Box Score SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – The Villanova baseball team fell to Seton Hall, 9-3, on Friday, April 24 in the series opener.

The Pirates struck first in the opening frame of BIG EAST play, using a leadoff double to left-center. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runner to third, a sacrifice fly brought home the game's first run.

Villanova answered in the top of the second. The Wildcats worked a pair of walks to put runners on, and with two outs, Mark Gialluisi grounded to short, allowing Collin Quintano to score and even the game at 1-1.

Seton Hall regained the lead in the bottom of the third with a sacrifice fly following a triple to right field. Villanova quickly responded in the top half of the inning.

Brayden Leonard doubled to right-center and Michael Whooley followed with a single to put two on. Quintano then delivered an RBI double to right-center, plating Leonard to tie the game at 2-2.

The back-and-forth continued in the bottom of the third as the Pirates capitalized on two walks and a single to load the bases. A sacrifice fly and a two-run single pushed Seton Hall ahead, 5-2.

Seton Hall added to its lead in the fourth with its third sacrifice fly of the game, making it 6-2. The Pirates extended their advantage again in the sixth, using a two-out single followed by a triple to go up 7-2.

Villanova got one back in the seventh. Leonard singled and stole second to move into scoring position, and Quintano drove him in with a single through the left side, cutting the deficit to 7-3.

Seton Hall added two more runs late, scoring on a triple and an RBI single in the eighth to extend the lead to 9-3.

Villanova was unable to mount a comeback in the ninth, dropping game one of the series.

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Due to inclement weather, the Wildcats and Pirates will conclude the series with a doubleheader on Sunday. First pitch for game one is set for 12:05 p.m.