Army West Point Athletics

Baseball Star to be Decided Sunday
April 27, 2024 | Baseball
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Army West Point Baseball was looking to clinch the Baseball Star Series after Friday night's weekend-opening win, but failed to find offensive rhythm Saturday and fell 2-0 to the Navy Midshipmen at Doubleday Field.
It won't be just the Star on the line in Sunday's rubber matchup. The winner will own the standings tiebreaker over its service academy rival, and be on the doorstep of the Patriot League regular season title, as well home field advantage throughout the conference tournament.
Army moves to 24-18 this year with a 13-7 Patriot League mark.
Starting pitcher Mike Ruggieri delivered a quality start, the second in a row for Army this series. The senior from New Jersey struck out three Mids, but absorbed the decision after allowing the go-ahead runs in the fifth inning.
Center fielder Braden Golinski kept the margin close, with a fifth inning outfield assist allowing Derek Berg to make the tag at the plate on an attempted sacrifice fly.
Andrew Berg recorded two shutout innings out of the bullpen, before Tanner Gresham made his first appearance in 372 days after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Gresham inherited and allowed a base runner, but recovered for a scoreless ninth inning.
By the Numbers
2: Sam Ruta drew a pair of walks for the second time this series.
2-for-3: Addison Ainsworth was 2-for-3 at the plate Saturday.
Black Knight Notes
With Lehigh's loss to Holy Cross Saturday, Army has solidified a Patriot League Tournament berth.
Next Up
The Star will be decided by Sunday's 1:00 p.m. weekend finale at Doubleday Field. ESPN+ will broadcast the game.
Follow the Black Knights
Follow Army Baseball on X @ArmyWP_Baseball and on Instagram @armywp_baseball. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about baseball and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.
It won't be just the Star on the line in Sunday's rubber matchup. The winner will own the standings tiebreaker over its service academy rival, and be on the doorstep of the Patriot League regular season title, as well home field advantage throughout the conference tournament.
Army moves to 24-18 this year with a 13-7 Patriot League mark.
Starting pitcher Mike Ruggieri delivered a quality start, the second in a row for Army this series. The senior from New Jersey struck out three Mids, but absorbed the decision after allowing the go-ahead runs in the fifth inning.
Center fielder Braden Golinski kept the margin close, with a fifth inning outfield assist allowing Derek Berg to make the tag at the plate on an attempted sacrifice fly.
Andrew Berg recorded two shutout innings out of the bullpen, before Tanner Gresham made his first appearance in 372 days after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Gresham inherited and allowed a base runner, but recovered for a scoreless ninth inning.
By the Numbers
2: Sam Ruta drew a pair of walks for the second time this series.
2-for-3: Addison Ainsworth was 2-for-3 at the plate Saturday.
Black Knight Notes
With Lehigh's loss to Holy Cross Saturday, Army has solidified a Patriot League Tournament berth.
Next Up
The Star will be decided by Sunday's 1:00 p.m. weekend finale at Doubleday Field. ESPN+ will broadcast the game.
Follow the Black Knights
Follow Army Baseball on X @ArmyWP_Baseball and on Instagram @armywp_baseball. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about baseball and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Shirah, Matthew (2-4)
L: Ruggieri, Mike (1-6)
S: Jorgenson, Nolan (2)
Batting:
2B: Fiallo, Anthony 1
RBI: Lehnertz, Hudson 1 ; Fiallo, Anthony 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Killelea, Jack 1 ; Raba, Zane 1
CS: Murtha, Brock 1

Base Running:
CS: Golinski, Braden 1
Game Leaders
Hitting
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