Villanova, Pa. - An all around team performance lifted the Villanova Wildcats over the St. John's Red Storm on Friday evening, by a final score of 5-1. The series opening win improves Villanova's record to 16-20-1 overall, 6-7 in the BIG EAST, while St. John's falls to 16-25-1 on the season, 2-7-1 in conference. 

Joey Castellanos had everything working at the plate, going 3-4 with two runs batted in for the game. After reaching base in the first inning, he extended his on base streak to 22 games, a new season high. The graduate student also now has eight multi-RBI games on the year. 

Starting on the bump for the 'Cats was Cole Patten who pitched six solid innings, allowing only one run. The Red Storm jumped ahead early, as an RBI single put the visitors ahead 1-0 in the top of the second inning. From that point on, Patten totaled three of his five strikeouts, while allowing two hits over his last three innings. He finished with 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB and 5 K and earned his third (3-6) win of the season. 

Villanova responded in the bottom of the third with three runs of their own. A leadoff walk to Connor Hale got things started, as he would advance to third on a Chris Rotondo double down the left field line. After a fielder's choice which resulted in Hale being thrown out at home, Castellanos singled in Rontondo to tie the game. Jack O'Reilly forced a tough play at first base, resulting in a St. John's error that would score Castellanos to make it 2-1 Villanova. John Whooley would keep the rally going with two down, as the catcher singled in O'Reilly from second base. 

In the fourth inning, the Wildcats would strike again, as Castellanos would single in Rotondo again, this time from second base to make the score 4-1 at the end of the fourth inning. 

Relieving Patten in the sixth inning was Danny Wilkinson, who was dominant coming out of the bullpen. In his three innings of work, he did not allow a hit while striking out five Red Storm hitters. He earned his third save on the season. 

The sixth inning saw Villanova plate their fifth run, as Pat O'Neill hit a comebacker to the pitcher. With the throw going to first, Rotondo slid head first and got his hand under the catcher's tag to score his third run of the contest. 

Villanova will return to action for the second game of the series on Saturday at 1 p.m. Streaming will be available on FloSports.