ORANGE BEACH Ala. — Coach Ron Rushing and the Natchez Naturals advanced to the winner’s bracket in the 8-under Dixie Youth World Series.

The team will play for a World Series championship berth Saturday, after defeating the Midwest Elite 8-under team, 3-1, Friday.

“Owen Jordan caught some hard-hit balls. We had guys in the outfield make great catches,” Rushing said.

The Natural’s defense was backed by its offense from the first inning. Colton Rabb laced an inside-the-park homer to take a 1-0 lead. Cooper Lipscomb added on to the lead by scoring John Mathieu Robin on a fielder’s choice in the second inning. Landon French added insurance in the third inning with an RBI triple.

Rushing said his team is peaking at the right time.

“They know the game, and their harder on themselves than anyone else,” Rushing said.

The Naturals play in the semifinals at 11 a.m. today.