PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. – The Villanova baseball team dropped the series opener to Creighton, 9-4, on Friday, April 17 at Villanova Ballpark.

JP Podgorski got the start on the mound for the Wildcats, turning in four scoreless innings while striking out three. Freshman Larry Hotaling provided a key defensive highlight, getting Villanova out of a jam with runners on the corners by turning an unassisted double play on a line drive.

Villanova carried that momentum into the bottom of the fourth inning. The Wildcats loaded the bases with a walk, a hit, and a hit-by-pitch before Austin Lemon delivered a two-run single up the middle to score the game's first runs. One batter later, John Freitag followed with a two-run single to right field, giving the 'Cats a 4-0 lead heading into the fifth.

Creighton responded in the seventh inning with a decisive seven-run frame to take control of the game. The Bluejays put runners on base early and plated two runs on a single with no outs. Back-to-back infield singles tied the game before a Villanova error allowed Creighton to take the lead. The Bluejays added another run on a base hit later in the inning, extending their advantage to 7-4.

Creighton tacked on two more runs in the ninth inning on a two-out home run to right field, providing additional insurance.

Up Next: The Wildcats will continue the series against Creighton on Saturday, April 18, with a doubleheader beginning at 11:30 a.m. to wrap up the series.