Cam Cerruto, Army cruise to Patriot League Game 1 win

Cam Cerruto’s postseason power surge continued as the catcher had a career day in Army’s convincing Patriot League championship series-opening win.

Cerruto, who hit his first home run in his 81st at-bat of the season in semifinal clinching win over Lafayette, blasted two more dingers against Lehigh Wednesday. The junior added a double, single and five RBI as Army routed the Mountain Hawks 22-7.

“I’m just going up there looking for a pitch to hit in a specific spot and if I get it, I’m doing the right things with it,” Cerruto said in a video on the team’s Twitter account. “

The Black Knights pounded out 21 hits. Senior third baseman Anthony Giachin and sophomore first baseman Ross Friedrick tied a Patriot League championship series record with three doubles. Giachin knocked in four runs, including three in a seven-run ninth inning.

Army (27-22) also plated seven runs in the fourth inning, powered by Carter Macias’ three-run homer and Cerruto’s solo shot.

Patriot League rookie of the year Sam Ruta delivered two hits and three RBI for Army, which has won the last two Patriot League titles (2018-2019).

Army starter Anthony Loricco improved to 4-1, allowing seven hits and three runs in six innings. Loricco struck out five.

The Black Knights can clinch their third straight trip to the NCAA tournament with a win in Game 2 Thursday at 2 p.m.