Patriot League Championship Series – Game 1
The first game of the 2025 Patriot League Championship Series unfolded at Depew Field at Marren Park, where the Bucknell Bison faced off against the Holy Cross Crusaders before a modest crowd in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
Holy Cross struck first when CJ Egrie, a two‑time Patriot League Player of the Year, launched a solo homer on the opening pitch, setting a tone that would prove difficult to overturn.
Jaden Wywoda, the 2025 Patriot League Pitcher of the Year, answered the call on the mound, delivering a complete game that kept Bucknell’s hitters in check. He allowed only two runs, both coming in the ninth inning when the Bison mounted a late rally.
Earlier, Jake Schultz had limited Holy Cross to a single run over five innings, but the Crusaders broke through in the sixth with a two‑run shot that pushed the lead to 3‑0.
The momentum swung dramatically in the seventh inning when Holy Cross added three more runs, extending their advantage to 8‑0. A squeeze bunt and two timely singles capped the burst, leaving Bucknell facing a steep deficit.
Bucknell’s ninth‑inning comeback attempt began with a single to center by Michael Trommer, followed by consecutive hits from Ty Lagoni and Garrett Mathias, sparking hope of a tighter finish.
Wywoda closed out the game with a pop‑up and a strikeout, sealing an 11‑2 victory for Holy Cross. The Bison now must win two straight games, with Game 2 scheduled for Tuesday at 2:05 p.m. at the same venue.