CHARLESTON – Villanova claimed the series opener over Charleston Southern on Friday evening by a final score of 5-4.
 
Villanova was the first team to get on the scoreboard with a single and hit by pitch getting runners on base in the first inning. Carter Riche had a double to left center to bring both around and put the score at 2-0 early.
 
In the third, Charleston Southern tallied three runs to take their first lead of the game. Tyler Wright had an RBI single up the middle to score Blake Edgmon. Later in the inning, Alex Marot doubled to score Wright and a Lucas Pringle sacrifice fly brought Tuupo home to place the scoreline at 3-2.
 
In the fifth, the Wildcats regained the lead, scoring three of their own in the frame. They had a two RBI double to take the lead at 4-3 and a triple to score another pushing it to a 5-3 edge.
 
Charleston Southern got one back in the sixth off a Wright double to right center that scored Garrison Barile from third to cut their deficit to one run. Neither team went on to score more, while the Bucs placed runners on in the eighth and ninth to threaten but were unable to bring any home.
 
As a team, the Bucs finished with ten hits with Wright leading them with four on the day. Edgmon added two to have multiple on the day as well. Wright also led the team in RBIs with two while Marot and Pringle each had one. They also drew four walks and two hit by pitches.
 
On the mound, Titus Von Kapff started and threw the first five innings allowing all five earned runs. He allowed just four hits and a walk in the outing. Jack Bunnell was the lone relief pitcher used and threw a shutout for his 4.0 frames while allowing just three hits.
 
The two teams will return to Nielsen Field @ CSU Ballpark tomorrow afternoon with the second game of the series scheduled for a noon first pitch. The game will be available live on ESPN+ with Paul MacDonald to be on the call.