'Lucky' Villanova Grad Starts For Cubs After National Title

Chicago Cubs outfielder Matt Szczur got the start Tuesday because he was a Villanova grad. It paid off.

Szczur was a long shot to make the team, and an even longer shot to garner any playing time, on a roster that is widely considered the most talented in all of baseball.

However, on Tuesday night, Cubs manager Joe Maddon gave the only Villanova alum in the majors a shot - because of the "good mojo" of his alma mater.

"Villanova wins the national championship, so I thought it was a good bet for tonight," Maddon told MLB.com.

It was.

Szczur went three for three on the day, including a home run, leading the Cubs to their second straight victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

It's unclear how long Maddon will play the lucky hand. Szczur is battling extremely talented youngsters Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler for playing time in the outfield.

And The Cubs and Szczur are back in action Thursday night when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But one thing is clear: the Wildcats success on Monday night in the National Championship is paying dividends for alums in all kinds of ways.

Image courtesy Gamweb via Commons.