April 25, 2008

Box Score

TAMPA, Fla. - In the opener of a three-game series, Villanova (20-21, 5-11 Big East) allowed runs in each inning from the second through the sixth and was defeated 8-5 by USF (23-19, 9-10 Big East) on Friday night at Red McEwen Field.

The Wildcats scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning and added a final run in the ninth to chip away at what had been a seven-run deficit but got no closer and lost the opener of a conference series for the fifth time in six series this season.

Senior Derek Shunk (Yardley, Pa.) had two hits and drove in two runs to lead Villanova offensively. After managing just two hits through the first five innings, the Wildcats finished with eight hits for the evening, with six coming off the bats of Shunk, senior Dan Terpak (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and junior Wesley Borden (State College, Pa.).

Shunk tripled with two outs in the top of the third inning to plate the first Wildcat run and tie the game for the only time at 1-1. He also added a run-scoring single in the seventh inning that scored the third of the three Villanova runs in the frame.

The Bulls opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning with an unearned run that scored with two outs. Stephen Hunt singled with one out, advanced on a passed ball and eventually scored on a wild pitch by senior Jordan Ellis (Bryn Mawr, Pa.).

Although the Wildcats managed to tie the game in the top of the third, USF went back in front with a run in the bottom of the third and then poured it on with two runs in the fourth, three in the fifth and one in the sixth. Addison Maruszak and Victor Pina had two-run singles in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively, to account for the big hits for the Bulls.

Ellis (3-4, 4.42 ERA) was tagged for seven hits in 4 2/3 innings pitched and was charged with seven runs (six earned) while walking five and striking out two. He yielded to sophomore Kevin Crimmel (Harrisburg, Pa.), who allowed just a run on two hits in 3 1/3 innings to finish off the game.

The rally in the top of the seventh inning started when senior Gus Guida (Martinsville, N.J.) reached on an error to open the inning and junior Joe Rosati (Havertown, Pa.) drew one of his three walks in the game. After junior Joe Cotter (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) singled home one run, senior Ryan Arcadia (Upper Saddle River, N.J.) grounded out to drive in a run and Shunk followed with his second hit of the game.

In the ninth inning, Cotter drew a leadoff walk and Arcadia scored him with a double into the left field corner. USF turned to sophomore Shawn Sanford, who recorded the final three outs for his 11th save of the season.

Daniel Thomas (2-2, 3.66) pitched 6 1/3 innings to earn the win for the Bulls. He scattered seven hits and two of the four runs on his account were unearned. Thomas walked five and struck out eight.

The second game of this weekend's series will be played on Saturday at 7 p.m.