SANTA CLARA, Calif. – A low scoring affair in the last game of the series between Villanova and Santa Clara works its way into extra innings. The Broncos tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning and took the win with a two-run homer in the bottom of the eleventh for the 5-3 victory.
 
Senior first baseman, Jack O'Reilly had a solo home run late in the eighth inning to extend the Wildcats lead. Graduate outfielder Paul Cooke hit an RBI single to drive and graduate third baseman Steve Grober clipped a double and scored two of the three Wildcat runs on the day.
 
Graduate transfer, Sal Fusco tossed for a total of 6.0 innings and fanned seven Broncos only allowing in one run. Junior pitcher, Cade Udell also earns some credit after pitching for 2.0 innings and not allowing a run in and striking out three batters to 10 faced.
 
After a scoreless first inning the 'Cats were first to get on the board due to a single hit by Cooke that drove Grober home in the top of the second. Fusco held the Broncos scoreless for the first three innings and gave up one run in the bottom of the fourth off a sacrifice fly RBI that equalized the score 1-1.
 
No one scored in the fifth or sixth innings, but the Wildcats were able to take the lead in the top of the seventh. Grober had gotten on after clipping a double to left field followed by Peter Giombetti singling to the shortstop, Grober advanced on the play. Giombetti attempted to steal second but was thrown out by the first baseman to the short stop. Grober took home on the play due to an error by the first baseman. Villanova nabbed the 2-1 advantage.
 
O'Reilly hit a deep bomb to left field to extend Villanova's lead to 3-1 in the top of the eight. The 'Cats were sure to take the win until the bottom of the ninth when the Broncos had their last chance to tie things up. Santa Clara did not disappoint their fans and stayed in the game. The first run came from a single hit by Dawson Brigman to send Jared Lewis home to make it a one run game. This was followed by a sacrifice fly hit by Coleman Brigman to send brother Dawson home for the equalizing run.
 
Nothing across the board for the tenth inning on either side. The Broncos took the game in dramatic fashion with an eleventh innings two run walk off homer to take the 5-3 victory over the 'Cats.
 
UP NEXT: The 'Cats return to the east coast for a quick midweek game against Penn on Wednesday March 15. First pitch is set for 3 pm.