Navy Baseball 2026 Season Recap: Patriot League Champions Build Foundation for Future Success

The 2026 Navy Midshipmen baseball team delivered one of the most successful seasons in recent program history. Navy captured the Patriot League regular-season championship, won 30 games, developed one of the nation’s top pitching staffs and established itself as a legitimate contender for an NCAA Tournament berth.

While the season ended with disappointment in the Patriot League Tournament, the Midshipmen gave Annapolis baseball fans plenty to celebrate throughout the spring.

Navy finished 30-19 overall and 16-10 in Patriot League play, earning the conference’s regular-season title. The Midshipmen relied on dominant pitching, aggressive baserunning and a balanced offensive attack to remain near the top of the league standings from opening day through the final weekend of the regular season.

Head coach Chuck Ristano continued building a winning culture inside the program. The Midshipmen entered every weekend confident they could compete with anyone in the conference thanks to a pitching staff that ranked among the best in Division I baseball.

Pitching Led The Championship Run

The biggest reason for Navy’s success was its elite pitching staff.

The Midshipmen finished with a 3.49 team ERA, ranking among the best staffs in the nation. Navy pitchers routinely controlled games, limited walks and kept opponents from generating big innings.

Three starters emerged as the backbone of the rotation.

Brady Bendik

Brady Bendik developed into one of the best pitchers in college baseball.

2026 Stats:

• 1.77 ERA
• Team ace
• National top-10 ERA ranking
• Multiple quality starts
• First-Team All-Patriot League

Bendik gave Navy a chance to win every Friday night. His ability to work deep into games allowed the bullpen to stay fresh throughout conference play.

Matt Archibald

Matt Archibald delivered one of the most dominant strikeout seasons in program history.

2026 Stats:

• 2.35 ERA
• 98 strikeouts
• Patriot League strikeout leader
• Top-three nationally in strikeouts
• First-Team All-Patriot League

Archibald overwhelmed hitters with swing-and-miss stuff all season. His strikeout numbers placed him among the most dominant pitchers in Division I baseball.

Tyler Grenn

Tyler Grenn completed Navy’s elite rotation.

2026 Stats:

• 2.39 ERA
• One of the conference leaders in innings pitched
• Outstanding command
• Key weekend starter

Grenn consistently provided quality starts and prevented losing streaks from developing.

Together, Bendik, Archibald and Grenn formed arguably the best starting rotation in the Patriot League.

Speed Became A Signature

Navy’s offense featured a relentless running game.

The Midshipmen stole 125 bases, ranking eighth nationally. Opposing pitchers constantly worried about runners advancing into scoring position.

That aggressive approach helped Navy manufacture runs even when home runs were difficult to find.

The Midshipmen also ranked among the nation’s leaders in triples and extra-base advancement.

Top 10 Players From Navy’s 2026 Season

1. Brady Bendik, RHP

Stats:

• 1.77 ERA
• Patriot League First Team
• Navy ace
• Nationally ranked ERA

Season Grade: A+

Bendik anchored the rotation and gave Navy one of the best Friday starters in the country.

2. Matt Archibald, RHP

Stats:

• 2.35 ERA
• 98 strikeouts
• National strikeout leader contender
• First-Team All-Patriot League

Season Grade: A+

Archibald’s strikeout totals made him one of the most feared pitchers in the conference.

3. Tyler Grenn, RHP

Stats:

• 2.39 ERA
• Weekend starter
• Key conference victories

Season Grade: A

Grenn’s consistency gave Navy a huge advantage every weekend.

4. Patrick Walsh, INF

Stats:

• .296 batting average
• 47 hits
• 37 RBIs
• 11 doubles
• .509 slugging percentage

Season Grade: A

Walsh emerged as one of Navy’s best offensive players and frequently delivered in clutch situations.

5. Tyler Cripe, INF

Stats:

• .292 batting average
• 47 hits
• Team-leading 39 RBIs
• 29 runs scored
• 7 doubles

Season Grade: A

Cripe became one of the lineup’s most productive run producers.

6. Victor Izquierdo, INF

Stats:

• .259 batting average
• 49 hits
• 36 runs scored
• 32 RBIs
• 10 doubles
• 18 home runs

Season Grade: A

Izquierdo supplied much of Navy’s power production throughout the season.

7. Chris Klug, OF

Stats:

• .294 batting average
• 40 hits
• 27 runs scored
• 18 RBIs
• 7 doubles

Season Grade: B+

Klug provided consistent production from the outfield and helped stabilize the lineup.

8. Andrew Manning, OF

Stats:

• 42 hits
• 29 RBIs
• Strong defensive outfielder
• Multiple clutch performances

Season Grade: B+

Manning’s ability to contribute in all phases made him invaluable.

9. Tyler Bouchard, OF

Stats:

• 9 home runs
• Multiple stolen bases
• Team speed leader
• Dynamic leadoff option

Season Grade: B+

Bouchard played a major role in Navy’s nationally ranked baserunning attack.

10. Ty DePerno, C

Stats:

• Starting catcher
• Handled elite pitching staff
• Strong defensive metrics
• Timely offensive production

Season Grade: B+

DePerno’s leadership behind the plate helped Navy’s pitchers thrive.

Patriot League Championship Race

Navy spent much of the season battling for first place in the Patriot League standings.

The Midshipmen earned critical series victories against conference opponents and eventually secured the regular-season title.

Several key wins during April positioned Navy to host postseason games and enter the Patriot League Tournament with momentum.

The annual Army-Navy series once again served as one of the highlights of the season. The rivalry carried major conference implications and showcased the intensity of college baseball in the Patriot League.

Patriot League Tournament Disappointment

Despite winning the regular-season championship, Navy could not complete its postseason goal.

The Midshipmen entered the Patriot League Tournament as one of the favorites but suffered elimination before reaching the championship round.

The result left players and coaches frustrated because the roster possessed enough talent to reach the NCAA Tournament.

Still, one disappointing weekend should not overshadow everything the team accomplished.

Team Awards

Most Valuable Player

Matt Archibald

Best Pitcher

Brady Bendik

Best Offensive Player

Patrick Walsh

Breakout Player

Tyler Cripe

Defensive Player of the Year

Ty DePerno

Most Improved Player

Tyler Bouchard

Final Grade: B+

Winning a regular-season conference championship always represents a successful season.

Navy won 30 games, developed one of the nation’s best pitching staffs, placed seven players on All-Patriot League teams and continued building a strong foundation for future success.

The inability to win the Patriot League Tournament prevents this season from earning an A grade, but the overall body of work demonstrated significant growth.

The future remains bright in Annapolis.

With elite pitching, experienced returning players and a culture built around discipline and development, Navy appears well positioned to contend for another Patriot League title and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2027.

For Maryland baseball fans, the Midshipmen once again proved they belong among the state’s premier college athletic programs.