Saint Joseph’s split a doubleheader with Bucknell on Saturday, dropping a low-scoring opener before erupting for a run-rule victory in Game 2. Bucknell’s Tyler O’Neill went the distance in the first game, allowing just one run on six hits over seven innings. Colton Book suffered the loss, giving up his first runs of the season after opening the year with a 14-inning scoreless streak. He allowed two runs on six hits while striking out six.
Bucknell (5-4) struck first in the second inning, manufacturing runs with small ball. A walk and a pair of bunt singles set the table before Andrew Swenson drove in the game’s first run with a fielder’s choice. Moments later, Matt Alexander executed a squeeze bunt to double the advantage. The Hawks answered in the bottom half when Sam Meyer led off with a solo home run, but that would be the only offense of the game as neither team managed another run in the scheduled seven-inning contest.
Saint Joseph’s flipped the script in the nightcap with an offensive explosion and dominant pitching. Frank Ciccone delivered a stellar performance, earning the win with 4 2/3 shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five. Ben Magovern took the loss, surrendering six runs on four hits and two walks in 3 1/3 innings. Ethan Bowen and Nathan Stein combined for 2 1/3 shutout innings to cap the Hawks’ dominant effort on the mound.
Colin Meyers paced the offense, going 3-for-4 in Game 2 and 4-for-6 on the day while scoring twice and driving in a run. Aidan Duda crossed the plate three times, while Myers finished with four RBIs. Every Hawk in the starting lineup either scored or drove in a run as Saint Joseph’s ran away with the victory. The Hawks (5-4) return to action Tuesday at Rider.
Villanova Downs Lipscomb Behind McCollough’s Gem
Elsewhere, Luke McCollough delivered a dominant performance for Villanova, tossing seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and one walk in an 8-3 win over Lipscomb on Saturday at Ken Dugan Field. The Wildcats’ offense backed him up with an impressive showing at the plate, led by Brayden Leonard, who finished with two hits, a home run, and three RBIs. Jason Neff added a strong performance, going 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored, while Josue Valdez made the most of his first start of the season, tallying a career-high three hits and driving in two.
Villanova will face Lipscomb in a rubber match on Sunday.
