WORCESTER, Mass. (Interstat) — The Navy and Holy Cross baseball teams will meet for the third time in less than 24 hours Saturday when they open a Patriot League doubleheader at Fitton Field.

The first game of Saturday’s twin bill, scheduled for a noon first pitch, features a marquee pitching rematch from Friday’s series opener. Navy right-hander Brady Bendik is expected to face Holy Cross left-hander Jaden Wywoda just one day after their duel.

Bendik (4-2) was brilliant in Friday’s 3-2 Navy victory, tossing seven innings of one-hit ball with five strikeouts. Over his last three starts, the ace has allowed just one earned run in 21 2/3 innings.

Wywoda (2-3) took the hard-luck loss Friday, yielding three runs on five hits over seven innings. He has shown flashes of dominance this season, including a seven-inning, no-hit shutout at Lehigh on March 21.

The Midshipmen (24-14, 8-3 Patriot) have taken control of the early conference series, winning both games of Friday’s doubleheader. They rallied for a 10-4 win in the nightcap after Bendik’s gem secured the opener.

Navy’s offense, which produced 13 runs on Friday, will look to continue its momentum against a Holy Cross pitching staff that has struggled at times.

The Crusaders (16-21, 4-7) have lost five of their last seven games. Their bullpen was taxed Friday, potentially impacting availability for the doubleheader.

Despite Navy’s recent success and superior record, statistical models suggest a close contest. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-5 Holy Cross victory, and its ELO rating system gives the Crusaders a narrow 50.4% probability to win.

The second game of Saturday’s doubleheader will follow approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first.