Zach Lutner collects the save as Villanova trumps Central Michigan

Closer Zach Lutner notched a strikeout and a fly to right after inheriting the potential tying and winning runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, enabling Villanova to secure its first win of the season with a 4-3 decision over Central Michigan in the Snowbird Baseball Classic on Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore starting pitcher Jonathan Rosero recorded his first collegiate win, tossing 5 2/3 innings while surrendering just one run on three hits.

The Wildcats entered the final frame leading 3-2 and what became the deciding run on a two-out double by Todd Czinege that scored Donovan May from second after he reached on a walk and advanced via a steal.

May and Czinege combined to reach base seven times in the game, with May going 2-for-3 with two walks, two runs scored and a run batted in from his leadoff spot in the order. He also threw out the potential tying run at the plate with a perfect strike from right field for the final out of the eighth inning.

The win snapped a 24-game losing streak by Philadelphia-based D1 baseball programs to open the 2017 season.

The Wildcats return to action on Sunday afternoon to face Boston College at 2:30 p.m. The teams met last weekend in the 19 Ways Invitational at Oklahoma, with the Eagles tallying a 10-3 victory. Freshman lefty Tyler Arella draws the start, hoping to bounce back after a rough start last week against Oklahoma where he surrendered 10 runs on 11 hits over 2 2/3 innings in a 17-1 loss to the Sooners.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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