It’s been the best week to be a Villanova fan since 1985. On Monday, Kris Jenkins went down in NCAA history for his game-winning buzz beater to claim a national championship.
On Tuesday, Villanova grad and Chicago Cubs’ player Matt Szczur benefitted by getting an “honorary” start thanks to Jenkins.
Filling in for an injured Javier Baez, who is on the 15-day DL with an injured thumb, Szczur was given his second starting nod of the season against the Los Angeles Angels due to his alma mater’s 77-74 win over the UNC Tar Heels, according to NBC Sports’ Bill Baer.
“Villanova wins the national championship, I thought it was a good bet for tonight again,” said Cubs manager Joe Maddon about starting Szczur.
And Szczur didn’t disappoint, as the Villanova grad hit a three-run double on Monday night and followed it up with a solo home run on Tuesday.
“It was poetic justice, wasn’t it?” Maddon said after the game, per ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. “Give him an opportunity to get out there and play a little bit. We have to check him out.”
Poetic justice indeed. If you’re going to bet on anyone from Villanova, now’s the time to do it.
