Wildcats, Rattlers Set for Afternoon Rematch in Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Villanova Wildcats and Florida A&M Rattlers will meet for the second straight day Saturday afternoon at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 1:07 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies and a game-time temperature of 78 degrees.

The Rattlers (4-9) evened the series with a 4-1 victory Friday afternoon behind a dominant pitching performance. Florida A&M will look to secure the series win, while Villanova (3-7) aims to rebound and salvage a split.

A key rematch on the mound is in focus. Florida A&M right-hander Caleb Granger is expected to start after baffling Villanova just yesterday. Granger (2-1, 2.45 ERA) earned the win Friday, allowing one earned run on eight hits while striking out eight over eight strong innings. In his last two starts, he has pitched 14 1/3 innings, surrendering just one earned run.

Villanova will likely counter with reliever Bobby Finn, who was brilliant in Friday’s loss. Finn threw 3 1/3 perfect innings of relief, striking out four. His season has been volatile, however, including a recent outing where he allowed five earned runs without recording a full inning.

Both teams have struggled for consistency this season. Villanova’s 3-7 start includes a recent 4-0 win at North Florida but also a three-game sweep at the hands of Florida Atlantic. The Rattlers’ 4-9 mark features a shutout win over Central Connecticut but also a five-game losing streak earlier in February.

Statistical projections offer a split decision. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 3-2 Villanova victory, while its ELO rating system gives Florida A&M a slight edge with a 53.3% probability to win.

For Villanova, catcher Mark Gialluisi, who drove in the team’s lone run Friday, will be looked to for offensive production. Florida A&M shortstop Matthew Perez, who had an RBI in the series opener, aims to provide support for Granger.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon.