GERALDTON, Ontario (Interstat) — Maddix Dalena’s two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted Connecticut to a 6-5 victory over Villanova on Thursday afternoon at Elliot Ballpark in a Big East matchup.

The Huskies improved to 31-23 overall and 13-11 in conference play, while the Wildcats fell to 18-29 and 7-16.

Connecticut starter Charlie West turned in a dominant performance, tossing six innings of seven-hit shutout ball with seven strikeouts. West, who entered with a 4.02 ERA following a loss to East Tennessee State on May 1, allowed no earned runs while walking none. He retired the side in order in the first and third innings and consistently worked out of jams.

Villanova starter JP Podgorski matched West through four innings despite allowing four earned runs. Podgorski gave up eight hits and struck out four over six innings, but Connecticut manufactured runs with small-ball tactics and timely hits.

The Huskies struck first in the bottom of the first. Anthony Belisario led off with a double to right-center, advanced to third on a Cam Righi single and scored on Jack Marshall’s sacrifice fly to left.

Connecticut added a run in the third when Belisario singled, moved to second on Righi’s single, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Marshall’s groundout to shortstop.

The Huskies extended the lead in the fifth. Belisario singled and moved to third on Righi’s single. Marshall then singled to right to drive in Belisario. Dalena grounded out to first, scoring Righi for a 4-0 advantage.

Villanova’s offense remained quiet through six innings against West. The Wildcats managed only three hits through the first four frames and left runners in scoring position in the third and fourth.

The Wildcats finally broke through in the top of the eighth against Connecticut reliever Charlie Hale. Collin Quintano was hit by a pitch and Michael Whooley singled. After a flyout and strikeout, Lawrence Hotaling singled to left, scoring Quintano. A throwing error by second baseman Rob Rispoli allowed Hotaling and Whooley to score, tying the game at 4-4. Hale was charged with three runs, all unearned, in 2.1 innings.

Connecticut answered immediately in the bottom of the eighth against Villanova reliever Jake Francis. Jack Marshall led off with a double to left. Dalena then crushed a 1-0 pitch over the right-field wall for a two-run homer, giving the Huskies a 6-4 lead. It was Dalena’s 10th home run of the season.

Matthew Kahn relieved Francis and recorded two strikeouts, but the damage was done.

Villanova mounted a final rally in the top of the ninth against Connecticut closer Greg Shaw. JoJo Montgomery walked and Quintano followed with a towering two-run homer to left-center, cutting the deficit to 6-5. But Shaw settled down, striking out Michael Whooley and Austin Lemon to end the game. Shaw earned the save with 0.2 perfect innings and two strikeouts.

Quintano finished 1 for 3 with a walk, a hit-by-pitch and two RBIs. Hotaling went 3 for 4 with an RBI for Villanova. Belisario led Connecticut’s offense with three hits in four at-bats and scored three runs. Marshall doubled and drove in three runs on two hits. Dalena drove in three with his homer.

Connecticut outhit Villanova 10-10, but the Huskies capitalized on two Villanova errors and a wild pitch.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Connecticut 7, Villanova 6, and Interstat’s ELO system gave Connecticut an 83.10 percent probability to win. The series continues with games Friday and Saturday at Elliot Ballpark.