Thunderbolts and Braves Have a Long-Awaited Rendezvous Tonight in Lorton
LORTON, JUNE 25—The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts (5-13) have a much anticipated matchup tonight with the Metro South County Braves (7-10). On June 12, the TBolts and Braves played one inning at Blair Stadium before the game was rained out. It was meant to be made up this past Monday, but weather also postponed that matchup. Tonight, the skies appear to be clear as the TBolts travel to South County High School.
The Thunderbolts are coming off a wild 6-5 walk-off win against Bethesda last night at Blair Stadium; outfielder Joey King (So., St. Olaf) came through with the clutch RBI single to win it for the TBolts. King is currently batting .250 with seven RBIs this summer. Connor Frickey (Sr., Babson) was also huge for the Thunderbolts last night with his 4 RBIs. The first baseman is batting .390 with 12 RBIs in 2026.
The Braves took a tough 10-3 home loss last night at the hands of the Southern Maryland Senators. Notably, Metro SoCo has lost six of their last seven games. Infielder Robert Kelly (Jr., Monmouth) has had an incredible year for the Braves. Kelly is batting .429 with a 1.036 OPS. The righty also has 22 RBIs, which currently leads the Ripken League.
On the mound tonight for the TBolts is left-hander Zach Bortner (Jr., Frederick CC). Bortner is making his fourth appearance of the season, and is coming off a loss against the Olney Cropdusters on Friday. Bortner threw four innings, allowed five hits, had three earned runs, and struck out six Cropdusters.
Head Coach Brock Hunter is a big fan of Bortner’s changeup, especially coming against right-handed batters. A plethora of power hitters in the Braves lineup bat from the right side, so it will be interesting to see how Bortner utilizes that changeup. Hunter also said Bortner is a pitcher who he is hoping to consistently play four to five innings every time he goes out.
First pitch is set for 7 P.M. at South County High School. Brian Alves and Patrick Moran will bring you the call on the Thunderbolts YouTube Channel.