Villanova University

Feb. 29, 2000

Box Score

In the third game of its spring trip on Monday, Feb. 28, the Villanova baseball team rallied from a huge deficit but fell in a slug fest, 19-15, to the Bonnies of St. Bonavanture. The Wildcats' record falls to 1-3 with the loss, while the Bonnies posted a win in their first game of the 2000 season.

St. Bonaventure opened the game strong with three runs in the first inning, and four in the second in off Villanova starter Drew Kirchner. Justin Roman and Mike Tegeler each posted two RBI each in the inning.

In the second inning, the Wildcats got on the scoreboard on an RBI groundout by Chris Graziano. `Nova trimmed the lead further one inning later, as Dave Pizzini scored on a balk, and Picone and Graziano each forced in runs with bases leaded walks. Graziano's RBI cut the St. Bonaventure lead to 7-4.

Down 13-9 in the bottom of the sixth, Pizzini doubled in Graziano and Matt Blaney to make it a 13-11 game. RBI singles by Matt Longo and Nick Piantek later in the inning tied the contest at 13-13 after six innings. One inning later, the `Cats took their first lead, as freshman Ryan Crammer score on a wild pitch.

The Bonnies regained the lead one inning later as Tim Burris hit a two RBI double. From there, St. Bonaventure pulled away for the 19-15 victory. Taking the loss for Villanova was Jason Petre who gave up five runs (two earned) in two and two-thirds innings. The win went to Jim Wolf, who pitched the final one and two-thirds innings for the Bonnies.

In the loss, Pizzini went five-for-six with four runs and three RBI for the Wildcats. He is eight-for-his last nine going back two games.

Villanova will play next on Wednesday, March 1, at Lynn University at 2:30 and at Florida Atlantic at 7:00 p.m.