Temple University Athletics
Villanova Shocks Temple With 12 Unanswered Runs To Win 13-5
4.22.08 | Baseball
April 22, 2008
AMBLER, PA - Villanova scored 12 unanswered runs over its final three at-bats to rally from a 5-1 deficit to beat Temple, 13-5, on Tuesday at Skip Wilson Field. The Owls rode the arm of freshman starter Steve Nikorak, who allowed just one earned run in six innings, but saw the lead evaporate after a four-run seventh and three-run eighth by the Wildcats. Freshman Byron McKoy continued his torrid hitting, going 3-for-4 with a single, double and home run.
Nikorak left the game after six full innings leading 5-1, but was saddled with the no-decision. He scattered five hits and struck out two to lower his team-best ERA to 2.49. After making his debut on the mound on April 2, Nikorak has been nothing short of spectacular in four mid-week appearances, giving his team a chance to win every time on the hill.
McKoy led off the game with a line-drive home run to left-center, his team-leading fourth of the season, and never looked back. The reigning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week and Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Week scored three of Temple's five runs and was on base four times.
The Charlotte, NC native is seven for his last 10 and has raised his average from .301 to .356 during his current eight-game hitting streak. He is batting .486 (18-for-37) during that span.
Villanova's James Dolbier launched a three-run home run down the leftfield line with two outs as part of a four-run seventh inning that tied the game at 5-5. Winning pitcher Kyle Carver (2-1) led off the eighth with a solo homer to left-center that gave the Wildcats the lead for good. They would add on seven more runs over the next two frames to complete the scoring.
Every Owl starter had at least one hit in the contest. Junior Jamie Abercrombie doubled and had a pair of RBI.
Carver picked up the win, despite allowing two earned runs in two innings. Josh Eidell, who entered the game in the eighth with an 8-5 lead, picked up his seventh save of the season.
Sophomore Ryan Thomas suffered the loss to fall to 2-2. He allowed three earned runs in an inning of work.
Dolbier, Dan Terpak and Derek Shunk all drove in three runs for Villanova (19-20).
Temple (20-18) will host Fordham in a three-game Atlantic 10 series beginning on Friday. First pitch is set for 3 PM.
