TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Villanova University baseball team dropped the opening game of a three-game road series to Florida A&M, falling 4-1 on Friday, March 6, at Moore-Kittles Field. The Wildcats move to the second game of the series tomorrow before returning home for their home opener next week.

QUICK START FOR THE RATTLERS
Villanova went down in order in the top of the first before Florida A&M struck quickly in the bottom half of the inning.

After a single and a double put two runners in scoring position, Alex Monile drove in the game's first run with a groundout to shortstop, allowing Caden Kresak to cross the plate and give the Rattlers an early 1-0 lead.

Florida A&M added to its advantage in the second inning. Jackson McKenzie doubled to start the frame before Matthew Perez followed with an RBI double to right field, pushing the Rattlers' lead to 2-0.

The Rattlers continued to build momentum in the third inning when Jay Campbell lifted a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Justen Crews and extended the lead to 3-0.

VILLANOVA GETS ON THE BOARD
The Wildcats broke through in the top of the fifth inning.

Graduate student Carter Richey sparked the rally with a double to left center, and redshirt sophomore Mark Giallusi followed with a clutch double to center field that plated Richey and cut the deficit to 3-1. The RBI marked Giallusi's third of the season.

FAMU RESPONDS
Florida A&M answered in the bottom half of the inning. After Jay Campbell reached base and moved into scoring position, he eventually came home on a passed ball to extend the Rattlers' lead back to three runs at 4-1.

That would be the final run of the game as both pitching staffs settled in for the remaining innings.

FINN LOCKED IN
Senior Bobby Finn provided a strong effort out of the bullpen for Villanova.

Entering in relief of starter Jake Francis in the fifth inning, the New York native limited the Rattlers to just one hit over 3.1 scoreless innings while striking out four batters.

FINAL PUSH
Villanova collected eight hits on the night, including two from Michael Whooley and two from Mark Giallusi, but was unable to string together a late rally.

The Wildcats brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning, but a fielder's choice off the bat of Larry Hotaling ended the contest and secured the series-opening win for Florida A&M.

UP NEXT
Villanova remains in Tallahassee to continue the series against Florida A&M tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• 0 – Errors committed by Villanova in the game
• 9 – Strikeouts recorded by Villanova pitchers
• 1 – Walk issued by the Villanova pitching staff
• 5 – Strikeouts for Jake Francis, a season high
• 3 – RBI on the season for Mark Giallusi