March 9, 2002
Box Score
HOMESTEAD, FL. - On Saturday, March 9, at Kings Stadium in Homestead, Fla., the Villanova baseball team wound down its spring trip in fine fashion, defeating Chicago State by the score of 4-1. The victory was the Wildcats' fourth straight and improved their record to 7-6 overall on the year. The Cougars of CSU fell to 0-1.
Chicago State struck first in the top of the first inning against Villanova freshman starter Nick Allen. Cougar center fielder Torrence Profit singled up the middle to lead off the first. After advancing to second on a balk, Profit stole third base. Chicago State took the game's first lead, 1-0, on an RBI single by Chaz Perry.
The Wildcats erased the Couger lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring twice to take a 2-1 advantage. Center fielder Chris Graziano singled through the right side to begin the frame and stole second for his 11th steal of the year. One batter later, designated hitter Brendan Trainor doubled down the left field line to score Graziano with Villanova's first run of the game. After advancing to third on a groundout by first baseman Rob Cafiero, Trainor scored on an RBI triple by left fielder Adrian Schau to give the `Cats a 2-1 lead.
In the bottom of the third inning, Villanova added to its lead behind the hitting of Schau. Cafiero walked with one out and came around to score on a double by Schau to increase the `Cats advantage to 3-1.
The Wildcats gave themselves a little breathing room in the bottom of the seventh. With two outs and runners at first and second, Graziano doubled to left-center field. Catcher Marshall Canosa came around to score on Graziano's double to give Villanova a 4-1 lead, but second baseman Mark Cardillo was thrown out at home to keep the Wildcats' lead at three runs.
On the flip side, Villanova pitchers were holding Chicago State hitters in check. Allen struck out five in four innings, allowing just the one first inning run by the Cougers. Allen picked up the win, marking his first collegiate victory. Junior right hander Brian Slocum came on in the fifth and threw three shutout innings, striking out five. Brian Hearne threw a scoreless eighth for the `Cats, and James Russell came on and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his third save.
At the plate for Villanova, Schau went two-for-three with a double, triple and two RBI, and Graziano went two-for-four with a double, stolen base and one RBI.
Villanova will get back into action on Tuesday, March 12, traveling to West Chester University to take on the Golden Rams at 3:00 p.m.
