March 26, 2001

Box Score

NORWICH, CT- On Friday, March 23, in a Big East Conference doubleheader at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Conn., the Villanova University baseball team was swept by the University of Connecticut, dropping game one 8-7 in extra innings, and falling 6-2 in game two in an eight inning affair shortened by darkness. With the Wildcats' two losses on Friday, their record is now 7-9-1 overall on the season and 1-4-0 in Big East play. The Huskies improved to 5-12-0 overall and 3-2-0 in conference action with the sweep.

Game 1:

Villanova scored one run in the first inning of game one, a run manufactured by the baserunning of Wildcat centerfielder Chris Graziano. Following a walk to begin the inning, Graziano stole second and third bases, and scored one a throwing error by Connecticut catcher Mike Leonard.

The Huskies came back with two runs in the bottom of the inning off of Wildcat starter Tom Kandybowicz. Both runs came on a two-out error by Villanova rightfielder Brian Newbold, who dropped a line-drive fly ball to shallow right field.

Connecticut increased its lead to 4-1 in the second inning, as rightfielder Russ D'Argento hit a RBI triple to right-centerfield and center fielder Mike Scott added a RBI single later in the frame. The Huskies would add to their lead one inning later. Second baseman Brian Tisbert doubled to right-center to lead off the inning. With one out in the third, third baseman Dan Trubia hit a triple to centerfield to score Tisbert with the Huskies' fifth run of the game.

Down 5-1 in the top of the fifth inning, the Wildcat offense came alive. Graziano walked with one out, and advanced to second on a single to center by leftfielder Dave Pizzini. Designated hitter Nick Piantek followed with a single up the middle to score Graziano. Later in the fifth, first baseman Rob Cafiero tallied a RBI single and second baseman Matt Longo recorded an RBI groundout to bring the `Cats with one run at 5-4.

In the sixth inning, Villanova continued to rally and took its first lead since the opening inning. Shortstop Brian Trotta's RBI single tied the game at 5-5 and Pizzini's RBI groundout gave the Wildcats a 6-5 advantage. Before the inning was over, Villanova added one more run and led 7-5.

Villanova's lead wouldn't last long, as Connecticut tied the game at 7-7 in the bottom of the sixth inning. With runners at second and third, Wildcat reliever balked in a run to close the gap to 7-6. First baseman Jon Gorrie followed by lofting a sacrifice fly to rightfield to tie the game.

With the game tied at 7-7 after seven innings, the contest went into extra innings. Villanova was able to stage off several Huskie rallies, but Connecticut was able to put the game away in the bottom of the ninth. Tisbert doubled to begin the inning, and shortstop Joe Kagerer ended the game with a RBI single to give Connecticut an 8-7 victory.

Sophomore reliever James Russell (0-2) took the loss for the Wildcats. Getting the win for the Huskies was Mike James (1-0), who pitched three and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief.

At the plate for Villanova, Graziano went one-for-three with three runs scored and three stolen bases. Cafiero had a perfect day at the plate, going three-for-three with one RBI.

Game 2:

Connecticut jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice in the third and fourth innings to lead 4-0. Three of the Huskies four runs were unearned, as the Wildcats made their second and third errors of the game.

Villanova finally scored in the fifth inning, when a bases loaded run forced in a run for the `Cats. UConn first baseman Ryan Treat pushed the Huskie lead back to four runs, 5-1, in the bottom of the fifth inning when first baseman Ryan Treat hit a solo home run to left field.

In the top of the sixth inning, Villanova attempted to keep its offensive rally going as Longo doubled to leadoff the inning. Rightfielder Brian Hearne followed with a double to score Longo and cut the deficit to 5-2.

With one run in the sixth inning and the clutch pitching of Connecticut starter Chris DeBrisco down the stretch, the Huskies were able to hold on for a 6-2 victory. DeBrisco (1-1) pitched eight innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on 10 hits, striking out two and walking two.

Taking the loss on the mound for the Wildcats was freshman Dan Farino who fell to 1-2. Farino pitched five and two thirds innings, surrendering six runs (three earned) on eight hits, walking two and striking out two.

At the plate for Villanova, Longo went three-for-four with a double and one RBI, and Piantek went two-for-three with a double and an RBI. Graziano stole one base in one attempt in game two, and now has 16 stolen bases on the year.

Villanova will get back into action on Sunday, March 25, traveling to Morgantown, W.V., to take on the West Virginia University Mountaineers in a dou