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The last time the top two teams in the South division battled, the Big Train squeezed out a 1-0 victory behind a gem from Drew Strotman (St. Mary’s Ca.) and multiple gold-glove caliber plays — including a behind-the-back, no-look catch from Strotman, a 5-4-2 double play and a diving catch from left fielder Sean Labsan (Florida Atlantic).

Mike Emodi (Creighton) drove in Vinny Esposito (Sacramento State) for the game’s lone run with two outs in the fifth inning.

Emodi, Esposito and Justin Morris (Maryland) accounted for six of the Big Train’s seven hits in the ballgame.

On the mound for Bethesda will be right-hander Logan Gilbert (Stetson). Gilbert has been one of the best pitchers in all of the Cal Ripken League this season, holding a 3-0 record with an ERA of just 1.30.

Although Gilbert has been on a roll from the rubber, Saturday’s game will be no walk in the park as four Aces carry an average over the .300 barrier (with at least 80 at-bats). On the pitching side of the field, Alexandria has allowed the third lowest total of runs this season.

With a win, the Big Train will improve to 3-1 against the Aces this season. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.