PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. – The Villanova baseball team fell to the Maryland Terrapins 5-2 on Salute to Service day at Villanova Ballpark. It was a chilly and breezy day at the ballpark with first pitch temperatures in the mid-50s.
Nick Lorusso had the only hit for the Wildcats on the day. In the bottom of the fourth, Loursso roped a one out double down the left field line scoring Dylan McNary. The last time the Villanova only had one hit was in 2016 against Houston.
Ryan Toohers got the start on the mound for the Wildcats. Toohers pitched two innings, allowing five hits and four runs.
The bullpen came into the game in the top of the third. The bullpen retired the first 12 batters they faced including four strikeouts.
Maryland started the top of the second with a single to center field, followed by a hit and run single through the left side to put runners on the corners. The next batter laid down a bunt and Doug deMarrais made a great play to grab the ball and turned around to make a diving tag on the runner at the plate to get the first out.
Cowles walked and the bases were loaded for Maryland. The next batter grounded out to the pitcher but was able to score the runner to give the Terrapins a 1-0 lead. Lee then singled up the middle to score two more runs for the Terrapins. Lee stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher. Bednar then singled to left field scoring Lee and making it 4-0 Terrapins.
In the bottom half of the fourth inning, McNary leadoff with a walk and then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Lorusso doubled to left field scoring McNary to make it a three-run ball game. It was Lorusso's 24th RBI of the season.
The Wildcats in the bottom of the eighth began with a walk to Sam Margulis. Villanova's next batter John Heilenbach was hit by a pitch. Tyler Bruno walked and the bases were loaded for the Wildcats. Chris Rotondo then in an eight pitch at bat that resulted in an one out walk, scoring Margulis to make it 4-2 Maryland. The Terrapins were able to get out of the jam by turning a 643 double play.
The Terrapins got an insurance run in the top of the ninth when Vought homered to left field to give Maryland a three-run lead.
Villanova couldn't get anything going in the bottom of the ninth and the Terrapins would hold on to win 5-2.
The Wildcats will return to BIG EAST play this weekend as they travel to the Butler Bulldogs for a three game series. The first game of the series will be on Friday May 3rd at 3:00 p.m.
