March 6, 2001
Box Score
MIAMI, FLA-In the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday, March 6, at FIU's University Park, the Villanova University baseball team rallied but lost a heartbreaker to Florida International, 2-1, in 10 innings. The Wildcats are 3-2 overall on the season after the loss, while the Golden Panthers improve to 13-5.
In the bottom of the second inning, FIU broke open the scoring on a one-out solo home run by catcher Michael New off of Villanova starter Jason Petre. Petre, a senior who was making his first career start after three seasons of coming out of the bullpen, walked nine batters in five innings of work but did a tremendous job pitching out of a number of jams including first inning bases loaded situation.
Despite not factoring in the decision, Petre finished the day giving up just one run on two hits in five innings, striking out five and walking nine. The Wildcats got several solid relief appearances in the game. Sophomore Mark Rocca pitched two and one-third hitless innings, walking three and striking out one. Coming in from right field in the eighth inning, junior Brian Hearne pitched two and one-third no-hit innings of relief, striking out five and walking one.
On the flip side, FIU starter Paul Zervas was overpowering the Villanova hitters. Zervas gave up just one hit in the first seven innings, striking out five batters. In the eighth inning, however, the Wildcats finally got something going. Sophomore Michael Duncan singled to start the inning, and Matt Blaney (who pinch ran for Duncan) advanced to second on a wild pitch. Advancing to third on a ground out by freshman shortstop Brian Trotta, Blaney would later score to tie the score at 1-1 on a single up the middle by sophomore center fielder Chris Graziano.
With Hearne blanking the Golden Panthers for over two innings, the game was sent into extra innings tied at 1-1. In the tenth inning, FIU first baseman Hector Nunez was walked by Villanova relief pitcher James Russell to start the inning. Nunez stole second base on a controversial call to move into scoring position. With Nunez at third following a sac bunt, a wild pitch by Russell allowed the winning run to score as the Golden Panthers took the 2-1 victory.
Getting the win for FIU was Luis Gazitua who pitched one scoreless inning of relief, striking out two. Zervas did not factor in the decision, despite pitching nine innings and giving up just one run on three hits, striking out seven and walking none. Russell took the loss for the Wildcats to fall to 0-1.
Villanova will get back into action on Wednesday, March 7, traveling to Florida Atlantic to face the Owls at 7:00 p.m.
