PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. – The Villanova baseball opened up their three game series against the Georgetown Hoyas with a 3-1 win on a cloudy and rainy Friday afternoon at Villanova Ballpark. Nick Lorusso drove in the tying and go-ahead runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, then came in and got the save in the ninth inning.
Getting the start on the mound for Villanova was Gordon Graceffo. He pitched a season-high eight and a third innings. It was his third win of the season to improve him to 3-4 on the year.
Graceffo allowed only four hits, one run, earned while striking out a season-high eight batters. He also retired the side in order five different times.
The Hoyas started the game with a double to center field by Ruedisili. He would then advanced to third after an unassisted groundout to the first baseman. McGabe then grounded out to second base and with the infield back, Ruedisili scored from third to give Georgetown the 1-0 lead.
After the leadoff double by the Hoyas, Graceffo then retired the next 10 batters. In the top of the fifth, Graceffo struck out the side.
The bottom of the fifth with one out, Doug deMarrais walked after a nine pitch at bat. Sam Margulis singled up the middle and then Dylan McNary singled through the left side to load the bases. Chris Rotondo struck out swinging for the second out. Nick Lorusso hit a single to left field scoring deMarrais and Margulis. With the 2-1 lead and runners on second and third, JP Radvany reached on a fielder's choice to score Margulis and give the Wildcats a 3-1 lead.
In the top of the ninth, the Hoyas got a one out single through the right side.
Villanova then switched Nick Lorusso from first baseman to pitcher to come in and get the save.
The first batter he faced walked and Georgetown had runners on first and second with one out. The first pitch of the next at bat resulted in a fly out to right field for the second out. Willis then hit a grounded out to McNary for the final out. It was Lorusso's second save of the season.
The Wildcats and Hoyas will play a double header on Saturday with first pitched schedule for 12:00 p.m. It will be two 9-inning games and the double header replaces Sunday's scheduled game.
