April 5, 2000

Box Score

NORRISTOWN, PA.--- On Wednesday, April 5, the Villanova baseball team went on the road, traveling to Norristown, Pa., to face the St. Joseph's University Hawks. The Wildcats held a 2-1 lead after four innings of play, but the Hawks rallied to take a 9-5 victory. Villanova falls to 12-14 overall with the loss, while St. Joseph's improves to 11-18.

Down 1-0 in the second, the Wildcats scored two runs off of Hawk starter Mike Minerva. First baseman Rob Cafiero doubled to begin the second inning, and scored two batters later on a RBI-single by designated hitter Mike Houser. Shortstop Brendan Mannix followed Houser with a double, putting runners at second and third with one out. Catcher Dan Glover reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Houser to give Villanova its first lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, St. Joseph's rallied with five runs to regain the lead, 6-5, off of Wildcat starting pitcher Will Henry. Kevin Kirkby, Mike DeVincentis, and Tim Gunn each posted RBI singles in the inning.

Trailing by seven runs at 9-2 in the ninth, Villanova attempted a comeback but the rally fell short as the Hawks held on for a 9-5 victory. Second baseman Matt Longo and Houser had RBI singles for the Wildcats during the inning.

Minerva (1-2) got the win for St. Joseph's, giving up two runs on seven hits in seven innings, striking out four and walking three. Henry took the loss for Villanova, allowing six runs on nine hits in five innings.

The Wildcats will get back into action on Thursday, April 6, traveling to Drexel to play the Dragons at 3:30 p.m.