Catcher Jason Neff and third baseman Michael Whooley continued their strong starts to the season, leading Villanova to a 12-2 victory over Coppin State on Tuesday afternoon at Villanova Ballpark. The game was called after seven innings, securing the Wildcats' fourth win in seven games.
Whooley, who entered the season with just six career home runs, has already gone deep three times through seven games. His latest came in the sixth inning, a solo shot that marked his third consecutive game with a home run. He finished the day 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
Neff, meanwhile, stayed red-hot at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, a walk, and two stolen bases. Over his last four games, he is hitting .571 (8-for-14) with three homers and nine RBIs.
On the mound, Jake Francis delivered a strong season debut, tossing five innings of one-run ball while allowing just three hits. His WHIP now stands at a team-best 0.54. Bobby Finn took over in relief in the sixth, surrendering one run while striking out four.
Next up, the Wildcats head to Nashville for a three-game weekend series at Lipscomb, beginning Friday at 4 p.m. ET at Ken Dugan Field.
Elsewhere in Philadelphia D-I Action
Saint Joseph’s mounted a late rally but fell short against Rutgers, losing 12-6 on Tuesday afternoon at Bainton Field. Blake Primrose led the Hawks’ offense, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, while Colin Meyers and Alex Kelsey each contributed two hits.
The Hawks will travel to Bucknell for a doubleheader on Saturday before returning home to host the Bison at Smithson Field on Sunday.
