JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Lefty
Peter Holden spun a quality start with a strong seven-inning outing and the Ospreys outhit Villanova, 7-5, but the visitors capitalized on one more scoring opportunity as North Florida (2-3), was clipped in a pitcher's duel with the Wildcats, 2-1, Friday, Feb. 24.
Holden permitted just two runs across seven innings, fanning one batter per frame while surrendering just five hits and a pair of free passes. Runners left on base loomed large in UNF's loss, with North Florida leaving 11 on the basepaths to just four for Villanova (1-3).
VILLANOVA 2, UNF 1
Pitchers of Record
Win: Chic DeGaetano (1-0)
Loss:
Peter Holden (0-1)
Save: Patrick Montfort (1)
Line Scores
VILLANOVA | 2R, 5H, E, 4 LOB
UNF | R, 7H, 0E, 11 LOB
Behind the Line Score
- Villanova pushed one across in the second thanks to consecutive singles and an RBI fielder's choice
- North Florida had arguably its best chance to score all game, loading the bags in the second, but a strikeout and a fly out on the payoff pitch allowed Nova to escape
- That score remained until Nova opened the fourth with a double and a walk. Cherokee Nichols showed off his arm by cutting down Villanova's Jack O'Reilly at home on his attempt to score on August Biggio's single
- Austin Brinling provided a spark in the fifth, doubling to open the frame before scoring on Peyton Sybrandt's two-out single
- UNF had chances late, but Villanova held on
Statistical Leaders
VILLANOVA
- Jack O'Reilly | 2-for-3, R, RBI, BB, 2B
- Chic DeGaetano | W, 3.1 IP, 4H, ER, 2BB, K
UNF
Notes
- It's the second-straight Friday night game that has been decided by a run
- Holden hasn't allowed more than two earned in both of his starts. He pitched the required amount to be eligible for a victory in both
- It was the first-ever meeting between the two teams
- North Florida last played a Big East team when the Ospreys hosted Butler last March
- UNF drew seven walks but left at least one runner on base in all nine innings
- Holden's seven-inning outing was the third longest of his career
- Lance Bolton had his third-scoreless relief outing of the year
- Every Osprey starter reached base
Up Next
The Ospreys and Wildcats get going tomorrow at 2:05 p.m.