April 28, 2001
Box Score
CHESTNUT HILL, MA. - On Saturday, April 28, in the second game of Big East Conference doubeleader at Shea Field in Chestnut Hill, Mass., the Vilanova baseball team was defeated by Boston College, 6-4, as the Eagles rallied from a 4-1 fifth inning deficit. The Wildcats fell to 20-24-1 overall and 7-15 in the Big East with the loss, while BC improved to 22-20 overall and 6-11 in conference action.
Villanova scored two runs in the first inning against Eagles' starter Chris Gannon. Following a single by center fielder Chris Graziano and a walk by right fielder Adrian Schau, designated hitter Nick Piantek sacrificed both runners up a base putting runners at second and third with one out. The Wildcats scored the game's first run on an infield single by first baseman Rob Cafiero that plated Graziano. Left fielder Dave Pizzini followed Cafiero with a sacrifice fly to center, giving Villanova a 2-0 advantage.
BC trimmed the Wildcat lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the first inning, scoring once off of Villanova starter Tom Kandybowicz. Third baseman Brian Macchi had a RBI double in the inning, scoring first baseman Joe Kealty.
In the top of the third inning, Villanova extended its lead as Piantek hit a leadoff home run. The home run was Piantek's second of the series and seventh of the season tying him for the team lead with second baseman Matt Longo.
The Wildcats increased the gap to three runs, 4-1, in the top of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, third baseman Michael Duncan hit a sac fly to center field to score Piantek.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Boston College began to rally. Shortstop Mike Hubbard lined a leadoff double to right field and scored one batter late as right fielder Matt Lederhos blasted a home run to straight-away centerfield to but the Villanova lead to 4-3.
The Wildcats saw their lead vanish in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs in the inning, the Eagles got back-to-back home runs from catcher Jeff Mackor and second baseman Ryan Leahy to take their first lead of the game at 5-4.
BC added one more run in the bottom of the eighth on a Mackor RBI single, to extend its lead to 6-4 heading into the final inning.
In the top of the ninth, Villanova had the tying runs in scoring position with one out. Eagles' reliever Mark Sullivan struck out the next two batters, Duncan and pinch hitter Ryan Crammer, to give BC a 6-4 victory. Sullivan earned his third save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning of work.
Getting the win for Boston College was reliever Eric Olson, who improved to 4-1 on the year. Taking the loss on the mound for Villanova was starter Tom Kandybowicz, who fell to 3-4.
At the plate for the Wildcats in game two, Piantek went two-for-four with a home run and one RBI. He finished Saturday's doubleheader four-for-eight with a double, two home runs and three RBI. Graziano also had an outstanding day for Villanova, going four-for-six with two runs scored and three stolen bases. With his three stolen bases in three attempts, Graziano is now 30-for-33 for the season.
Villanova and Boston College will wind down the series on Sunday, April 29, playing a single game at 12:00 p.m.
