BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Villanova University baseball team dropped the series opener to Florida Atlantic University, 11-4, on Friday evening at FAU Baseball Stadium.
FAU STARTS FAST
Villanova found itself playing from behind early as the Owls came out swinging, plating the first five runs of the contest to seize momentum.
FAU broke through in the second inning when Gramesty lined a single into left center, bringing home two runs and giving the home side a 2-0 advantage. The Owls continued to apply pressure in the third, capitalizing on a wild pitch, a sacrifice fly, and an RBI single to stretch their lead to five.
From that point forward, FAU maintained control, forcing the Wildcats to try and chip away at the deficit.
MIDDLE INNINGS
The 'Cats answered in the fifth inning to get on the board. Freshman
Jack Roventini produced an RBI on a fielder's choice, allowing Villanova to break through and trim the margin to 5-1.
However, FAU responded quickly in the home half of the frame. Nick Romano delivered the big swing of the inning, driving in a pair of runs as part of a five-run outburst for the Owls. The rally pushed the lead to 9-1 and gave the home team added breathing room heading into the later innings.
'CATS CONTINUE TO BATTLE
Despite the early deficit, Villanova continued to compete at the plate, working deep counts and finding ways to put runners aboard. The Wildcats showed resilience down the stretch, scoring three of the next four runs in the game.
A two-run seventh inning sparked momentum, and
Austin Lemon later added an RBI single up the middle to cut the deficit to five at 9-4. The base hit marked Lemon's fifth RBI of the season and highlighted the continued fight from the Villanova lineup.
FAU tacked on two insurance runs in the eighth inning to secure the 11-4 victory and claim the series opener.
UP NEXT
Villanova remains in Boca Raton for game two of the three-game set against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, February 28. First pitch is now scheduled for 12 p.m. due to inclement weather in the forecast.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
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5 – RBIs on the season for
Austin Lemon
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10 – Hits for Villanova
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0 – Errors committed by the 'Cats
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8 – Strikeouts by Villanova pitchers
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37 – At bats for VU
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2 – Walks allowed by Villanova
