big Train fell 11-9 to the Thomasville Bombers in the Championship game and finished 2nd in the Great South League Tournament. More info coming:

Big Train Heads to the Championship Game.

The East Alabama Big Train lost their first match this morning falling 4-3 to Thomasville, GA. Afterword the Train defeated the #1 seeded Columbus Woodbats, 5-4, before winning their rematch with Thomasville 7-5.

Big Train Keeps Rolling

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COLUMBUS, Ga. — The East Alabama Big Train celebrated its 50th win in style, beating the Windward Blue 9-2 on the second day of the Great South League tournament.Malcom Thomas picked up the win, tossing six strong innings and striking out three.The offense was led by a quartet of hitters. Qualon Millinder was 2-for-3 with two runs, Jono Waugh was 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, Saxon Butler was 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI and Andrew Brook was 2-for-3 with two runs and four RBIs.The Big Train will take on the Thomasville Bombers in further tournament action today at 9 a.m. at Golden Park in Columbus.

Big Train Wins Round One

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COLUMBUS, Ga. — Anniston Star Staff Reports
The East Alabama Big Train won their opener of the Great South League tournament, beating the Athens (Ga.) Pirates 4-3.Stephen Groves hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh, scoring Andrew Brook with two outs.East Alabama led 3-0 after the bottom of the fourth before giving up three runs in the top of the sixth.Joey Moeller picked up the win in relief, going 1 1/3 innings. Starter Trey Vice (pictured) had a no-hitter through five innings before he surrendered three runs in the sixth. Vice struck out six in 5 2/3 innings.Brook finished 2-for-3 with two runs, Groves was 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs , Byne Goodin was 2-for-3 with an RBI, Caleb Bowen was 1-for-2 with an RBI and Saxon Butler went 1-for-3 with a run.

Playoffs Begin Thursday

The Big Train opens their playoff run against the Athens Pirates at 10:30 Central Time in Columbus, GA. The remaining schedule is below.

Thursday July 30-
Game 1: 9:00am- St. Augustine Saints(8) v. Thomasville Bombers(9)
Game 2: 11:30am- E. Alabama Big Train(2) v. Athens Pirates(7)
Game 3: 2:00pm- Windward Blue(3) v. Newnan Braves(6)
Game 4: 4:30pm- Augusta Nationals(4) v. Florida Legends(5)
Game 5: 7:00pm -Columbus WoodBats(1) and the winner of game 1
Game 6: 9:30pm- Loser of game 1 and loser of game 2

Friday July 31-
Game 7: 9:00am -Loser of game 4 and loser of game 5
Game 8: 11:30am- Winner of game 6 and Loser of game 3
Game 9: 2:00pm- Winner of game 2 and winner of game 3
Game 10: 4:30pm- Winner of game 7 and loser of game 9
Game 11: 7:00pm- Winner of game 4 and winner of game 5
Game 12: 9:30pm- Winner of game 8 and loser of game 11

Saturday August 1-
Game 13: 9:00am- Winner of games 9 and winner of game 11
Game 14: 11:30pm- Winner of games 10 and winner of game 12
Game 15: 2:00pm-Loser game 13 and winner game 14
Game 16: 4:30 pm- Winner of game 13 and 15
Game 17: 7:00pm - Winner of game 16 and loser of game 16( if necessary)

Seed 1- Columbus WoodBats
Seed 2- E. Alabama Big Train
Seed 3- Windward Blue
Seed 4- Nationals
Seed 5- Legends
Seed 6- Newnan
Seed 7- Pirates
Seed 8- Saints
Seed 9- Thomasville Bombers

Sunday Split

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The Big Train split with the Columbus Woodbats on Sunday, winning the first game 1-0 before losing 9-7 in the nightcap. More info pending..

Big Train Splits on Saturday

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The East Alabama Big Train split in Saturday's doubleheader against Newnan on Saturday at Heritage School. During the first game the Big Train lost a close one 0-2 while taking the nightcap 2-0.

Big Train Downs Newnan, 2-1

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photo courtesy of The Times-Herald by Bob Fraley
The East Alabama Big Train won a tight contest in Newnan, Georgia by defeating the homestanding Braves 2-1. Steven Groves drove in Andrew Brooke for the Train's first run in the 2nd inning while Jud Edwards scored the winning run in the 5th off a passed ball. The Braves tied the game in the second when Michael Burruss reached home off an RBI by Brandon Miller. Trey Vice (3.552) recorded the win for the Train by pitching 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, and 1 earned run. Adam Polston came in relief for Vice pitching 3 shutout innings. The Braves kept fighting as they loaded the bases in the 9th, however, the third out came with a pop fly to third to seal the victory. The two teams meet again on Saturday in two 7 inning double-headers.
The Great South League postseason tournament will begin Thursday at Golden Park in Columbus. Seeding for the first round of the three day event will be determined Monday.

Big Train Swept for the First Time this Season

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Fatigue and road weariness seem to be the flavor of the day as the 26-4 Big Train fell to Columbus 12-0 and 3-0 at Columbus. The Big Train has a few days off before they play at Newnan on Friday night.

Big Train Sweeps Braves

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The East Alabama Big Train swept the Newnan Braves by taking Saturdays double-header at Henry Farms Park. The first game saw pitcher Kelby Deerman go 6 2/3 innings giving up only 1 run before being relieved by Joey Moelhler who picked up the win. Saxon Butler (pictured) drove in the game winning RBI scoring Jono Waugh to secure the 2-1 win in the 10th inning of the opening game. Butler seemed in form as he went 3 for 5 while Byne Goodinwent 2 for 4.
Reliever Adam Polston got the win in the second game as the Big Train won 13-5. Waugh went 3 for 4 and Byne was 2 for 4 with 4 RBI's.

This weekend basically locked up first place in the Western Division of the Great South league with 6 games remaining in the regular season. The Big Train then heads to the league playoffs which will be held in Columbus, Georgia at Golden Field where over 5,000 fans watched the the Friday and Saturday night games on the 4th of July weekend. The Big Train's final home games will be next Sunday against the Columbus Woodbats and Tuesday against the Windward Braves. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support the Big Train as they head to the playoffs.

Big Train Camp Heads to Oxford

East Alabama Big Train Summer Baseball Camp

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO SLIDESHOW OF LAST WEEK'S CAMP

This is a great opportunity for any young ball player and a great way to support the East Alabama Big Train

July 20-23 9:00 a.m.-12:00 at Oxford Lake in Oxford, AL
Camp Rate: $100 a week or $ 30 per day.
Mechanics of Hitting ** Pitching ** Defense **Base Running **
Players will be divided by Age & Skills
The goal of the our camp is to improve skills and knowledge of the game of baseball regardless of age while being involved with College players and learning from them .

INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND TRAINING SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE no age limit:

Clilck Here for Click Here for Oxford Camp Registration Form

Call or Email us at: 404-379-4729
Email: curtisbumgarner@yahoo.com

Groves 9th Inning Single Lifts Big Train to 3-2 Win !!

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What a night !!! What a week !!! The East Alabama Big Train came from behind to defeat a powerful Newnan,GA Braves squad3-2 in the bottom of the night. Steven Groves had the game winning RBI as his hard hit single drove in Saxon Butler to end the contest. Big Train starter Trey Vice pitched 6 innings giving up 3 hits and 2 runs before leaving the mound for David White who pitched 2 and 2/3 innings. Closer Joey Mohler got the final out and the win for the Big Train who now are 24-4 on the year and solidly leading the Great South League'sWestern Division. The game was stopped for about 2 minutes due to a cloud burst but play quickly resumed. Curtis Bumgarner, GM and CEO of the Big Train was extremely pleased with the result. "That's the way to get it done"quoted Bumbarner as Groves ripped the game winner. The Big Train players have played 3 days in a row starting on Wednesday. Tonight will cap the series with a double-header beginning at 5 pm. One of the most amazing aspects of thisweek however, has been the fact that the players have been running a camp for kids from 9 am- 12 noon since Monday.The Big Train will host a second camp at Oxford this week beginning Monday.

Big Train Notches another Win over Cobb

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Pitcher Malcom Thomas had the “right stuff” as he led the East Alabama Big Train to an 11-4 victory over the Cobb Premier Stars Thursday night at Henry Farms Park. He allowed one earned run in the 3 hit outing and struck out 8. The Train was led at the plate by Josh Dabbs, Jono Waugh, and Qualon Millender who tallied two RBI’s each. Andrew Brooke also had two hits on the evening. The Big Train plays a very important match tonight at Henry Farms Park against the Newnan Braves. The first pitch is at 6 pm.

Elwell Leads Train to 9-4 Win over Stars

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Kevin Elwell pitched 7 2/3 innings giving up only 3 runs to lead the East Alabama Big Train to a 9-4 Win over the Cobb Premier Stars. Steven Grooves and Andrew Brook pounded two home runs as well to bolster Elwell's performance. Andrew Polston came in in relief for Elwell. The Big Train now sits atop the Western Conferences of the Great South League with a 22-4 record. The Train host the Stars again tomorrow night at Henry Farms and face the Newnan Braves on Friday and Saturday at home.

Big Train's No-Hitter Caps Off Split with Royals

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This Saturday was a unique experience for the Big Train. Injuries, family commitments, and medical situations left the Big Train with 11 players on the roster to battle the AWBIL Royals in Jonesboro, Georgia. Pitchers Kelby Deerman and Trey Vice were called into service as 1st basemen and actually hit in the line-up for the Big Train. In the first game, the Big Train suffered only their 4th loss of the season by losing to the Royals 3-4 in extra-innings. However, the Big Train would not be discouraged. Adam Polston (photo) pitched 5 outstanding innings of no-hit baseball before being relieved by Trey Vice who finished the deal to give the Big Train a 9-0 victory in the no-hitter. The Big Train hopes to have the majority of the team back in the line-up as they face the Cobb Premier Stars on Wednesday and Thursday before facing the Newnan Braves on Friday and Saturday. If these four in row weren’t tough enough, the Train faces Columbus in a make-up game on Sunday. All of these games will be played at Henry Farms Park in Jacksonville, AL.

BIG TRAIN YOUTH BASEBALL CAMPS ROLLING INTO A TOWN NEAR YOU

East Alabama Big Train Summer Baseball Camp
This is a great opportunity for any young ball player and a great way to support the East Alabama Big Train
July 13-16 9:00 a.m.-12:00 at Henry Farm Park in Jacksonville, AL
July 20-23 9:00 a.m.-12:00 at Oxford Lake in Oxford, AL

Camp Rate: $100 a week or $ 30 per day.

Mechanics of Hitting ** Pitching ** Defense **Base Running **

Players will be divided by Age & Skills

The goal of the our camp is to improve skills and knowledge of the game of baseball regardless of age while being involved with College players and learning from them .
INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION AND TRAINING SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE no age limit:
Clilck Here for Jacksonville Camp Registration Form
Click Here for Oxford Camp Registration Form

Call or Email us at:
404-379-4729
Email: curtisbumgarner@yahoo.com

Fireworks Continue as the Big Train Celebrates the Nations' Birthday with an 8-4 Victory over Columbus

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO VIEW THE FULL PHOTO SLIDESHOW

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO REPLAY OF THE GAME BROADCAST
Photo by Christa Turner, Anniston Star and Leanne Vice, BT Blog Photographer -

Article by BT Fan
It was a great night for baseball at Columbus’ Golden Field as the East Alabama Big Train downed the homestanding Wood Bats 8-4 to win the second straight contest between what had been the two co-leaders of the Western Division of the Great South League. Now the Big Train is in sole possession of 1st place. Nearly 4,000 spectators were present including over 2,000 soldiers from Fort Benning, GA. . It was a stirring evening as both teams honored the troops on the birthday of our nation. The Wood Bats actually donned camouflage jerseys to show their support. Saxton Butler led the Big Train, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs. Josh Dabbs scored two runs and Caleb Bowen drove in two. Kelby Deerman earned the win working 7 innings and giving up only 4 runs. Reliever Joey Mohler pitched the final two innings. Kevin Ruiz led Columbus with a 2-4 performance at the plate.
Bo Callaway, CEO of the Columbus Baseball Foundation and former Secretary of the Army told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer: “Fort Benning couldn’t be a greater supporter of the WoodBats than they are,” Wood Bats president Jim White said. “This is a well-deserved break (for the soldiers). This is the perfect day for it.”
The Big Train players seemed impressed with the crowd and the atmosphere; Trey Vice, who pitched a 4 hit victory the night before stated: “It was awesome, there was close to 4,000 people here tonight”.
The Third and Final Game on Sunday has been rescheduled due to Rain.

Big Train Wins Big

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by Anniston Star Staff Reports
COLUMBUS, Ga. — The East Alabama Big Train improved to 19-3 on the season with a 7-inning, 15-3 thumping of Columbus on Friday.
Trey Vice pitched all seven innings for the Big Train, allowing only four hits and two earned runs.
East Alabama had 17 hits as a team.Steven Groves was 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI, Judd Edwards was 2-for-5 with two runs and Andrew Brook was 2-for-3 with two runs and three RBIs.

15-3 Win Puts Train "On Track"

The East Alabama Big Train defeated the Thomasville Bombers 15-3 to notch their 18th win of the season. The "Track" runs to Columbus this weekend as the Big Train heads into historic Golden Park (built 1926) for a great weekend of baseball and Fourth of July fun. Thousands are expected for the weekend series between the two leaders of the Western Division of the GSL .

9-0 Win Gives Bombers 17-3 Record, Conference Best

The East Alabam Big Train defeated the Thomasville Bombers 9-0 tonight to improve their record to a phenomenal 17-3. Joey Mohler got the win on the mound for the Big Train. The Train plays tomorrow at 12 noon at Henry Farms.

Cobb Stars Latest Victim as Big Train Notches 16th Win in 13-1 Slug/Pitchfest

The Big Train defeated the Cobb Premier Stars 13-1 in GSL action Tuesday. This gives the Train a 16-3 record going into the all important weekend series with co-leaders Columbus. Kevin Elwell (pictured), Scott Sanford, Jeff Poole, and Trey Vice were the pitchers on the day with Elwell securing the win by giving up only 3 hits and no runs in 5 innings. Sanford held the Stars scoreless for two innings. Poole relinquished the sole run on a first pitch homerun. After that, he held the Stars scoreless. Vice faced four batters, striking out two. One reached on an error in the 9th. Judd Edwards had 4 RBI's and went 4-for-5 at the plate for the Train. Josh Dabb, Saxton Butler, and Jono Waugh also paced the train at the plate. The Train will play today against non-conference opponent Thomasville at Henry farm at 6 pm. The train will host Thomasville Thursday @ noon.

Big Train Downs Royals

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The East Alabama Big Train defeated the AWBIL Royals 5-3 in the first game and 9-3 in the second game Saturday at Henry Farms. The Big Train now has a very impressive 15-3 record going into a long week of baseball. The Train plays Cobb on Tuesday and Thomasville on Thursday before heading to Columbus for the Independence Day series at Columbus beginning on Friday.

Big Train's 12 game Winning Streak comes to an end.

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Playing in the second oldest ballpark in America (Luther Williams Field), the East Alabama Big Train's 12 game winning streak came to an end. The Train battled back but were unable to score stranded runners as they fell 2-4 to the Macon Giants.
The Giants play in Luther Williams Field, It was built in 1929. Today, it is the second-oldest minor league stadium in the country. The original covered grandstand is still in place, though a new tin roof has replaced the former wooden one. A black iron gate surrounds the field, the front of which says "Macon Base Ball Park."This hearkens back to the day when baseball was the primary source of entertainment in the South as well as the rest of the country. It original tenant were the Macon Peaches but was most recently the home of the Macon Braves, who moved to Rome,GA in 2003. It is always a great experience when modern day players get to play in parks visited and played in by baseball greats.

Big Train Rolls into Cobb with Another Win

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The East Alabama Big Train is turning Calhoun County, Alabama into "Winnersville, USA". The Big Train won their 12th Straight victory against the Cobb Premier Stars of Marietta.

Big Train Sweeps Nitro in Doubleheader

By Big Train Blog Staff
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO GAME ONE REPLAY

The Big Train defeated the Florence Nitro in a rare Metal Bat double-header at Alexandria on Father's Day. The first game went 9 innings (two extra-innings)in the 100 degree heat but the Big Train pulled out a 14-13 win. The second game was a regulation affair with the Big Train winning 12-7. The Nitro are a non-league opponent which plays in summer tournaments and showcases. These wins marked the 10th and 11th respective wins for the Big Train.

Big Train Rolls up 8th and 9th straight Wins

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CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO GAME TWO REPLAY
by Anniston Star staff
ALEXANDRIA — The East Alabama Big Train jumped out to a five-run lead and then hung on Friday to knock off the World of Baseball Angels, 9-8. It was the eighth straight win for the Big Train. The Big Train defeated the Angels 7-2 the next day to notch their 9th Straight win.

Trio keeps Train rolling

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by Jared Gravette
Anniston Star Sports Writer 15 hrs ago | 47 views | 0 | 1 | | JACKSONVILLE — The trio of Jeremy Dorrance, Judd Edwards and Jono Waugh set the tone for the East Alabama offense Thursday night, as the Big Train steamrolled its way to a 7-5 victory over the Cobb Premier Stars. "We started slow this summer with the bats, but we have gotten on a roll a little bit," Big Train head coach Roberto Martinez said. "We are swinging the bats pretty good of late." East Alabama relied heavily on Dorrance at the top of the lineup, but it was Edwards that got the Big Train on the board in the first inning, legging out an infield single and quickly stealing second base. Waugh followed with a single and also swiped second, putting both runners in scoring position for the Big Train's most dangerous hitter Ryan McCrory.
McCrory grounded out, but it was enough to score Edwards and put the Big Train up 1-0. The trio struck again in the third and fifth innings. With one out in the third, Dorrance doubled and later came around to score on a Waugh double. McCrory then drove in the Oxford product from second with a bloop single that put the Big Train up 3-0. In the fifth, Dorrance doubled once again, giving McCrory a chance to knock in his third run of the game. The Big Train's clean-up hitter did just that, with a single to score Dorrance from third. "All three guys (Dorrance, Edwards and Waugh) had a good approach. That's why I have them at the top of the lineup. All three can run. We like to steal a lot and put pressure on the other team, and they have been successful doing that," Martinez said.
It was another Oxford product that did the majority of the damage in the fifth inning. After Andrew Brooke walked, Saxson Butler crushed a Malcolm Gay pitch off the right field wall, driving in both runners and putting the game out of reach.
The Big Train has won six games in a row and will play every day this weekend at Alexandria High. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. today.

Big Train wins, 12-2

by Anniston Star staff
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WALESKA, Ga. — The East Alabama Big Train improved to 7-2 with a 7-inning, mercy-rule win over the Winward Rangers, 12-2. Starter Joey Muller, out of Stillman College, picked up the win. At the plate, Qualon Millender was 2-for-4, UAH’s Byne Gooden was 3-for-3 and Saks product and current Auburn catcher Caleb Bowen went 2-for-4.

The Big Train, tied for first in the Great South League West Division, will play at home tonight at Jacksonville’s Henry Farm Park at 6 p.m. against the Cobb Premier Stars.

The Big Train will also play at home through the weekend at Alexandria

East Alabama Completes Sweep

From The Anniston Star- Two Minute Drill
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO REPLAY
The East Alabama Big Train beat the Catawba Valley Stars 10-9, Rallying in the 9th
to tie the game, then pushing across the winning run in the 10th inning. Andrew Brook
was 2 for 2 with two homeruns. His first was a grand slam in the top of the ninth to make the score 9-7. His second came in the top of the 10th for the final margin. Saxon Butler was 3 for 5, Qualon Millender was 3 for 5 and Jono Waugh was 2 for 5. Malcom Thomas who picked up the win, pitched the last four innings in relief, allowing no runs after the Big Train fell behind 9-1 by the second inning. Jeff Poole also pitched 4 innings of shutout relief. East Alabama (6-2) completed the sweep with the win and next plays on Wednesday against the WInward RIngers at Reinhardt College.

Big Train takes pair

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Big Train takes pair by Anniston Star staff 1 day 12 hrs ago 148 views 0 0 HICKORY, N.C. — Jono Waugh went 6-for-8 on the day in helping the East Alabama Big Train claim a pair of wins from the Catawba Valley Stars on Saturday.
The Big Train won 7-4 in the first game, then Waugh’s game-tying hit in Game 2 aided a 5-4 Big Train win.
In Game 1, Wellington’s Trey Vice earned the win with four strong innings, allowing just one hit. At the plate for the Big Train (6-2), Qualon Millender scored three runs, while Jeremy Dorrance was 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs and Waugh was 3-for-4 with a run.
In Game 2, David White earned the win in relief. Millender singled, moved to second on a bunt, then raced home on Waugh’s single to center field, tying the game at 4. Waugh then scored the game-winning run on a hit from Andrew Brooke. Waugh was 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Saxon Butler was 1-for-3 with an RBI and Caleb Bowen 1-for-4 with an RBI.
The Big Train finishes the series today at 5 p.m. in a nine-inning game.

Big Train beats Stars, 3-1

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Big Train beats Stars, 3-1by Star staff5 days ago 130 views 0 0
MABLETON, Ga. — The East Alabama Big Train defeated the Cobb Premiere Stars 3-1 on Tuesday to improve to 2-2 and second place in the Western Division of the Big South League.
Decatur native Joey Moehler, out of Stillman College, pitched six innings, throwing only 59 pitches while striking out four and allowing no earned runs.
At the plate, Hoover product Andrew Brooke (who will attend North Alabama) was 2-for-3.
Talladega native and University of North Alabama senior Qulon Millender scored the first run in the third inning.
In the eighth inning, Saks product and Auburn catcher Caleb Bowen reached on an error with one out. With two outs, Oxford product Judd Edwards was hit by a pitch. Millender was then also hit to load the bases.
The next hitter Zereka Hall (who will attend Mississippi Valley State) hit a grounder to the shortstop, who errantly threw to first, allowing Bowen and Edwards to score.
East Alabama plays again tonight against the Winward Ringers (a team owned by Howie McCann, father of Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann) in Rheinhart College in Waleska, Ga. at 3:30 p.m. The game can be followed the game on the Web at eastalabamabigtrain.com.

Big Train Wins Another One

Big Train wins another one by Anniston Star staff 4 days ago 216 views 0 0 WALESKA, Ga. — Recent Oxford graduate Judd Edwards led the East Alabama Big Train to a 7-2 win over the Winward Rangers on Wednesday.
Edwards was 3-for-4 with a two-RBI double in the fourth inning that at the time put the Big Train up 5-1.
Starter Tyler Brown got the win, pitching six innings while allowing one run and three hits.
On another Big Train note, left fielder Zereka Hall was drafted in the 29th round. Pitcher Blake Meshaw was drafted No. 776 overall.
The Big Train improved to 3-2 and is currently second place in West Division of the Great South League. East Alabama travels to Hickory, N.C. to play Catawba Valley Stars in a doubleheader on beginning Saturday at 4 p.m. The game will be available at EastAlabamaBigTrain.com.

Big Train splits with Columbus in Season Opener

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO REPLAY OF GAME ONE AND TWO
by Jared Gravette, Anniston Star Sports, Photo Courtesy of the Jacksonville News (www.jaxnews.com)
JACKSONVILLE — The East Alabama Big Train kicked off its 2009 campaign Saturday with a doubleheader split against the Columbus Wood Bats, losing 7-5 then winning 1-0.
In the first game, Columbus got on the board first. With the bases loaded, Ben Inman came through with an infield single, pushing Merit Hicks across the plate to put the Wood Bats up 1-0 in the top of the second.
The Big Train answered in a big way in the bottom half of the inning. Columbus pitcher Iain Sebastian walked the first three batters to set up a three-run double from former Oxford standout Chandler Tyree.
Tyree later scored on a throwing error that was followed by a Jono Waugh single, driving in Qualon Millender from third and putting the Big Train up 5-1.
"We swung the bats well in the first game," East Alabama coach Roberto Martinez said.
East Alabama looked to be in command of the contest behind a strong pitching performance from Trey Vice, but things went south in the top of the fifth.
Vice quickly recorded two outs but then began to tire. The UAB pitcher walked the next three batters before giving way to Adam Polston.
Hicks made the Big Train pay for the free passes, clearing the bases with a three-run double and cutting the deficit to one. Kevin Ruiz then tied the game with an RBI single.
"We got into a little bit of a jam after we were up 5-1," Martinez said. "We gave up a big three-run double that really hurt us."
The Wood Bats pushed two more runs across in the sixth inning after a throwing error to seal the victory.
The Big Train had six hits in the contest, five of which came courtesy of former Oxford Yellow Jackets.
In the nightcap, each starter threw a gem. East Alabama's Kelby Deerman pitched six shutout innings, allowing only two hits. Columbus' Levi Futo matched Deerman pitch for pitch, scattering two hits in five innings.
"(Deerman) is a guy that throws anywhere from 80-to-84. He is a soft-throwing lefty that throws a lot of strikes. He commands all three pitches — breaking ball, changeup and fastball. He got in a jam in the middle of the game and got out of it," Martinez said.
Each team struggled to hit the ball in nightcap. The Great South League uses wooden bats, which is something hitters must adjust to.
"With an aluminum bat, hitters can put a bad swing on a pitch and get away with it. With a wood bat, it teaches them how to hit and how to stay inside of the ball and put the barrel on it the right way. It makes a big difference," Martinez said.
The Big Train did manage to push across a run in the second inning that proved to be the difference-maker.
Ryan McCrory walked to start the inning and later moved to second on a passed ball. After the next two hitters were retired, Jeremy Dorrance singled to push McCrory across the plate.
Deerman, who pitches at the University of Alabama, gave way to JSU reliever Bill Henke in the 7th. Henke walked two hitters but was able to get out of the jam to record the save.
The Big Train is scheduled to finish the series with Columbus today at Henry Farms Park. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. The doubleheader saw 205 people in attendance