INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Villanova and Butler conclude the BIG EAST three game-series in a thriller of a high scoring game. The Wildcats had a spectacular late comeback starting with a six run sixth inning lead to the Wildcats ultimately beating out the Bulldogs 18-15.
 
The Whooley brothers were back at it again with another impressive performance in game two of the double header combining a total of three runs and nine RBI. The brother duo of freshman second baseman Michael Whooley and senior designated hitter John Whooley were placed back-to-back in the batting order in today's competition.
 
M. Whooley hit his first career homerun and grand slam in the top of the sixth which reenergized the team and kicked off the offensive rally for the 'Cats. J. Whooley smashed a three RBI triple in the top of the ninth which cemented Villanova's lead and earned the last runs of the 'Cats explosive offensive drive.
 
Graduate shortstop Craig Larsen had a 4-for-5 with four RBI in the second game with a momentum altering two run bomb in the top of the eighth which stole the lead away from the Bulldogs.
 
Butler had a strong start to game two of the double header with a two-run lead at the end of the first inning. One run was scored on a balk and the second was brought in by Scott Jones who hit an RBI triple to right center.
 
The Bulldogs continued to build off their lead in the third with Jones hitting another triple to bring in two runs. Jones scored on the following play off an RBI bunt to make it a 5-0 game.
 
Villanova plated its first run in the top of the fourth with J. Whooley hitting an RBI ground out to score Larsen from third. Butler battled back in the bottom of the inning scoring one run off a sacrifice fly for a 6-1 score.
 
In the bottom of the fifth the Bulldog's catcher Garrett Gray homered to center field for another run to cross the plate. With one man on Joey Urban extended the Butler's lead to 8-1 with an RBI double to left center field.
 
The Wildcats battled back starting the top of the sixth with Jack O'Reilly hitting an RBI single to left field to plate a run making it a six-run game. M. Whooley stepped up with the bases loaded and crushed his first homer over the right field wall for a base clearing grand slam for the 9-6 score. Steve Grober singled through the right side to score one more run to end the half inning with Villanova only trailing by two. Butler answered back in the bottom of the inning with three more runs to keep the Wildcats at arm's length for a 12-7 result.
 
Another big inning for the Wildcats in the top of the seventh began with two men on and  Larsen hitting and RBI single. J. Whooley and Aidan Barry both hit RBI ground out to reduce Butler's lead to 12-10. Will Reiner singled through the middle to bring a man home making it a one run game ending the innings at bats.
 
Villanova claimed the lead for the first time in the game in the top of the eighth with Larsen cranking a homer to left field to bring Cooke in with him for the 13-12 lead. Butler tied the game up at 13-13 the bottom of the inning with Xavier Carter hitting and RBI single.
 
The Wildcats continued on their comeback rally in the top of the ninth to steal the lead away from Butler starting with a bases loaded RBI walk followed by an RBI ground out. With two men on J. Whooley smacked a triple into the left center wall to bring three in a secure 18-13 score.
 
The Bulldogs tried to come back scoring two in the bottom of the inning but couldn't tally enough runs. Villanova took the 18-15 win for their first conference series sweep of the season.
 
Head coach Kevin Mulvey commented on the momentous sweep and how the team rallied a comeback to claim the win.
 
"Great job by the team. I'm very proud with how they battled back when we got down. They did it on Friday and then they did it again today when it mattered most. I couldn't be happier with the approach offensively. The pitching never given up, it wasn't pretty, but getting outs when it mattered. I don't know how many pitchers we used, but I feel like we used almost every pitcher that we had," said Mulvey. "So, very, very happy with the weekend. Extremely proud of the guys and just excited overall."
 
UP NEXT: The 'Cats return to the Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth on April 18 to take on Lafayette for the third-place game of the Liberty Bell Classic tournament. First pitch is set for 3pm.
 
 
Player Quotes
"It feels really good to win a series, but to get the sweep is even better. It was awesome that the offense has got it done and we've won some close games with pitching but, it was awesome that the offense really stepped up and dominated this weekend. The home run was awesome. Everyone dreams of, down one and getting the hit the take the lead for the team. It was a great experience."#16 Craig Larsen (Shortstop)
 

Mini Feature
Michael and John Whooley spoke about what their experience has been like being able to play together on and over this past weekend where both brothers had at least one shinning moment.
 
"It's been awesome having Mikey in the lineup right behind me. I feel like we feed off each other's energy as well as the whole team," said John Whooley. "It's like when one of us does something, you feel like the other one has to do something just to match the other."
 
"We've never really played with each other growing up because we've been just that perfect age gap apart and this is our first time playing together and I think it's going very well," said Michael Whooley. "I moved up in the lineup right behind him and we're both hitting very well today and lately, just in general. It's a lot of fun is all I got to say."