Villanova erupted for 16 hits—their most since 2015—in a 10-4 win over Winthrop on Friday at Founders Field. Jason Neff led the charge with a home run and three RBIs, while Aidan Barry and Brayden Leonard each tallied a career-best three hits. Right-hander Bobby Olsen delivered six strong innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out eight.
Winthrop took an early lead in the second, but Villanova responded in the third when Connor Hale scored on a groundout. After the Eagles pulled ahead again in the fourth, the Wildcats answered in the fifth, tying the game at 2-2.
Villanova broke it open in the seventh. Leonard launched a solo homer before Neff’s two-run double and Barry’s RBI double pushed the lead to 6-2. Winthrop got one back with a solo shot, but Villanova tacked on two more in the eighth and another pair in the ninth, capped by Neff’s first homer of the season.
Alec Sachais closed the door with a scoreless ninth, securing the win. Olsen (1-0) earned the victory, while Winthrop’s Quinton Hall took the loss. The Wildcats look to keep rolling as they face the Eagles again on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Penn struggled to generate offense against Preseason National Pitcher of the Year Jamie Arnold, falling 24-2 to No. 9 Florida State in seven innings Friday night at Mike Martin Field.
Junior Ryan Taylor provided a bright spot for the Quakers, going 2-for-3 with two doubles—half of Penn’s four hits on the night. Gavin Collins and Asa Wilson recorded the team’s other hits, while Davis Baker’s 16-game hitting streak ended, though he extended his on-base streak to 17 games with a walk.
Josh Katz (0-1) took the loss on the mound, while Marshall Mott tossed a scoreless inning of relief, striking out two. Penn looks to regroup as the series continues on Saturday.
Saturday's Philly D-I Schedule
Saint Joseph's at Mount St. Mary's (DH) (12pm)
Penn at No. 9 Florida State (2pm)
Villanova at Winthrop (2pm)
