ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Holy Cross baseball team fell against Navy in both ends of a Patriot League doubleheader on Monday, March 25.
GAME ONE
Navy 4, Holy Cross 3
STATS LEADERS:
Holy Cross
Royer (2-for-3, RBI, run scored)
C. Brown (double, two RBI)
Jones (double)
Navy
Keller (3-for-4, double, two runs scored)
Murtha (2-for-4, double, RBI, run scored)
Manning (2-for-3, RBI)
THE DECISION:
W: Bendik (4-0)
L: Wywoda (1-3)
S: Kruer (3)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Navy gradually built a lead throughout the early innings, with a two-out single scoring the first run in the bottom of the first. That lead grew to 3-0 by the third after a bases-loaded walk and a fielder's choice.
- An RBI double extended the Midshipmen advantage to 4-0 in the fourth.
- Holy Cross chipped away at the lead in the top of the sixth, with an RBI single from freshman center fielder Gianni Royer and a two-run double by freshman catcher Colin Brown to make it a 4-3 game. However, the Crusaders were unable to rally further in the opening game of the doubleheader.
GAME TWO
Navy 9, Holy Cross 5
STATS LEADERS:
Holy Cross (8-15, 1-3 Patriot League)
Royer (2-for-5, double, two RBI)
C. Brown (2-for-6, double)
King (3-for-5, double, run scored)
Navy (14-11, 5-3 PL)
Manning (2-for-4, double, triple, two RBI, two runs scored)
Murtha (2-for-4, two RBI, two runs scored)
Izquierdo (2-for-4, two RBI)
Keller (2-for-5, double, two RBI, run scored)
THE DECISION:
W: Virtudes (4-0)
L: Mateffy (1-2)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Holy Cross loaded up the bases with just one out in the top of the first after a pair of walks and a single by freshman designated hitter Braden Connors. Royer then hit a two-run single to give the Crusaders an early 2-0 lead.
- That lead grew to 3-0 in the third inning after sophomore Jack Toomey stole home.
- Navy got a run back in the bottom of the third on a sac fly.
- The Midshipmen cut within 3-2 after a two-out single and ensuing RBI triple in the sixth inning. First baseman Victor Izquierdo then singled up the middle to knot up the score.
- Navy had six runs in the seventh inning to jump out to a commanding 9-3 lead.
- With a pair of runners on in the eighth, Toomey drove in a run to bring Holy Cross within 9-4.
- Freshman left fielder John LaFleur hit a two-out RBI triple in the top of the ninth to make it a 9-5 game before Navy drew a pop-up to end the game.
DUE UP:
- Holy Cross has postponed its contest against Harvard to Wednesday, March 27.
- First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Fitton Field for the Crusaders' home opener.
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