Navy, Holy Cross Open Patriot League Series

WORCESTER, Mass. (Interstat) — The Navy Midshipmen visit the Holy Cross Crusaders on Friday to open a three-game Patriot League series, with both teams looking to build momentum in the second half of the conference schedule.

First pitch is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026.

Navy (22-14) enters with a winning record but is coming off a 4-1 non-conference loss at George Washington on Tuesday. The Midshipmen had won four straight Patriot League games prior to that, sweeping a series from Lafayette last weekend.

Holy Cross (16-19) seeks consistency after a 9-1 loss at Brown on Tuesday snapped a brief two-game win streak. The Crusaders took three of four from Bucknell in their most recent league action.

A key matchup could come from the bullpens, where both teams feature reliable arms. Navy’s Timmy Virtudes has been sharp in recent relief, tossing two hitless innings with a strikeout against George Washington. For Holy Cross, Colin Dowdle has not allowed a hit in his last 3 2/3 innings of work over two appearances, including 2 2/3 scoreless frames at Brown.

The Midshipmen’s offense will aim to rebound after being held to one run Tuesday. Navy had scored 27 runs in its four-game set against Lafayette.

Holy Cross has shown offensive potency at home, scoring 10 or more runs in three of its last five games at Fitton Field, including a 16-run outburst against Army on April 4.

According to Interstat, Holy Cross holds a slight edge, with a game simulator projecting a 7-5 Crusaders victory and an ELO rating giving the home team a 51% probability to win.

The series continues with a doubleheader on Saturday before concluding Sunday.