Villanova, Pa. — LIU held off Villanova on Friday in a 10-7 win that began with a special dominant performance from starting pitcher Garrett Yawn.

Yawn was flawless early, pitching five and a third perfect innings that gave way to a 5-0 Sharks lead by the sixth inning. Yawn hit Villanova shortstop Tyler Shaw with one out in the inning, ending his bid at perfection and gave up his first hit later in the inning. Still, Yawn managed to keep the Wildcats scoreless through six and finished the seventh despite surrendering three runs. He picked up the win, pitching seven innings with three strikeouts while allowing just three runs, three hits, and one walk.

Though Villanova would chip away at LIU's lead, the Sharks kept the pressure on thanks to a consistent offensive attack -- scoring in each of the final three innings -- including three runs in the eighth. Jack Power added to his NEC-leading home run lead (11) with two more in a 3-for-4 day that also included a double, three RBI, and three runs scored. Max Samson hit his first home run of the year to go with three RBI in a 2-for 5 performance, Tyler Benick went 3-for 4, and Ryan Rivera also added two hits in the Sharks' victory.

LIU and Villanova will play game two of their series on Saturday, March 29 at 1 p.m.