Panthers Split Doubleheader With Villanova
4/16/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Panthers Split Doubleheader With Villanova
4/16/2005
PITTSBURGH -
In the first game, Pittsburgh got on the board early as Jeff Stevens lined a solo shot over the left field wall giving the Panthers the 1-0 lead.
After Villanova tied it up in the top of the third, the Panthers answered back by scoring two more runs in the bottom of the third making it 3-1. Copeland led off as he blasted a solo homer to left field. Jim Negrych then reached base on a walk and eventually stole second. Negrych scored on a Sean Conley single up the middle.
The Wildcats were able to score three runs in the top of the fifth leaving them with a 4-3 advantage. The lead would not last long, however, as the Panthers also scored three runs in the fifth. Copeland picked up his second home run of the game with shot to straight away center field. Negrych kept things going as he singled through the right side. Peter Parise then reached base on a hit by pitch and both he and Negrych would score on a Conley double to left field, making it a final of 6-4.
Pittsburgh?s starting hurler, Billy Muldowney, picked up his third win on the season. Muldowney pitched all seven innings and struck out nine Wildcats in the win.
Villanova?s Nick Allen endured the loss on the mound giving him a 5-2 overall record.
In the second game, both teams battled through 10 innings, as Pittsburgh fell short in a 9-8 loss to the Wildcats. With the game tied at eight going into the 10th inning, Villanova scored as Angelo Petracca singled to plate teammate, Kris Molloy. The Panthers were unable to respond in the bottom of the inning, leaving the Wildcats with the victory.
Copeland again went 3-for-4 at the plate, which included his tenth double on the year. Jimmy Mayer went 4-for-5, tying his season best hits in a game. Stevens finished with two home runs in the game and Negrych also contributed with a two run homer to center.
Villanova?s Mike Grodecki got his first win on the year, pitching two innings and striking out two batters.
Shaun Butler, while allowing just one run and striking out four batters, picked up his fourth loss on the year for the Panthers.
Pittsburgh will have another shot at Villanova as they finish up the series in a single game on Sunday April 17 at Trees Field starting at noon.
NOTES: Head Coach Joe Jordano is just one win away from reaching 500 for his career...Copeland finished with four runs, six hits and two RBIs in the games...Stevens had three home runs in the games and now has four on the year...Negrych also homered in the second game giving him a total of seven so far this season.