WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Villanova drops midweek matchup in New Jersey to Monmouth, 8-4.
 
Villanova got off to a slow start after allowing a two-run homer in the first inning. Monmouth added two more in the second to take a 4-0 lead.  The Wildcats were able to bring the score to a one-run game after adding one on an RBI single in the third and two more in the fourth off an RBI double, 4-3 Monmouth after four innings.
 
Going into the seventh inning, Villanova found themselves down 5-3 after a throwing error by the catcher scored one more for Monmouth in the fifth. After getting nothing going in the top of the seventh, the Wildcats headed into the bottom of the seventh. A two-run home run by the Hawks put the lead further out of reach late in the game.
 
A solo shot for Villanova and another run by Monmouth ended the score at 8-4.
 
Nova Notes 

• Scott Shaw went 2-4 on the day with three walks and a team high five RBIs.
• Josue Valdez added three RBIs as he batted 1-4 with two walks.
• AJ Hansen and Cam Hassert recorded the first triples of the season for Villanova in the ninth inning. Hansen went 2-3 with two walks, a double, triple and two RBI. Hassert was 1-3 with two walks and two RBI.
• From the fifth inning on four pitchers threw at least an inning (Alec Sachais, Stephen Turzai, Ryan Mintz, Zach Camp).  Those pitchers combined to only allow two hits and no runs.
• Seven Wildcats recorded an RBI on the day. That list includes Scott Shaw (5), Jason Neff (1), Michael Whooley (1), Josue Valdez (3), Cam Hassert (2), Shane Solari (2) and AJ Hansen (1).

How It Happened

• In the bottom of the first, Harmstead hit a two-run home run, 2-0 Hawks.
• Porter scored in the second inning after a throwing error by the catcher, 3-0.
• Walsh scored on a sac bunt in the second inning, 4-0.
• In the third, Jack O'Reilly singled to left center, scoring John Whooley, 4-1.
• Shane Solari doubled down the left field line, scoring Michael Whooley and Jason Neff, 4-3.
• In the fifth, Caufield scored on a throwing error by the catcher, 5-3.
• Delinger hit a two-run homer in the seventh to take the lead to 7-3.
• In the eighth Scott Shaw hit a solo home run, 7-4.
• Buecker singled to right field in the eighth, scoring Andrews, 8-4.

 
Up Next
The Wildcats will host Creighton this weekend (April 19-21) for a three-game series.  This BIG EAST matchup kicks off with a 3:00 pm start time on Friday.