ARLINGTON, Texas – UT Arlington opened its weekend series with a 9–3 win over Villanova on Friday night at Clay Gould Ballpark, using a fast start and steady offense to control the opener.
The Mavericks struck first with a run in the second, then broke the game open with a two-run homer from
Xavier Melendez in the third and an RBI double from
Xander McAfee in the fourth to build a 4–0 lead. After Villanova closed to within 4–2 in the sixth, McAfee answered with a two-run home run in the bottom half before UTA added three more in the eighth to put the game out of reach.
Offensively,
Noah Fields finished 3-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, while McAfee went 3-for-5 with a double, home run, four RBIs and two runs scored. Laracuente added two doubles and two runs from the leadoff spot, and Melendez delivered his early two-run shot to left.
Pitching Profile
- Caylon Dygert earned the win, working 5.2 innings and allowing two runs on six hits with five strikeouts and one walk.
- Landon Murphy, Hayes Melville and Jacob Havern covered the final 3.1 innings, combining to allow one run and helping secure the 9–3 victory.
On Deck
UT Arlington continues the series against Villanova on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Clay Gould Ballpark.
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