WEST POINT, N.Y. (Interstat) — Kevin Reavey delivered a dominant start and the Army Black Knights broke open a tight game with a two-run eighth inning to defeat the Holy Cross Crusaders 5-1 in Patriot League baseball action Saturday at Johnson Stadium at Doubleday Field.

A crowd of 668 saw Army even the weekend series after Holy Cross claimed the opener 6-1 on Friday. The Black Knights improved to 7-9 overall, while the Crusaders fell to 5-12.

The most important part of the game unfolded in the bottom of the eighth inning, with Army clinging to a 3-1 lead. Holy Cross reliever Aidan Gilbert walked Josiah Overbeek and William Parker to start the frame. After a pitching change, pinch-hitter Paul Andrzejewski reached on a bunt and a throwing error by new pitcher Dan Mateffy, loading the bases with no outs. Carter Hewitt then delivered the decisive blow, lacing a two-run single up the middle to score Overbeek and Parker, providing critical insurance runs.

That rally secured the win for Reavey, who was brilliant for Army. The right-hander pitched 7 1/3 strong innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out eight and walking none. He efficiently protected a lead his offense built early.

Holy Cross struck first in the second inning when second baseman Alex Sandell launched a solo home run to left-center field off Reavey. Army answered immediately in the bottom half as left fielder William Parker tied the game with a solo shot of his own. The Black Knights took the lead for good in the third when shortstop Thomas Schreck homered to left-center, making it 2-1.

Crusaders starter Pedro Leon was sharp but inefficient, walking six batters over four hitless innings. He was charged with two runs. The Army bullpen combination of Robbie Penswick, who recorded the final five outs, and the early work of the lineup against Leon proved decisive.

Holy Cross managed seven hits, with center fielder Gianni Royer going 2 for 4 with a double and a stolen base. Sandell had two hits, including his homer. But the Crusaders grounded into three double plays, squandering potential rallies in the fifth, eighth and ninth innings.

Army also finished with seven hits. After Parker and Schreck’s early homers, the Black Knights added a run in the sixth on an RBI double from Overbeek that scored Addison Ainsworth, who had singled and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt.

The series finale is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at West Point.