So here’s a question: Has Jason Neff officially applied for the job of Villanova’s walk-off specialist yet? Because if not, someone needs to get him the paperwork.
Neff did it again Friday afternoon, playing the role of hero with a ninth-inning single that turned into a game-winner after an NJIT outfield miscue. That meant Villanova walked off with a 2-1 victory at Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth, and it meant Neff just keeps on adding to his growing legend.
But wait, there’s more. Because Neff didn’t just deliver in the clutch—again. He also went 2-for-4, extending his multi-hit streak to four games, and picked up his team-leading 24th RBI of the season. Basically, if there’s a Villanova baseball bingo card, he’s filling every square.
Of course, none of this happens without Bobby Olsen doing his best impression of an ace. The right-hander gave the Wildcats eight dominant innings, striking out a season-high nine while surrendering just one run. And if that sounds familiar, it’s because he did the exact same thing in his last start—eight innings, one run, pure dominance. His ERA? A tidy 2.73 over five starts.
But back to the madness in the ninth. After two quick outs, Villanova’s hopes of avoiding extra innings rested on Michael Whooley, who worked a full count before slapping a single into right. Then Neff stepped up and did what Neff does, sending a 2-2 pitch into left. Whooley, thinking two bases was the plan, slowed up at second—only to watch the ball skip past the left fielder. Suddenly, he was sprinting home, Villanova was celebrating, and somewhere, a baseball scriptwriter was nodding in approval.
Jake Francis picked up his team-leading third win in relief, but make no mistake: This was another episode of the Jason Neff Show. And at this point, everyone might as well stick around for the next episode.
