VILLANOVA– Villanova to host Creighton for a three game weekend series at Villanova Ballpark.  Game one Friday (April 19) is set for 3:00 pm. On Saturday (April 20), first pitch will be 1:00 pm followed by a Noon start on Sunday (April 21) for the Series finale.

Friday, April 19 | 3:00 p.m. EST
Villanova: Jake Francis
Crieghton: Malakai Vetock
 
Saturday, April 20 | 1:00 p.m. EST
Villanova: Luke McCollough
Creighton: Chad Saner
 
Sunday, April 21 | 12:00 p.m. EST
Villanova: Devin Rivera
Creighton: Jimmy Burke
 
Last Time Out: Villanova went 1-1 during the week, defeating Lafayette 17-5 on Tuesday and losing to Monmouth 8-4 on Wednesday.
 
Back To BIG EAST Ball: Creighton holds a 25-2 all-time record over Villanova. Their last matchup came in April 2023 for a three-game series in Omaha.  The Blue Jays took two out of the three games.
 
Solari Starting: Shane Solari has gotten the start at right field over the past week and has made a difference at the plate. Since getting the start on April 1oth against Penn, Solari has recorded at least one hit in 5 of 6 games while also adding in two RBI in both of the last two games.
 
Top Of The Order Success: Two Wildcats at the top of the order are on hitting streaks.  Jason Neff has been in the designated hitter position for Villanova and holds a four-game hit streak while also adding four RBI. First baseman, Dylan Dennis is currently on a six-game hitting streak.  The leadoff batter has recorded nine hits in the one spot and two straight games with a double.
 
Francis on the Mound: Freshman Jake Francis will lead the series off for Villanova on the mound. Francis leads the BIG EAST in WHIP (1.10) and is second in hits allowed per nine innings (7.16).  In his last outing, Francis pitched six innings, allowing only four hits and one run in a win against Seton Hall.
 
Breaking Down The Blue Jays

• Creighton's record is 27-7 (3-3) this season and is coming off a 6-4 win over Nebraska on Tuesday.
• The Blue Jays bats have been consistent so far this year.  In the BIG EAST the team ranks second in batting average, scoring. They also rank third in doubles, hits and slugging percentage.
• The bats are led by junior, Nolan Sailors. Sailors leads the team in batting average, on base percentage, RBI and hits.
• Malaki Vetock will start on the mound for game one.  Vetock has appeared 12 times on the season and recorded three starts.  In 31.2 innings of work, the junior has a 5.68 ERA and a 2-1 record.