Feb. 29, 2000

Box Score

On Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Homestead Sports Complex in Homestead, Fla., the Villanova baseball team earned its first victory of the season 6-5 over Eastern Michigan. The Wildcats record improves to 1-2 with the win, while the Eagles fall to 0-1.

The Villanova offense started early, as the `Cats posted four runs in the first inning. `Nova scored its first run of the game on a fielder's choice RBI by sophomore first baseman Rob Cafiero. After Dave Pizzini scored on an Eagle error to increase the lead to 2-0, Nick Piantek hit a sac fly and Mike Houser singled in Cafiero to give the Wildcats a 4-0 lead.

The story of the day, however, was freshman Brian Slocum who made his first collegiate start. Slocum, who attended Iona Prep in N.Y., was drafted in the 14th round of the major league draft but bypassed the pros to head to the Main Line. Slocum gave up two runs in the first inning versus the Eagles but settled down after the first.

Slocum held Eastern Michigan scoreless after the first inning. For the day, he gave up just two runs and five hits in six innings, striking out five while walking just one. Slocum would go on to earn his first career victory, as the Wildcats held down a late game rally by Eastern Michigan. The game was not without its losses, however, as Villanova lost junior catcher Dan Glover in the ninth inning. Glover went down on a collision at home plate and was taken off the field with a leg injury.

Junior left fielder Dave Pizzini went three-for-three with two walks for the Wildcats. Going 0-for-2 but posting two RBI was sophomore Rob Cafiero.

Villanova will have a day off on Sunday, before resuming play on Monday, Feb. 28, against St. Bonaventure at 2:00 p.m.