Army baseball rolls in Patriot League semifinal

Army advanced to another Patriot League baseball championship series, making easy work of Holy Cross in the semifinals Saturday at West Point.

The three-time defending Patriot League champions topped the Crusaders 9-3 in the opener and 14-2 in the nightcap. Army (29-21) will host No. 2 Bucknell or No. 3 Lehigh at a date to be determined.

Nick Manesis drove in seven runs in the doubleheader including five in the second game. The Black Knights’ three through five hitters combined for 12 RBI with Sam Ruta driving in four runs and Ross Friedrick adding three RBI. Five Army pitchers held Holy Cross to two hits with Brian Dawson (4-1) earning the win with five strong innings. Hunter Meade (3-for-6) and Kevin Dubrule (4-for-6) ignited Army’s offense, scoring four runs each.

Connelly Early fired a career-best eight innings, striking out seven in the first game. The Patriot League pitcher of the year improved to 7-3 and allowed six hits. Dubrule broke open the game with a two-run double in a four-run fourth inning. Friedrick hit his fifth home run of the season in the seventh inning.