Evanston, Ill. - Northwestern scored nine runs in the first two innings and went on to defeat Valpo 13-7. Kevin Kutansky had two hits and two RBIs for the Crusaders. Jeff Rickert also had two hits.

Valpo (4-17) plated six runs in the fourth inning to trim the Wildcats' lead to 9-6. Colin Reynolds and Eddie Hannan delivered back-to-back RBI doubles and Kutansky produced a two-run single. The other runs scored on a throwing error and a bases-loaded walk.

The Crusaders added their other tally in the seventh when Ryan Manthei singled and eventually scored on Jeff Rickert's triple.

Jon Mikrut went 4-for-5 with four RBIs for Northwestern (12-11-1). Anthony Wycklendt had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Mark Ori had two hits and two RBIs. Mark Brimmer hit an inside-the-park homer in the first inning.

Harvey Yergin (1-2) started on the mound for Valpo, hurling 2 innings. Dan Konecny (2-4) pitched 3 innings to earn the win for Northwestern.

Valpo travels to play at Notre Dame on Wednesday beginning at 6:05 p.m.