VILLANOVA, Pa. – Xavier came out on top to conclude the BIG EAST series with a 9-3 victory over Villanova on Sunday morning at Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth. The Musketeers had a big second inning plating five to get ahead early and held their lead until the end. Both teams had a combined eight three up three down half innings in the competition.

Senior catcher John Whooley had a strong day behind the plate and at bat first hitting and RBI single in the bottom of the sixth and catching two would be base stealers, one in the top of the first and another in the top of the seventh. Sophomore catcher, in the designated hitter position on the outing, Josue Valdez went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the bottom of the ninth. Senior center fielder AJ Hansen singled in the bottom of the sixth and crossed home to score the first Wildcats run.
 
Senior pitcher Brandon Siegenthaler came in to relieve starter Luke Dziados on the mound in the top of the third and tossed for 4.1 innings striking out five and only allowing in three runs. Graduate pitcher Zach Camp closed out the game for the 'Cats pitching for the last 2.1 innings and had five punchouts without letting a single run or hit in during his time on the rubber.
 
After a scoreless first inning the Musketeers got the bats going and managed five singles in the top of the second which resulted in four runs scored. Xavier plated one more for the 5-0 lead by way of a wild pitch to end the second.
 
Xavier extended their lead to 6-0 in the top of the third with Jared Cushing smashing an RBI triple with a Musketeers crossing home on the play.
 
The Wildcats answered back with a run to trim the Musketeers' lead to a five-run game in the bottom of the sixth with J. Whooley hitting an RBI single to center field to score Hansen from second.
 
The Musketeers furthered their advantage to pull away with two runs scored on RBI walks and one scored on a pass ball in the top of the seventh for the 9-1 score. Camp was able to shut down Xaviers offense to end the game, but the damage was already done.
 
Villanova made a last-ditch effort to equalize the score in the bottom of the ninth and managed to get two on. Valdez smacked a hard-hit ball up the middle and the second baseman botched the throw to second for the runner to be safe and J. Whooley to score from third. The 'Cats second and final run of the inning was a result of an RBI walk with the bases loaded. Despite the comeback attempt Villanova just fell short in the 9-3 loss.
 
UP NEXT: The 'Cats return to action on Tuesday, April 25 for a midweek game versus Wagner at Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth. First pitch is set for 3 pm.