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The Big Train’s offense went largely quiet as they struggled to figure out Redbirds starter Colin Peluse. The Big Train had put up at least six runs per game since June 16; on Saturday, they mustered only three. It was a close contest until a seven-run top of the eighth broke the game open for the Redbirds.

“We had one bad inning and that affected our game today,” center fielder Zach Jancarski (Maryland) said.

Jancarski was a bright spot in the lineup, as he collected three of the Big Train’s eight hits. He went 3-for-4 with a run scored to boost his batting average to .423 on the season.

“I’m just trying to do something every time,” Jancarski said about his approach at the plate. “I’m hoping to keep playing well, that way we can keep getting some wins.”

Lineup staples James Outman (Sacramento State) and Logan Driscoll (George Mason) extended their hitting streaks to seven and eight games, respectively, with a hit apiece. Gaby Cruz (Bryant), Justin Morris (Maryland) and Kirk Sidwell (Stetson) also picked up hits.

Before Saturday’s loss, the last time the Big Train failed to score six or more runs in a game was on June 15 – their only meeting against the Dodgers this season. After being outslugged, 10-5, in that contest, the Big Train will aim to even the season series with a bounce back performance. Based on the talent up and down the Big Train lineup and pitching staff, the goal doesn’t seem at all unreasonable.

“We’ve been doing really well so far,” Jancarski said, “just because we’ve had contributions from a lot of different guys. It takes a lot of pressure off of me and everyone else, too, because they know the guy behind them is going to do what they have to do and contribute in their own way.”

Even though the game will take place at Povich Field, the Big Train will play as the away team. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 pm. Come out to support the Big Train and celebrate Orioles Night! If you can’t make it, the game will be live-Tweeted (@gobigtrain) and broadcast by Max Wolpoff and P.J. Glasser (mixlr.com/big-train).