Big East: Luck Runs Out

By Grant Tunkel - May 23, 2007

For the first time since 2001, the Big East champion will not be Notre Dame. And Villanova, in search of its first championship since 1991, will live another game.

Notre Dame starter David Phelps went the distance, allowing only 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 8, but the Irish bats were stymied all day long by the arms - and legs - of Villanova's pitchers. The Wildcat combo of Jordon Ellis (who gets the win) and Josh Eidell (the save) allowed only 2 runs on 5 hits.

Jim Gillin's solo home run to lead off the 4th proves to be the game-winner. Perhaps Gillin - whose name is similar to that of Jim Gilliam, who patrolled second base in Brooklyn for 5 seasons - channeled some of that Brooklyn mystique to propel his team forward.

OK, maybe that's a stretch. But still, the Wildcats win 3-2.

Stay tuned as Touching the Bases brings you coverage of the rest of today's Big East games. Next up, in the second elimination game of the day, Pittsburgh will face UConn.