Rainy Patriot League Opener Features Hot-Hand Hoar for Bucknell Against Surging Navy

CAPE SAINT CLAIRE, Md. (March 21, 2026) (Interstat) — A wet Patriot League doubleheader opener is set for Saturday at Terwilliger Brothers Field at Max Bishop Stadium, where the surging Navy Midshipmen host the Bucknell Bison.

First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled under a forecast of 56 degrees and rain. Navy (14-6) enters with momentum, having won nine of its last 11 games, including a 9-8 walk-off victory over Maine on Wednesday. Bucknell (7-10) looks to build on an 8-0 shutout of Lafayette last Sunday that capped a series win.

The Bison will turn to right-hander Brady Hoar, who is coming off a dominant performance. In that win over Lafayette, Hoar fired six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out seven. His season has been a mix of brilliance and struggle, including a six-inning, no-hit outing at Radford on Feb. 21, but also a rough start at Saint Joseph’s on March 8 where he allowed seven earned runs without recording a hit.

Navy’s bullpen has been a key strength, and a player to watch is reliever Jackson Beattie. He earned the win against Maine with 2 1/3 scoreless innings and has not allowed an earned run in four of his last five appearances, providing crucial stability in high-leverage situations.

Offensively, Bucknell’s Michael Trommer, who went 3-for-5 with an RBI in the recent shutout, will be counted on to spark the lineup. Navy’s offense, which has scored eight or more runs seven times this season, will test Hoar and the Bison staff.

According to Interstat, the matchup projects to be close. Their game simulator predicts a 7-6 Navy victory, while their ELO rating system gives the Midshipmen a 58.1% probability to win.

The game is the first of a two-game weekend set between the Patriot League foes. They will meet again Sunday in Cape Saint Claire before Navy turns its attention to a pivotal series at Army next weekend. Bucknell continues a road swing at Mount Saint Mary’s and Penn State next week.