Box Score

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa- Villanova (6-20, 0-4 BIG EAST) opened up a three-game series with BIG EAST foe Butler (21-8, 2-1 BIG EAST) on Friday afternoon. Despite strong hitting, Butler would take game of the series, 14-5.

Despite the Bulldogs getting out to an early 8-1 lead in the second inning, the Wildcats received steady hitting as senior David Gulati lead the team with three hits, one walk, and one run. Gulati has notched a hit in his last five games and brings his hit total to 32 on the season. Freshman right fielder Chris Rotondo also had a multi-hit game with two hits. The Villanova offense would end the day with nine hits and five runs.

Senior pitcher Ryan Doty received the start, but the Villanova bullpen needed an early relief as they turned to Mike Sgaramella as he came to pitch the second inning with one out. Sgaramella totaled four runs and three hits with two strikeouts. Jake Esp, Cameron Mathes, and Andrew Owen also saw the mound as they combined for 5.2 innings, seven hits and four strikeouts.

Down 13-4 going into the bottom of the ninth the Wildcats would look to rally. Gulati received the leadoff walk as Ryan Toohers was also walked. With runners on first and second, JP Radvany hit into a fielder's choice in which he reached first and Gulati advanced to third. Rotondo was due up as he hit a sac fly to right field that brought in Gulati and made it a 13-5 ball game. Despite the vigilant effort, the rally would come up short as the Bulldogs took the game, 13-5.

Bark in the Park continues all weekend long with game two of the three-game series being played on Saturday afternoon. All are welcome to bring their dogs as first pitch is set for 1 p.m.