ARLINGTON, Texas – The Villanova baseball team dropped a tightly contested series finale to UT Arlington, 2-1, on Sunday, March 29, in a pitcher's duel at Clay Gould Ballpark.
  FIRST INNING
Villanova was retired in order to begin the afternoon.

Graduate student Will Parkinson got the start on the mound and set the tone early, striking out the first batter he faced before retiring the next two to put down the Mavericks in order.

No runs or hits for either side after one inning.
  SECOND INNING
UT Arlington broke through in the bottom half of the inning. After Villanova was held scoreless, Austin Phillips delivered an RBI double down the left field line to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead.
  FOURTH INNING
Two innings later, Villanova answered to even the score. Graduate student Carter Richey grounded out to shortstop, allowing senior Michael Whooley to score and tie the game at 1-1.

Parkinson continued to dominate on the mound, striking out two more in the inning. He finished with eight strikeouts over four-plus strong innings of work. FIFTH INNING
The Wildcats were unable to build on the momentum, going down in order in the top half.

After surrendering a leadoff single in the bottom half, Villanova turned to junior Jake Francis out of the bullpen. Parkinson exited after allowing just one run while striking out eight.

With two outs, UT Arlington regained the lead on a wild pitch, making it 2-1. Francis limited further damage, but the Mavericks took a one-run advantage into the later innings. SIXTH INNING

Villanova continued to struggle offensively, going down in order once again.

Francis matched UT Arlington's pitching effort, retiring the side in order with a strikeout to keep the deficit at one. SEVENTH INNING
After a long at-bat that included a pair of near-miss foul balls down the right field line, Richey flew out to right. The next two Wildcats were retired on groundouts as Villanova remained down 2-1.

Junior Jeremiah Holder took over on the mound and delivered a perfect inning, retiring all three batters he faced without allowing a hit, walk, or run. EIGHTH INNING
Villanova again made contact at the plate but was unable to generate any offense, going hitless in the frame.

Senior Graham Moore entered in relief and impressed, retiring all three batters he faced—including two via strikeout—to keep it a one-run game heading into the ninth. NINTH INNING
The Wildcats mounted their best threat in the final frame. Austin Lemon was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, and after a flyout, Collin Quintano singled to left to put runners on first and second.

A walk to Richey loaded the bases with one out, but Villanova was unable to capitalize, as the final two batters were retired to end the game.

UT Arlington held on for the 2-1 victory. UP NEXT
Villanova returns to Plymouth Meeting, Pa., for a Liberty Bell Classic matchup against Lafayette on Tuesday, March 31. First pitch is scheduled for 3:35 p.m.