David vs. Goliath in a Do-or-Die First Round Fight; TBolts Seek to Slay Giants at Criswell
GAITHERSBURG, JULY 23—Almost exactly one year ago, the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts stomped into Criswell Automotive Field to duel the Gaithersburg Giants in a first round play-in game. With their season on the line, the Thunderbolts notched an 8-4 win thanks to two-RBI nights from Jack McCarthy (George Mason) and Brady Grimes (Millersville).
Tonight, the Thunderbolts are looking to repeat history. Silver Spring-Takoma (11-26) finished as this year’s eight seed, while Gaithersburg (17-21) is slotted at five. The winner of tonight’s play-in battle will advance and fight the four-seeded Southern Maryland Senators tomorrow at North Point High School.
This summer, the Giants are 5-2 against Silver Spring-Takoma; at Criswell, they are 3-1. In their seven matchups, Gaithersburg have outscored the TBolts by a combined 26 runs.
The Thunderbolts’ only win at Criswell came in a 15-2 triumph on July 3. In that game, outfielders Caleb Sturtevant (Millersville) and Griffin Puvel (Rider) each crushed early home runs, with starting pitcher Griffin Roussell (Point Park) claiming the win.
Sturtevant is a key player to look out for in the TBolts lineup. In four games against Gaithersburg, “Stu” is 8-15 with eight RBIs, five walks, and four extra-base hits. Moreover, Ripken League All-Star Gabe Pegues (Lynchburg) is a player fans constantly turn their volume up for. In six games versus the Giants, Pegues is 8-24 with three RBIs, six walks, and two extra-base hits.
For Gaithersburg, Miguel Leon (Maryland) has struck the Thunderbolts with might in 2026; the third baseman is 9-21 with seven RBIs, and four walks. Something worth noting is Gaithersburg’s top two RBI leaders have seen limited action this month; Ayden Phillips (Northwest Florida State) was last seen on July 11, and Dominic Trolio (Seton Hall) has not suited up since July 13.
Tonight’s pitching duel should be an exciting one. Although he pitched just three days ago, Jacob Seek (Chesapeake) has been summoned to the hill tonight for the Thunderbolts. Seek has faced Gaithersburg three times this season, and has seen mostly success. In 11 combined innings, the southpaw has struck out 17 Giants, surrendered eight hits, and allowed five earned runs.
According to sources, right-hander Peter Bashore (St. Joseph) will toe the rubber for Gaithersburg. In seven appearances (five of them being starts), Bashore is 0-4 with a 6.45 ERA, a 1.93 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts.
As said earlier, the winner of tonight’s game faces the Senators tomorrow in Waldorf, while the loser is done for the season. First pitch is slated for 7 P.M. at Criswell Automotive Field. As always, tune into the Thunderbolts YouTube channel for an exhilarating broadcast.