Villanova's Ted Lilly drove in the game-winner on Friday
Athree-run eighth inning lifted Vilanova to an Opening Day 4-2 victory over Norfolk State at Marty L. Miller Field in Norfolk, Va. on Friday afternoon.

Trailing 2-1 entering the eighth, Tyler Bruno worked a one-out walk before eventually scoring on a John Hellenbach single to left center. Timothy Lilly then ripped a go-ahead single to right to score Ryan Toothers. Pat O'Neill delivered an insurance run with a single to left, enabling Hellenbach to cross home.

Lilly finished 3-for-4 and led the pace as seven of the nine batters in the Wildcats starting lineup reached base at least once in the contest.

Reliever Tyler Arella pitched 2 2/3 innings to get the win and Ryan Pfutzenreuter pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save. Starter Jonathan Rosero surrendered one run over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked three.

Presbyterian 7, La Salle 3
Chase Arnold belted a solo home run in his first at-bat of the season, but La Salle faltered in its season opener at Presbyterian on Friday, 7-3.

Matt Holt struck out five over four innings for the Explorers, allowing three runs - one earned - on five hits.

Matt Patricio struggled in relief, allowing three hits and two walks while failing to get through the fifth. He surrendered four runs as Presbyterian put the game out of reach.

On a good note for the Explorers, James Kelly tossed the final 3 1/3 innings and surrendered just one hit while fanning five.
_____________________________________________
Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post