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| Connor Chavez helped Penn beat Villanova on Wednesday. | Photo: Penn Athletics |
In a clash at Tommy Lasorda Field at Meiklejohn Stadium, the University of Pennsylvania baseball team commenced its nine-game homestand on a triumphant note, besting Villanova 8-3 on a sunny Wednesday afternoon.
The Quakers (5-8) orchestrated a commanding comeback after Villanova (5-9) initially surged ahead with a three-run homer by Jason Neff in the opening inning. However, the Wildcats' early momentum fizzled as Penn's bats ignited, scoring two runs in the fourth inning before erupting with five more in the fifth and one in the eighth, securing their second consecutive victory.
Ryan Taylor spearheaded Penn's offensive onslaught, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, including a pivotal three-run triple, while freshman sensation Nick Spaventa showcased his prowess, contributing 2-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, a walk, two runs scored, and an RBI.
Not to be outdone, newcomer Gavin Collins and Connor Chavez delivered critical hits, amplifying Penn's offensive dominance.
On the mound, Jake Moss continued his stellar form, tossing two shutout innings, with support from Anthoni Kiafoulis, Thomas Shurtleff, and Eli Trop, collectively silencing the Wildcats' bats for the remainder of the game.
Despite Neff's early heroics for Villanova, driving in three runs with his first-inning blast, the Wildcats found themselves unable to thwart Penn's relentless offensive barrage, succumbing to their third consecutive loss against the Quakers and relinquishing their three-game win streak.
Penn will host Lafayette this weekend starting with a doubleheader on Saturday, while Villanova will head south for a three-game set with East Tennessee State starting on Friday.
