March 4, 2001

Box Score

MIAMI, FLA-- In the second game of a Sunday doubleheader on March 4 at Florida International's University Park, the Villanova baseball team edged the University of Buffalo, 3-1, in a weather shortened game that was called after six innings. With a win in Sunday's nightcap, the Wildcats improved their season record to 2-1.

Villanova began the scoring in the first inning, opening up an early 1-0 lead. Sophomore center fielder Chris Graziano opened the inning with a single up the middle and scored one batter later on an RBI double to left-center by senior left fielder Dave Pizzini.

One inning later, the Wildcats would extend their lead. Junior right fielder Brian Hearne started off the second with a single up the middle. With one out and Hearne at second after a past ball, sophomore catcher Marshall Canosa blasted a double to right fielder to score Hearne. Canosa scored on a wild pitch later in the second to give Villanova a 3-0 advantage.

Buffalo finally got on the board against Wildcat freshman Dan Farino in the fourth inning. With runners on second and third and one out, second baseman Nate Bliss hit an RBI ground out to shortstop to cut the Villanova lead to 3-1.

Farino would stage off further Bull threats in the fourth and fifth innings, however, to help the `Cats maintain their 3-1 advantage. With Villanova still leading 3-1 after six innings, the rain and lightning came, ending any chance of a Buffalo comeback.

Farino posted his first collegiate win in the Wildcat victory, pitching five innings and giving up just one run on two hits and five walks, striking out five batters as well. Tyler Balentine took the loss for the Bulls, surrendering three runs on eight hits in six innings. Graziano and Pizzini each recorded two hits in the game for Villanova.

The Wildcats will resume play on Tuesday, March 6, traveling back to FIU to play St. Bonaventure at 2:00 p.m., and the Golden Panthers of Florida International at 7:00 p.m.