Niles, Ohio - Despite solid pitching performances, Valpo fell to Youngstown State and Akron in a day/night doubleheader. The Crusaders (3-7-1) lost 4-1 to YSU in the first game before dropping a 3-2 contest to Akron in the nightcap. Marc Boggio hurled 6 innings, allowing two earned runs against the Penguins, while freshman Elliott Gibbs pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing three earned runs against the Zips. Jeff Mandsager had an RBI in each game for Valpo.

Against YSU (5-9), Boggio and Mandsager hit consecutive doubles in the fourth inning for Valpo's lone run off Corey Ohalek (2-1). Ohalek struck out nine and walked three, while allowing five hits.

The Penguins scored single runs in the second and third innings, and added two unearned runs in the sixth. Boggio (0-2) scattered six hits and fanned five, while walking three.

In the nightcap, Akron (3-9) tallied all three of its runs in the third inning. The Crusaders got on the scoreboard in the sixth when Mandsager had an RBI groundout.

Valpo mounted a rally in the seventh and had the tying run on second. Prior to the final out, Eric Snyder doubled home Nick Mazzone, who earned a two-out walk.

Gibbs struck out four and walked one, while allowing seven hits. Tom Starck retired the last two batters for the Crusaders. Akron's Frank Mendoza (2-1) allowed two hits and one run in 6 innings, while striking out 10 and walking one. Dan Swallie earned his second save.

Boggio and Snyder had two hits each during the day/night twinbill.

Valpo plays Akron on Sunday at noon EST in Niles, Ohio.