Flushing, N.Y. --- On Saturday, May 6th, in the first game of a three game series at Shea Stadium against St. John's, the Villanova baseball team lost to the Red Storm by the score of 9-2.

Taking the loss for Villanova was left-hander Aaron Krawiec, whose record drops to 4-4. Krawiec pitched five and two-thirds innings giving up seven hits, allowing eight earned runs, walking six and striking out six. Despite Krawiec's effort on the mound, St. John's scored six in the sixth inning to pull away for the win.

Coming in and pitching one and a third strong innings of relief for the Wildcats was Scott Ward, who now has four straight appearances without allowing an earned run. Jason Petre came on in the eighth and pitched the final inning of shutout baseball.

At the plate for the 'Cats, Rob Cafiero went two-for-four with a double. Brendan Mannix went two-for-three with a run scored. Catcher Dan Glover went one-for-two with a double and an RBI. Mike Houser came on in the ninth inning to hit a pinch-hit solo homerun, but it was not enough as St. John's went on for a 9-2 victory.

Getting the win for the Red Storm was Keith Stamler who improves to 4-3. Stamler allowed for eight hits, two runs, four walks and struck out seven on his way to the win.

Offensively for the Red Storm, Matt Galante went three-for-four with one run scored an RBI. Keith Graham went one-for-three with two runs scored, a homerun and an RBI.

St. John's improves to 24-18 overall with the victory, 7-11 in the Big East. Villanova drops to 23-21 and 7-11 in the Big East.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow at Shea Stadium to play a double-header beginning at 12 noon.