Beacons, Bears to Clash in Big Series This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play an important series in the Missouri Valley Conference standings as Missouri State makes its way to Emory G. Bauer Field for three this weekend. Valpo enters the weekend just a game behind the Bears and Bradley, who are tied for eighth in the MVC standings. Since eight teams make the league tournament, a series win over the Bears could go a long way to putting Valpo in position to make the tournament field. This continues a home-heavy stretch as Valpo plays its second straight home weekend and continues a month-long period without a hotel stay.

Notre Dame Nips Valpo in One-Run Affair

The Valparaiso University baseball team gave host Notre Dame just about all it could handle, but the Fighting Irish fended off the Beacons for a 7-6 victory on Tuesday at Frank Eck Stadium in Notre Dame, Ind. Carson Husmann (Hanna, Ind. / South Central [Bradley]) hit a late three-run shot for the Beacons.

Valpo to Clash with Instate Foe Notre Dame on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make the short trip east to face off with instate foe Notre Dame in Tuesday’s midweek matchup. The Beacons will attempt to get back in the road win column as they try to bring an 11-game road skid to a halt. Valpo head coach Brian Schmack is seeking his 200th career win on Tuesday.

Belmont Takes Rubber Match of Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped Sunday’s rubber match to Belmont 15-8 on a sunny and warm Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) and Carson Husmann (Hanna, Ind. / South Central [Bradley]) slugged ninth-inning home runs, but it was too little too late in a game where Belmont built up a 10-run lead by the fifth inning.

Baseball Rallies for Balk-Off Win Over Belmont

The path to get there may not have been how the Valparaiso University baseball team drew it up, but Saturday’s result was exactly what the Beacons needed as the team came from 7-0 down to beat Belmont 10-9, snapping a five-game losing streak and leveling this weekend’s series at one victory apiece. Valpo walked off with three runs in the bottom of the ninth, including a game-ending balk as Carson Husmann (Hanna, Ind. / South Central [Bradley]) broke for the plate as the pitcher began his windup, leading to the balk that sent Valpo into celebration mode on a sunny and pleasant day at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Husmann Homers, Beacons Walk Away with Little to Show for 11 Walks

The Valparaiso University baseball team had plenty of action on the base paths early in Friday’s series opener against Belmont, but the Beacons did not crack the hit column until Carson Husmann (Hannah, Ind. / South Central [Bradley]) lifted a solo homer in the seventh in a 9-2 defeat at Emory G. Bauer Field on Friday. The Beacon batters showed plenty of patience at the plate against Belmont’s Will Pryor as he issued nine walks and hit a batter over three innings, but could not cash in on those chances on a rainy and miserable afternoon where the wind was howling out to right field.

Valpo to Begin Home-Heavy Stretch vs. Belmont

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its home success as the Beacons attempt to build upon a 3-1 Emory G. Bauer Field record during this weekend’s three-game series against Belmont. This starts a home-heavy stretch for the Beacons as three of the next four Missouri Valley Conference series will be at home and the one road weekend will be comprised of three one-day trips to UIC. The road-weary Beacons are in the midst of a welcome change of pace as they are just beginning a stretch of over a month between hotel stays.

Renfro, Ryan Homer in Home State on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team jumped out to an early 3-0 lead thanks in part to home runs by Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, Wis. / Lakeside Lutheran) and Brady Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) in their return to their home state, but host Milwaukee scored seven unanswered to win 7-3 at Franklin Field in Franklin, Wis. on Tuesday. Valpo outhit Milwaukee 11-7 and six of the team’s 11 hits went for extra bases.

Turzenski to Start as Valpo Visits Milwaukee for Midweek

The Valparaiso University baseball team will tangle with a former conference foe on Tuesday as the Beacons battle Milwaukee at Franklin Field in Franklin, Wis. These two teams were scheduled to get together last week at Emory G. Bauer Field, but that game was canceled due to rain and field conditions.

Valpo Drops Finale in Normal

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 6-0 to host Illinois State in Sunday’s series finale in Normal, Ill. Bryce Konitzer (Mukwonago, Wis. / Mukwonago [Oakland]) did not allow a run over his three innings of relief, providing a bright spot for the Beacons. The game was played after a long rain delay on a windy, cold and wet day in Central Illinois.

Lockwood Outdueled as Redbirds Prevail on Saturday

Pitching and defense ruled the day for both teams, but Illinois State was a smidge better as Tyrelle Chadwick outdueled Valpo starter Connor Lockwood (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) on a day where all of the hosts’ scoring came in the third inning. Valpo pushed across a single run in the eighth but couldn’t fully break through in a 3-1 setback on Saturday in Normal, Ill. All 16 hits in the game were singles as neither squad produced an extra-base knock.

Maka Homers in Series-Opening Setback

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell to Illinois State 11-1 in seven innings on Friday in the opening game of a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series in Normal, Ill. Ryan Maka homered to provide a bright spot for the Beacons.

Baseball Beacons to Visit Illinois State This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will return to the road this weekend for a three-game series at Illinois State beginning on Friday evening. After this trip, the Beacons will grow more accustomed to sleeping in their own beds, as they will have over a month before their next overnight travel. But first they will look to take care of business on the road in another important Missouri Valley Conference series at Duffy Bass Field.

Weather Impacts Midweek Baseball Schedule

Tuesday’s scheduled Valparaiso University baseball game vs. Milwaukee has been canceled due to rain and unplayable field conditions.

Lockwood Named MVC Pitcher of the Week

After throwing a complete game in Saturday’s 9-2 win over Bradley, Valparaiso University baseball pitcher Connor Lockwood (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week.

Beacons Blitz Braves on Easter Sunday at the Yard

It was a Happy Easter indeed for the Valparaiso University baseball team as the Beacons downed visiting Bradley 13-2 in seven innings in a game that lasted under two hours on Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo put up four runs in the third and broke it wide open with a “touchdown” in the fourth on a day where Carson Husmann (Hanna, Ind. / South Central [Bradley]) delivered a bases-clearing double against his former team and Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) spanked yet another home run to help Valpo to its most lopsided Missouri Valley Conference victory since joining the league.

Lockwood Goes Distance as Big Eighth Inning Helps Valpo Over Bradley

After a brief start to open the series on Friday, an extended outing from Saturday’s starting pitcher was just what the doctor ordered for the Valparaiso University baseball team. Connor Lockwood (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) delivered that in a big way, going the distance in a 9-2 victory over Bradley on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Beacons took the lead with two in the seventh and then pulled away by scoring a half a dozen in the eighth.

Braves Take Series Opener from Beacons

A first-inning offensive explosion that transformed into a pitchers’ duel thereafter saw the Valparaiso University baseball team drop the series opener against visiting Bradley 6-4 on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Valpo bullpen performed well after entering the game in the second inning, but a four-run first for the guests proved pivotal in the game’s outcome.

Valpo to Host First Home Set of Season vs. Bradley

The Valparaiso University baseball team will host its first home weekend series of the season as the league portion of the Emory G. Bauer Field docket gets underway when the Beacons welcome Bradley for an Easter Weekend set. Valpo will attempt to repeat its success from last season against the Braves and get back on track after the opening weekend of conference play at Southern Illinois. Valpo will play four straight at home after having played just one home game out of 23 contests thus far.

Valpo Edged by No. 7 Vandy in Midweek Matchup

The Valparaiso University baseball pitching staff kept the lineup of one of the nation’s top teams mostly in check, but No. 7 Vanderbilt edged out a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night at Hawkins Field in Nashville, Tenn. Valpo pitchers racked up 12 strikeouts including six in 2 2/3 innings from freshman lefty Lucas Foley (Deer Park, Ill. / Lake Zurich).

Valpo to Visit No. 7 Vandy on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will wrap up a four-game, six-day road trip on Tuesday evening as the Beacons take the field at No. 7 Vanderbilt for a midweek tilt. After playing three Missouri Valley Conference games at Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Ill. over the weekend, Valpo traveled directly to Nashville to close out the road swing with the team’s seventh game this season against top-25 competition.

Valpo Outhits SIU for Second Time in Series, Drops Finale in Carbondale

The Valparaiso University baseball team held the advantage in the hit column for the second time in this weekend’s three-game series, but host Southern Illinois prevailed 9-5 in Sunday’s series finale despite being outhit 10-7 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. The free-base battle plagued the Beacons in this one as Valpo pitching issued nine walks while SIU hurlers walked none.

Alex Ryan Homers in Saturday Setback to Salukis

Host Southern Illinois hit four home runs to right field on a day where the wind was blowing out to right and the ball was carrying in that direction at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. on their way to beating the Valparaiso University baseball team 13-1 in eight innings. Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, Wis. / Lakeside Lutheran) ripped a home run to left to account for the Beacon tally.

Valpo Threatens Late But Can’t Overcome Early Deficit in MVC Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team created numerous prime chances late in the game, but couldn’t fully break through in a 6-4 setback to Southern Illinois in Friday’s Missouri Valley Conference opener in Carbondale, Ill. The Beacons were down 5-0 through two innings but scored single tallies in four of the final five frames to creep back into the game. Valpo flashed the leather throughout with several nifty plays while playing errorless ball.

Valpo Baseball to Open MVC Slate at SIU

The Missouri Valley Conference portion of the season gets underway this weekend as the Valparaiso University baseball team travels to Southern Illinois to clash with the Salukis. After recently returning from an 18-day, 11-game road trip over spring break, the Beacons will embark on another six-day journey as this trip will continue on to Nashville for a midweek matchup with nationally-ranked Vanderbilt after the weekend in Carbondale. Valpo enters this trip ranked No. 62 in the latest RPI.

Valpo Athletics Weekly: Baseball (3/20/24)

Longtime head baseball coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Athletics Weekly presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss how he's built a program with so many four- and five-year players in the transfer portal era, the return to the mound of Connor Lockwood, the career ascension of Kyle Schmack and more.

Schmack’s Birthday Blasts Propel Valpo to Victorious Home Opener

Hitting a home run on his 21st birthday in 2022 was nice, but Valparaiso University baseball fifth-year senior Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) had an even bigger gift in store for Beacon fans as he celebrated his 23rd birthday on Tuesday. Lucky for opposing pitchers, Valpo did not play on Schmack’s 22nd birthday last season, but he made up for it in Tuesday’s home opener at Emory G. Bauer Field, going deep twice in a 9-6 victory over Ball State. The Beacons overcame a 5-0 deficit to come away victorious.

Baseball to Open Home Slate on Tuesday

At long last, the Valparaiso University baseball team will take the field at home on Tuesday afternoon as instate foe Ball State makes its way to Emory G. Bauer Field for a midweek matchup. The Beacons, who rank 69th in the RPI, returned to Valparaiso late Sunday / early Monday after an 18-day, 11-game spring break excursion that saw Valpo tour the south and face off with warm-weather opponents. The team’s home opener comes after a season-opening stretch of 18 straight games away from home. This will also mark the final tune-up prior to Missouri Valley Conference play, which begins on Friday as a three-game series at Southern Illinois gets going in Carbondale.

Valpo Closes Spring Trip with High-Scoring Affair at No. 21 Campbell

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued to show an ability to pile up runs against a nationally-ranked opponent, but No. 21 Campbell rode a 10-run fifth inning to an 18-7, seven-inning victory in Sunday’s series finale in Buies Creek, N.C. Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) homered in his father Brian’s 500th game as Valpo head coach, while Kevin Denty (Tinley Park, Ill. / Marian Catholic) collected a team-high two hits.

Ryan Rips Two Homers in Defeat at No. 21 Campbell

Senior Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, Wis. / Lakeside Lutheran) smoked two home runs to provide a highlight, but the Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the middle game of this weekend’s series at No. 21 Campbell 13-4 on Saturday in Buies, Creek, N.C. Two big innings by a potent Camel offense proved to be the difference in the game as the hosts bookended their offensive day with big frames, scoring six times in the first and five in the eighth.

Valpo Edged by No. 21 Campbell on Walk-Off Homer

The Valparaiso University baseball team certainly held its own against a top-25 opponent, but No. 21 Campbell came from behind twice and won a topsy-turvy game 10-9 on a walk-off home run in Friday’s series opener in Buies Creek, N.C. The Beacons held leads of 5-1 and 9-5 against the Fighting Camels on a day where Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) went 3-for-3 and reached base five times.

Beacons to Face Nationally-Ranked Camels This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team has reached the final stop of a 19-day, 11-game journey as the Beacons have arrived in Buies Creek, N.C. for a three-game weekend series with No. 21 Campbell. This also closes a stretch of 18 straight games away from home to begin the season before Valpo finally opens up the home portion of the slate on Tuesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo, ranked 66th in the RPI, has held its own through 15 games with a nearly .500 record with almost every game coming on the road against warm-weather competition. The Beacons are 5-3 on this spring-break road trip with three games to play.

Solid Day on the Mound, Three-Run Ninth Help Valpo Past Gardner-Webb

The Valparaiso University baseball team received a solid start from Kaleb Krier (Altoona, Iowa / Southeast Polk [DMACC]) and the bullpen did good work, helping the Beacons capture a 5-2 road win over Gardner-Webb on Tuesday in Boiling Springs, N.C. Valpo hurlers did not issue a walk in the win.

Gardner-Webb On Deck as Spring Trip Rolls On

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make its next stop on an 18-day, 11-game journey as the Beacons trek just over the South Carolina/North Carolina state line to clash with Gardner-Webb in a midweek matchup. Valpo holds a solid 4-3 record over the first seven games of the spring break trip, which comes all on the road and all against warm-weather competition.

Valpo Posts a Dozen Hits in Setback at The Citadel

Five hitters in the Valparaiso University batting order enjoyed multi-hit games, but host The Citadel prevailed 10-6 on Sunday to fend off the series sweep in Charleston, S.C. Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) homered to contribute to an offense that racked up 12 hits in the series finale.

Valpo Takes Doubleheader from The Citadel on Eventful Day on the Diamond

Name something you love to see on the baseball diamond, and chances are it happened on Friday in Charleston, S.C.

Valpo Baseball to Make Next Stop of Spring Trip at The Citadel

A stretch of 19 straight days on the road during spring break for the Valparaiso University baseball team continues this weekend as the program’s annual spring trip makes its next stop in Charleston, S.C. for a three-game weekend series with The Citadel.

Beacons Rally in Ninth, Drop Heartbreaker in Walk-off Fashion

The Valparaiso University baseball team took the lead thanks to a clutch, go-ahead hit by Liam Patton (Barrington, Ill. / Warsaw [Wabash]) with two outs and two strikes in the top of the ninth, but host Jacksonville responded to Valpo’s three-run rally with two of their own in the bottom of the inning to walk off with a 6-5 victory in Tuesday’s midweek matchup in Jacksonville, Fla.

Baseball Edged by Binghamton to Close Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team was edged 3-2 by Binghamton on Sunday in a game hosted by Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Beacons still possessed a winning weekend after victories over Elon on Friday and Saturday.

Valpo Victorious for Second Straight Day at Elon

A day after defeating Elon ace and reigning Freshman All-American Justin Mitrovich on Friday, the Valparaiso University baseball team repeated its success against the Phoenix on Saturday, prevailing 7-5. Rain at Wake Forest led to a schedule change for this weekend’s event, and the Beacons took full advantage of the opportunity to once again face the Phoenix by finalizing a two-game sweep in Elon, N.C. against a team that won 33 games last season.

Denty’s Two-Homer Game Powers Valpo Past Elon

Freshman Kevin Denty (Tinley Park, Ill. / Marian Catholic) went deep twice while the team slugged three home runs on Friday as the Valparaiso University baseball team opened its spring trip with a 9-4 victory over Elon in North Carolina. Chase Maifield (Fox Lake, Ill. / Grant [Augustana]) also drilled a three-run shot on a day where newcomers accounted for three Beacon blasts.

Baseball to Begin Spring Trip with Wake Forest Tournament

The annual spring trip has arrived for the Valparaiso University baseball team as the Beacons will spend 19 consecutive days on the road as the team departs on Wednesday, Feb. 28 and returns to Valpo’s campus after a game at Campbell on Sunday, March 17. The first weekend of the spring trip features a tournament in North Carolina. Valpo will start the weekend by playing at Elon on Friday before visiting the No. 1 team in the nation – Wake Forest – on Saturday afternoon. The three-game event will wrap up on Sunday morning as Valpo battles Binghamton in a game hosted by Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Baseball Beacons Drop Series Finale at No. 17 Alabama

The Valparaiso University baseball team closed out a three-game series at No. 17 Alabama on Sunday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The Beacons once again struck first with a first-inning tally, but the Crimson Tide prevailed 11-1 in seven innings.

Schmack Homers, Doubles in Loss at No. 17 Alabama

The Valparaiso University baseball team jumped ahead with two runs in the first, but No. 17 Alabama responded with seven in their half of the inning on its way to a 13-3, seven-inning victory over the Beacons on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Baseball Falls to Nationally-Ranked Alabama in Series Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the series opener to No. 17 Alabama on Friday by a score of 14-2 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Crimson Tide put together four crooked numbers en route to invoking the 10-run rule after seven innings.

Nationally-Ranked Foe Awaits Baseball This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will be right back in The Heart of Dixie this weekend as the Beacons continue a season-opening stretch of seven straight games in the state of Alabama. This time, Valpo will visit the nationally-ranked Crimson Tide for a three-game weekend series in Tuscaloosa.

Schmack Hits Early Home Run in Series-Closing Defeat to Alabama State

The Valparaiso University baseball team jumped ahead early as Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) cracked a first-inning home run, but it was all Alabama State thereafter as the host Hornets buzzed by the Beacons 9-1 on Sunday to salvage a split in a four-game series that was highlighted by Valpo’s doubleheader sweep on Saturday in Montgomery, Ala.

Starting Pitching Shines as Valpo Sweeps Doubleheader from Alabama State

The Valparaiso University baseball team received stellar starting pitching performances in both games of a doubleheader, downing host Alabama State 8-2 in the opener before breaking through late to win the nightcap 8-1 in Montgomery, Ala. The victories came over a Hornets’ team that won their conference’s regular-season title and won 41 games last season.

Beacons Launch Three Home Runs, Alabama State Takes Series Opener

After hitting 50 home runs last season to mark the program’s highest total since 2001, the Valparaiso University baseball team picked up right where it left off by launching three big flies on Opening Night as the season got underway on Friday in Montgomery, Ala. Host Alabama State pulled away to beat the Beacons 16-5 in eight innings.

Baseball to Open Season at Alabama State

The 2024 Valparaiso University baseball season will get underway this weekend with a four-game series at Alabama State in Montgomery, Ala. The set will open on Friday night before the two teams double up on Saturday and close out the series with a Sunday matinee. This begins a challenging nonconference schedule for the Brown & Gold including a season-opening stretch of 18 straight games away from Emory G. Bauer Field.

Season Preview: Beacon Baseball Set to Toss Out First Pitch of 2024

With the bulk of the starting lineup back from a team that took a step forward in 2023, optimism is high at Emory G. Bauer Field as the Valparaiso University baseball team gets set to embark upon the 2024 season.

Ryan Maka Named to Preseason All-MVC Squad

Valparaiso University baseball junior outfielder Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) was named to the Preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference team, which was announced by the league office on Tuesday.

Valpo Baseball Reveals 2024 Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball team has revealed its schedule for the 2024 season, which will begin on Feb. 16 as the Beacons swing into action with a four-game series at Alabama State.

Valpo Baseball to Host Fall Prospect Camp

Valparaiso University’s baseball team will hold its Fall Prospect Camp on Oct. 15, 2023 at Emory G Bauer Field. Players in high school graduating classes of 2024-2027 are invited to attend.

Valpo Baseball to Hold Open Tryout on Aug. 29

The Valparaiso University baseball team will hold walk-on tryouts for the 2024 roster on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Tryouts will start at 5 p.m. at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Baseball Achieves ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award

The Valparaiso University baseball program has been recognized for its academic success by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) as a Team Academic Excellence Award winner.

Three Valpo Baseball Players Earn MVC Scholar-Athlete Honors

Three members of the Valparaiso University baseball program were recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference announced its Scholar-Athlete honors on Tuesday. Junior outfielder Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, Wis. / Lakeside Lutheran) and redshirt sophomore second baseman Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) were named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team, while redshirt sophomore outfielder Matt Olive (sports management / Minneapolis, Minn. / Blake School) garnered MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention.

Cottrill Deals, But Rally Falls Just Shy as Valpo Season Reaches Conclusion

Sophomore Josh Cottrill (Pewaukee, Wis. / Pewaukee) turned in the best outing of his collegiate career in relief and the offense slugged two home runs and pounded out 12 hits, but an early hole was too much to overcome as the Valparaiso University baseball team fell 10-9 to Belmont in a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament elimination game on Wednesday afternoon at Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute, Ind. This puts the finishing touches on a solid season for the Beacons, who boasted their highest overall and MVC-only win totals and winning percentages since joining the league.

Strong Start Not Enough as Murray State Defeats Valpo in MVC Tournament Opener

The eighth-seeded Valparaiso University baseball team held a four-run lead five batters into the game, but an impressive opening inning was not enough as Murray State pulled away for an 11-6 victory in the opening round of the double-elimination Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, hosted by Indiana State at Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute, Ind.

Valpo Product Chase Dawson to be Honored by Schaumburg Boomers

Former Valparaiso University baseball standout Chase Dawson (Chesterton, Ind. / Andrean) will be honored by the Schaumberg Boomers of the Frontier League on Sunday night as the first 1,000 fans to enter the gates of Wintrust Field will receive a Dawson bobblehead prior to the game against the New York Boulders at 6 p.m.

Maka Receives All-MVC First Team, Skrine Garners Honorable Mention

Valparaiso University baseball sophomore Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) was recognized for his stellar season on Monday night as he was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team, which was announced at the league’s postseason awards banquet in Terre Haute, Ind. In addition, senior catcher Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) earned All-MVC Honorable Mention.

Baseball Looks to Continue Best Season Since Joining MVC at League Tournament

After being picked to finish 10th in the preseason poll, the Valparaiso University baseball team has exceeded expectations by earning a spot in the eight-team Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, which will begin on Tuesday as the eighth-seeded Beacons take on fifth-seeded Murray State in the opening round. If Valpo beats Murray State in the first round of the double-elimination tournament, the Beacons will play top-seeded Indiana State on Wednesday at 3 p.m. CT. If Valpo drops the opening game, the Brown & Gold will play an elimination game at 11:30 a.m. CT on Wednesday.

Valpo Recognizes Seniors Prior to Regular-Season Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team recognized a trio of seniors prior to Saturday’s Senior Day contest, a 10-3 setback to Illinois State to close out the regular season at Emory G. Bauer Field. Pitchers Bobby Nowak (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central [Kankakee]) and Nathan Chasey (Ames, Iowa / Gilbert [Indian Hills CC]) along with catcher Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) comprised the senior class. Numerous former Valpo baseball players were in attendance as part of an event hosted by Valpo’s alumni office.

Skrine Launches Two Home Runs, But Illinois State Evens Series

After clinching a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament berth on Thursday, the Valparaiso University baseball team dropped a game that had no impact on which teams comprise the tournament field on Friday afternoon, falling 20-10 to Illinois State at Emory G. Bauer Field. Senior Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) ripped two home runs to increase his team-leading total to 11. The two teams played through intermittent rain over the course of the game.

Baseball Beacons Beat Birds, Clinch MVC Tournament Berth

The Valparaiso University baseball team is going to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Valpo Baseball Quintet Receives Academic All-District Honors

Five members of the Valparaiso University baseball program were recognized as Collegiate Sports Communicators (CSC, formerly known as CoSIDA) announced its Academic All-District honors on Tuesday.

Baseball Enters Weekend Needing One Win to Lock Up MVC Tournament Berth

The Valparaiso University baseball program has put itself in a good position to make the upcoming Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Terre Haute, but there is still work to be done this weekend at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo enters the three-game series against Illinois State needing one victory to lock up a conference-tournament berth. Valpo, Illinois State, Belmont and Bradley are all battling for the final two spots in the league tournament entering this weekend. In addition to important games, there will be a lot going on at Emory G. Bauer Field this weekend as Saturday will be a Valpo Alumni event with former members of the baseball program returning to town as well as senior day with three seniors being recognized as part of a pregame ceremony that will begin at 12:40 p.m.

No-Hit Nowak Not Enough as Belmont Takes Series Finale

Starting pitcher Bobby Nowak (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central [Kankakee]) did not allow a base hit in his 5 1/3 innings, but he took a tough-luck loss in Sunday’s 5-1 Valparaiso University baseball setback to Belmont in Nashville, Tenn. Valpo held a 1-0 lead in the sixth, but the Bruins rallied to take the rubber match. Based on Sunday’s results around the league, Valpo can lock up a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament berth with one win in next weekend’s three-game series with Illinois State.

Belmont Evens Series, Sets Up Sunday Rubber Match

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play a key rubber match in this weekend’s Missouri Valley Conference series at Belmont on Sunday after the Bruins leveled the set with a 13-3, seven-inning win at E.S. Rose Park in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday afternoon. Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) and Matt Olive (Minneapolis, Minn. / Blake School) had two hits apiece, while Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) ripped a home run for the second straight day.

Beacons Blitz Belmont in Series Opener

A key series in the Missouri Valley Conference standings got off to a favorable start for the Valparaiso University baseball team. Starting pitcher Griffin McCluskey (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) struck out 11 and walked none over eight strong innings to help the Beacons to a 12-3 victory over host Belmont on Friday afternoon. The game, which was delayed two hours by rain, saw Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) and Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) both clobber home runs.

Baseball Heads to Music City for Big Series with Belmont

The Valparaiso University baseball program is enjoying its best season since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, but there is still work to be done to secure a place in the 2023 MVC Tournament. For the first time since Valpo joined the league, not every team will advance to the conference tournament, as the top eight clubs from the 10-team league will make the field for the event, which begins on May 23 in Terre Haute. Valpo is currently in seventh place and plays two of the teams behind the Beacons in the standings over the next two weekends, starting with a huge three-game series in Nashville against Belmont, the final three road games of the regular season.

Six-Run Third Lifts Beacons Over Broncos

The Valparaiso University baseball team grabbed control of the game with a six-run third inning and held the lead for the day’s duration on Tuesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field, besting visiting Western Michigan 9-6 in the final nonconference game of the season. Kyle Schmack had three hits to pace a 10-hit effort.

Baseball to Welcome Western Michigan for Nonconference Finale

After locking up the program’s highest win total in five years this past weekend, the Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its solid season on Tuesday afternoon as Western Michigan comes to town for a midweek matchup. This will mark the final nonconference game of the season before the squad closes the regular season with six straight Valley showdowns prior to the upcoming MVC Tournament in Terre Haute.

SIU Captures Series Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team banged out a dozen hits, but Southern Illinois compiled 16 as the Salukis prevailed 10-6 in Sunday’s rubber match at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo received big days from Alex Thurston (Fowler, Ind. / Benton Central) and Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, Wis. / Lakeside Lutheran), who notched four hits apiece.

SIU Evens Series, Creates Sunday Rubber Match

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 7-3 to visiting Southern Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field as the Salukis bounced back from a series-opening setback to level the weekend set at a victory apiece. Valpo grabbed the lead by plating three in the third, but SIU went in front in the fifth and held the advantage for the game’s duration.

Maka Grand Slam Propels Valpo Past SIU

The early outlook was bleak when Southern Illinois scored the game’s first four runs, but the complexion of the afternoon changed in a hurry with one swing of the bat from Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest). A go-ahead grand slam in the bottom of the second gave the Valparaiso University baseball team a lead that it would not relinquish in an eventual 9-8 win over Southern Illinois on Friday at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Salukis scored twice in the ninth and stranded the potential tying run at third base.

Weather to Heat Up as Baseball Welcomes SIU

Three weekends remain of regular-season action, and the Valparaiso University baseball team will look to take another step toward locking up a Missouri Valley Conference Tournament berth as the Beacons welcome MVC preseason favorite Southern Illinois to Porter County for a three-game series that cranks up on Friday. Valpo enters the weekend in sixth place in a 10-team league in which the top eight teams reach the conference tournament, but three teams are tied for seventh and only one game behind the Beacons.

Baseball at Western Michigan Canceled

Due to rain, cold temperatures, field conditions and overall horrific early-May weather, Tuesday’s scheduled Valparaiso University baseball game at Western Michigan in Kalamazoo, Mich. has been canceled.

Baseball Drops Series Finale on Blustery Sunday in Springfield

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 9-6 to Missouri State on a windy Sunday afternoon at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo. Matt Olive (Minneapolis, Minn. / Blake School) continued to swing a hot stick as he cracked two extra-base hits including a solo home run and drove in three, while Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) continued a recent offensive surge of his own with three hits.

Valpo Falls to Missouri State on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 12-2 to Missouri State on Saturday afternoon at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo. The Bears put up crooked numbers in three of their seven trips to the plate, scoring four times in the bottom of the seventh to increase the margin to 10 and invoke the 10-run rule.

Ilitch Delivers Unforgettable Blast, But Bears Edge Beacons in Extras

The Valparaiso University baseball team had the storybook moment but not the fairytale ending on Friday night at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo.

Beacons, Bears to Battle in Springfield

After earning conference series wins each of the last two weekends, the Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its recent stretch of solid play with this weekend’s visit to Missouri State. After this series, Valpo will be on its home field for two of the final three conference weekends. This weekend starts a challenging stretch of six straight conference games against the top two teams in the league’s preseason poll.

Baseball at Purdue Washed Out

Tuesday’s scheduled game between the Valparaiso University baseball team and Purdue has been canceled due to rain. The Beacons will be back in action on Friday night when they begin a three-game weekend series at Missouri State.

Beacons, Boilermakers to Battle on Tuesday

After earning conference series wins each of the last two weekends, the Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its recent stretch of solid play with a midweek trip to instate foe Purdue on Tuesday evening. The annual battle with the Big Ten Conference’s Boilermakers will begin a stretch of five straight road games for the Brown & Gold before they close the regular season with seven of their final 10 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Drops Finale But Takes Series From UIC

The Valparaiso University baseball team had already wrapped up a series victory by virtue of wins on Friday and Saturday, but visiting UIC salvaged the finale of the three-game Missouri Valley Conference set by prevailing on Sunday by a football score of 21-7.

Valpo Edges UIC, Extends Valley Winning Streak to Five

The Valparaiso University baseball team snapped a 4-4 tie with a go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth to defeat UIC 5-4 on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The one-run win helped Valpo extend its Missouri Valley Conference winning streak to five and nail down its second straight series victory. Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) and Matt Olive (Minneapolis, Minn. / Blake School) both slugged home runs in the triumph. The game was played in less than ideal baseball weather as a wintry mix poured down at times throughout the contest and temperatures were in the low 40s.

Valpo Uses 17-Hit Attack to Take Game 1 from UIC

The Valparaiso University baseball team pounded out 17 hits including two key home runs to outslug visiting UIC 12-9 in Friday’s series opener at Emory G. Bauer Field. Matt Olive (Minneapolis, Minn. / Blake School) drilled a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth that proved to be the difference in the game, while Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) had a huge day with three hits and five RBIs including a big fly of his own.

Baseball Returns Home, Hosts UIC

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to sustain the success it enjoyed with last week’s road sweep of Bradley as another foe based in the Land of Lincoln provides the opposition this weekend. First-year Missouri Valley Conference member UIC will make its way to Emory G. Bauer Field for a three-game set that commences on Friday afternoon.

Baseball Drops Midweek Matchup at Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued its trend of playing competitive matchups with instate power-conference foe Notre Dame, but once again the Fighting Irish came away with the victory, this time by a 7-3 score on Tuesday at Frank Eck Stadium. Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) produced two of Valpo’s five hits including a home run.

Baseball Seeks Fifth Straight Win on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make the short trip to Notre Dame for a midweek matchup with the Fighting Irish before returning home to host UIC this weekend. This will mark the second of two showdowns between these instate foes this season. After a perfect 4-0 record this past week, Valpo will look to extend its winning streak to five. The Beacons jumped back into the top 100 in the RPI this week, sitting fourth in the MVC at No. 91.

Skrine, Nowak Sweep MVC Weekly Awards

After sweeping Bradley over the weekend, the Valparaiso University baseball team earned another sweep on Monday when the Missouri Valley Conference released its weekly awards. Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) was named MVC Player of the Week, while Bobby Nowak (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) earned the league’s Pitcher of the Week honor.

Skrine Blasts, Nowak Shutout Help Valpo Clinch Series Sweep

It’s hard to know where to begin with this one, but Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) is as good of a place as any.

Valpo Rallies, Beats Bradley in Extras

The Valparaiso University baseball team earned its second straight win on Friday night at Dozer Park in Peoria, rallying from a three-run deficit with a three-run seventh inning in an eventual 4-3, 10-inning triumph over host Bradley. Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) belted a long home run and cut down a pair of would-be base stealers, while Grant Jablonski (Mishawaka, Ind. / Mishawaka) followed a solid start by Griffin McCluskey (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community]) with a stellar relief outing.

Baseball Begins Set at Bradley on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will hit the road for a second consecutive weekend, making the journey to Peoria to begin a three-game set with Bradley.

Cottrill’s Relief Work Lifts Beacons Past Mastodons

With the Valparaiso University baseball team clinging to an early 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second, redshirt sophomore Josh Cottrill (Pewaukee, Wis. / Pewaukee) entered the game with the bases loaded and one away. The Valpo righty struck out the next two hitters and eventually logged 4 2/3 innings of shutout, one-hit relief to propel the Beacons past Purdue Fort Wayne 9-3 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Beacons to Play Purdue Fort Wayne on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will return to Emory G. Bauer Field for a midweek matchup with Purdue Fort Wayne on Tuesday afternoon. Note that this game was originally slated to take place in Fort Wayne, so Purdue Fort Wayne will bat last. This will break up a road-heavy stretch as Valpo played at Evansville this past weekend and will travel to Bradley this coming weekend. Kaleb Krier will make his first appearance in a Valpo uniform on Tuesday as the junior college transfer returns from an injury. Krier played JUCO ball at DMACC, where former Valpo assistant coach Nic Mishler is the head coach.

Evansville Edges Valpo with Second Straight One-Run Win

With two outs and nobody on base in the bottom of the ninth and extra innings seemingly on the horizon, one swing of the bat sent host Evansville to a 4-3 victory over the Valparaiso University baseball team on Easter Sunday at Braun Stadium. Eric Roberts unloaded a walk-off home run, negating Valpo’s late rally as the Beacons had tied the game with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Just Shy as UE Hangs On

The Valparaiso University baseball team has rallied to win when trailing through eight innings twice this season, but the return of some ninth-inning magic was not quite enough on Saturday as Evansville held on for a 9-8 victory despite a five-run frame by the Beacons. Valpo outhit the hosts 14-12 but left 16 runners stranded on base at Braun Stadium in Evansville.

McCluskey Strong Showing Helps Valpo Take Series Opener

Quality starting pitching, solid relief work, small ball early and power hitting late all added up to a series-opening victory for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Friday night as the Beacons went on the road and bested Evansville 6-1. Griffin McCluskey (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) turned in 7 1/3 strong innings before Grant Jablonski (Mishawaka, Ind. / Mishawaka) went the rest of the way to nail it down.

Baseball Heads to Evansville for Easter Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will hit the road for an Easter weekend series at Evansville as the Beacons and Purple Aces square off in a set that begins on Good Friday under the lights at Braun Stadium. Seven of the next eight will be away from home including consecutive road weekends in Valley play.

Valpo, Milwaukee Baseball Washed Out

Tuesday’s scheduled game between the Valparaiso University baseball team and Milwaukee has been canceled due to inclement weather forecasted in the Franklin, Wis. area.

Nowak, Chasey Help Pitch Valpo Past Murray State

The Valparaiso University baseball team enjoyed a strong day on the mound from pitchers Bobby Nowak (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central [Kankakee]) and Nathan Chasey (Ames, Iowa / Gilbert [Indian Hills CC]), while the offense got clutch hits from Matt Olive (Minneapolis, Minn. / Blake School) and Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) in a 5-2 victory over Murray State at Emory G. Bauer Field on Monday.

Baseball Drops Doubleheader to Racers

The Valparaiso University baseball team lost both games of a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field, falling to Murray State 14-3 in the opener and 14-5 in the nightcap. The Beacons did crank three home runs highlighted by a Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) grand slam.

Baseball vs. Murray State Postponed

Due to inclement weather, Saturday’s scheduled Valparaiso University baseball game against Murray State has been postponed and will be made up on Monday.

Murray State Comes to Town for First Home Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue a four-game homestand this weekend with the team’s first home series of the season as Murray State comes to town for a three-game Missouri Valley Conference set. The slate has been altered to one game on Saturday and two on Sunday due to Friday’s weather forecast, and there could be an additional adjustment if weather wreaks havoc on Saturday’s plans.

Valpo Baseball Makes Schedule Adjustments

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced adjustments to this weekend’s home Missouri Valley Conference series with Murray State at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Walks Off Milwaukee in Home Opener

After starting the season with 17 consecutive road games, the Valparaiso University baseball team reaped the benefit of the last at-bats in Tuesday’s home opener at Emory G. Bauer Field. Junior Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / West Vigo) ripped a walk-off double to deep right with nobody out in the bottom of the 11th, allowing Alex Ryan (Lake Mills, Wis. / Lakeside Lutheran) to easily score from second to send the Beacons to a 7-6 victory over visiting Milwaukee.

Baseball Beacons to Open Home Slate vs. Milwaukee

For the first time in 2023, the Valparaiso University baseball team will compete at home on Tuesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The baseball Beacons held their own during a challenging preconference docket that took place exclusively on the road. The team will send right-hander Ryan Mintz to the mound for a midweek matchup with former conference mate Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Indiana State Takes Doubleheader from Beacons

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped a doubleheader against Indiana State on Sunday at Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute as the Sycamores remained a kryptonite for the Beacons by extending their long head-to-head winning streak. The Trees took the opening game 7-2 before finishing off the series with a 4-2 win in the nightcap.

Baseball Falls in MVC Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 10-1 to Indiana State on Saturday afternoon in Terre Haute, Ind. to open the Missouri Valley Conference portion of the season.

Baseball to Open Conference Play at Indiana State

After posting a .500 record while playing strong competition in nonconference play, the Valparaiso University baseball team will turn the page to the league slate this weekend with a trip south to Terre Haute for an instate battle with Indiana State. The three-game weekend series presents an opportunity for a statement as Indiana State ranks in the top 30 in the latest RPI, the best in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Baseball Drops Midweek Matchup at Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team had an early lead and battled back to tie the game late, but host Notre Dame came away with an 8-4 victory on Tuesday at Frank Eck Stadium in Notre Dame, Ind. The Beacons outhit the Fighting Irish 9-7 and continued to be competitive against quality competition, as Notre Dame won 41 games and went to the College World Series last season.

Baseball Back in Action on Tuesday

After playing the first month of the season in warm-weather locations, the Valparaiso University baseball team will play its first game in the state of Indiana this year on Tuesday afternoon at Notre Dame. This will mark the final nonconference contest prior to the start of Missouri Valley Conference action this weekend at Indiana State. Although the temps may be cool, the Beacons will hope to stay hot after posting a winning record during their stretch of 13 straight road games against quality warm-weather competition. Valpo’s Nathan Chasey will make the first start of his Valpo career in his 41st appearance with the Brown & Gold.

Cold Temps Wipe Out Series at Omaha

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced that this weekend’s series – which was scheduled to take place from Friday to Sunday against Omaha in Nebraska – has been canceled due to cold temperatures. The games will not be made up.

Rosenkranz Earns MVC Pitcher of the Week Nod

After leading the Valparaiso University baseball program to a top-25 win on Friday night, starting pitcher Jacob Rosenkranz (Lincolnshire, Ill. / Stevenson) was named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday.

Baseball Drops Series Finale at No. 22 Southern Miss

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 11-5 to No. 22 Southern Miss in the series finale at Peter Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Miss on Sunday afternoon. Nathan Chasey (Ames, Iowa / Gilbert [Indiana Hills CC]) hurled three scoreless innings of relief to serve as a Beacon bright spot. This marked the team’s final contest of a seven-game, 11-day road trip.

No. 22 Southern Miss Rallies to Level Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team scored the game’s first three runs with a chance to clinch the series win on Saturday afternoon, but Sunday’s series finale will be a rubber match after No. 22 Southern Miss scored eight unanswered to prevail 8-3 at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Miss. The game was tied at three until the seventh and was a cliffhanger until the hosts grabbed separation with a four-run eighth.

Valpo Baseball Bests Nationally-Ranked Southern Miss in Series Opener

A special start to the Valparaiso University baseball season continued on Friday night with the season’s biggest feat yet as the Beacons knocked off No. 22 Southern Miss 6-1, handing 2022 consensus All-American Tanner Hall the loss in the series opener. This marked the program’s first win over a nationally-ranked opponent since 2018 and the highest ranked opponent that Valpo has defeated since 2013. Jacob Rosenkranz (Lincolnshire, Ill. / Stevenson) turned in a quality start and garnered the victory, while Brandy Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) launched a grand slam.

Spring Trip to Conclude at Nationally-Ranked Southern Miss

The Valparaiso University baseball team will close out its seven-game, 11-day spring break road trip this weekend with a three-game series against No. 22 Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, Miss. Valpo will attempt to secure its third straight series victory, all on the road. This will mark the team’s first games against a top-25 foe this season.

Valpo Drops Midweek to Mississippi State

The Valparaiso University baseball team got off to a promising start against a power-five conference foe on Tuesday night in Starkville, Miss., but 2021 national champion Mississippi State rallied from a 2-0 hole to score 12 unanswered runs and top the Beacons 12-2 in seven innings.

Spring Trip Continues Tuesday at Mississippi State

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue its seven-game, 11-day spring break road trip on Tuesday night under the lights in Starkville. The first midweek game of the season for the Beacons will come at Dudy Noble Field, the largest on-campus facility in college baseball.

Valpo Drops Series Finale in Little Rock

The Valparaiso University baseball team gave up crooked numbers in each of the first three innings as host Little Rock jumped out to a large lead and never looked back in an 18-8, seven-inning loss in the series finale. Valpo still took two of three in the weekend series and holds its best record through nine games since 1985 at 6-3. The Beacons launched three home runs in Sunday’s setback.

Valpo Baseball Sweeps Doubleheader, Off to Best Start Since 1985

The Valparaiso University baseball team holds its best record through eight games in nearly four decades and owns the program’s longest winning streak in seven years after sweeping a doubleheader at Little Rock on Saturday in Arkansas. The Beacons rallied in the ninth to stun the host Trojans 7-6 in the opener before earning a 9-3 victory by grabbing the lead with five in the seventh in the nightcap.

Baseball Looks to Keep Good Times Rolling in Little Rock

After starting the season with a 4-2 record including a solid showing against power-five foe Kansas and a series sweep at UT Martin, the Valparaiso University baseball team will look to keep the mojo going with this weekend’s trip to Little Rock. This will be the first stop of the team’s annual spring-break road trip, a lengthy journey that will continue on to Mississippi State for a midweek matchup before finishing with a three-game set at Southern Miss.

Beacons Secure Sweep of Skyhawks with 17-Run Outburst

The Valparaiso University baseball team polished off a road series sweep of UT Martin on Sunday afternoon in Martin, Tenn., notching the team’s most convincing victory yet in a 17-4 shellacking of the Skyhawks. Valpo posted crooked numbers in five different innings including five in the seventh and four in the eighth to invoke the 10-run rule in the series finale.

Baseball Earns Dramatic Win to Clinch Series

After a one-sided victory in Friday’s series opener, the Valparaiso University baseball team made it back-to-back wins, this time prevailing in thrilling fashion on Saturday afternoon against UT Martin in Martin, Tenn. The Beacons were down to their final out in the ninth before forcing extras and prevailing 5-4 in 10.

Baseball Routs UT Martin in Series Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team jumped ahead early and never looked back, racking up 17 hits in a 10-2 victory over UT Martin on Friday afternoon in Martin, Tenn. Both Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) and Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) ripped home runs as the early-season power surge continued, while Griffin McCluskey, Nathan Chasey (Ames, Iowa / Gilbert [Indian Hills CC]) and Josh Cottrill (Pewaukee, Wis. / Pewaukee) combined for a quality day on the mound.

Baseball Back in Action at UT Martin

After an opening weekend that featured a power-5 victory over Kansas in the middle game of the three-game series that was sandwiched between two close losses, the Valparaiso University baseball team will look to build on the encouraging start with this weekend’s visit to UT Martin. This marks the second of six straight weekends away from Northwest Indiana to begin the season for the Beacons.

Lockwood Honored as MVC Pitcher of the Week

After a stellar outing during the season’s opening weekend, Valparaiso University baseball right-handed pitcher Connor Lockwood (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) has earned Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week honors, as announced by the league office on Monday.

Valpo Slugs Three Home Runs, Kansas Rallies to Win Rubber Match

Nine of the 10 runs that crossed the plate on Sunday afternoon came via the long ball as Kansas prevailed 6-4 in the rubber match of a three-game, season-opening series against the Valparaiso University baseball team in Corpus Christi, Texas. Valpo led 4-2 through five and a half innings thanks to three Beacon bombs, but four unearned Jayhawk tallies in the bottom of the sixth including a three-run home run flipped the script.

Baseball Downs Big 12 Foe Kansas on Saturday

Home runs by Jake Skrine (Longmont, Colo. / Mead [Indiana]) and Kade Reinertson [Huxley, Iowa / Ballard Community) in the sixth inning helped the Valparaiso University baseball team take control of Saturday’s eventual 11-3 blowout of Big 12 foe Kansas in Corpus Christi, Texas. It was the work of Connor Lockwood (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) that provided the day’s biggest highlight as the right hander retired the final 16 batters he faced as part of seven shutout innings of two-hit ball while walking none and fanning six.

Renfro Rips Homer in Season-Opening Setback to Kansas

After tying for the team lead in home runs last season, Valparaiso University baseball junior Brady Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) wasted no time in jumping out to the early team lead in 2023. His opening-day home run served as the highlight of the squad’s 5-1 setback to Kansas in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday.

Valpo, Kansas to Clash on Opening Weekend

The 2023 Valparaiso University baseball season will get underway this weekend with a three-game series against Big 12 Conference foe Kansas that will take place at a neutral site in Corpus Christi, Texas. The season-opening series will be held at Whataburger Field, which is the home to the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. This will start a stretch of 20 straight games away from Emory G. Bauer Field before the home opener on March 28.

Season Preview: Baseball Set for First Pitch of 2023 Campaign

Soon, the pop of the glove and the crack of the bat will cut the air as the Valparaiso University baseball team prepares to make its way to Corpus Christi, Texas to take on Kansas in a three-game, season-opening series that begins on Friday.

Mayes, Matthews Join Valpo Baseball Coaching Staff

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced the addition of assistant coaches Jeff Mayes and Trey Matthews, who join head coach Brian Schmack’s staff for the 2023 campaign.

Valpo Baseball Reveals 2023 Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball program has revealed its schedule for the 2023 season, which will feature 51 regular-season games leading into the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, hosted by Indiana State in Terre Haute, Ind. from May 23-28.

Valpo Baseball Adds Four Arms During Early Signing Period

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced the addition of four incoming student-athletes for the 2023-2024 academic and athletic year. Pitchers Lucas Foley (Deer Park, Ill. / Luke Zurich), Bennett Musser (Round Lake, Ill. / Mundelein), Jake Jakubowski (Lake in the Hills, Ill. / Huntley [Heartland]) and Jack Thompson (Rosemount, Minn. / Rosemount) have all signed National Letters of Intent to join head coach Brain Schmack’s program.

Valpo Baseball Announces Annual Golf Outing

The Valpo Baseball Players Association has announced its annual golf outing, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Valparaiso Country Club (2501 Country Club Road in Valparaiso). All proceeds will go directly to the Valparaiso University baseball program.

Valpo Baseball Earns Team Academic Excellence Award

The Valparaiso University baseball program has been recognized for its academic success by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) as a Team Academic Excellence Award winner.

Colin Fields Joins Detroit Tigers Organization

Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) is a member of a Major League Baseball organization.

Jake Miller Selected by Detroit Tigers in MLB Draft

The 2022 comeback story of Valparaiso University baseball left-handed pitcher Jake Miller (Chester, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep) featured its best chapter yet on Monday afternoon.

Tucker Earns Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American Status

Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) continued to haul in postseason accolades on Wednesday, as he was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

Tucker Named to MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team, Ryan Earns Honorable Mention

Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) got the job done on the diamond and in the classroom this season.

Baseball Season Comes to a Close on Wednesday in Springfield

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 8-0 to Indiana State in an elimination game on Wednesday to open the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo., bringing the 2022 season to a close. Seniors Keegan Bates (Plainfield, Ill. /Plainfield North) and Zach Fricke (Arlington Heights, Ill. / Buffalo Grove) each tossed scoreless innings in their final collegiate game, but it was Jeremy Drudge (Plymouth, Ind. / Plymouth) who had the most impactful senior moment, as his single in the top of the ninth broke up a perfect-game bid by Indiana State’s Matt Jachec.

Tuesday’s Valpo-Indiana State Game Postponed to Wednesday

The scheduled Missouri Valley Conference Tournament first-round contest between the Valparaiso University baseball team and Indiana State on Tuesday night has been postponed due to inclement weather throughout the afternoon and evening on Tuesday in Springfield, Mo.

Tucker Earns All-MVC First Team Status; Fields, Nowak and Hannahs Also Recognized

Four members of the Valparaiso University baseball team received recognition as the Missouri Valley Conference unveiled its postseason awards on Tuesday.

Valpo Baseball to Open MVC Tournament on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will open up the 2022 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Tuesday with an elimination-round game against Indiana State. The winner of the game will advance to the double-elimination portion of the event. Head coach Brian Schmack will give the ball to right-handed pitcher Colin Fields with the season on the line on Tuesday. If Valpo wins, the team’s next game would be on Wednesday morning against MVC regular-season champion Southern Illinois. The winner of the tournament, which is hosted by Missouri State, will receive an automatic NCAA Regional berth.

Regular-Season Finale Canceled Due to Inclement Weather with Valpo Leading Evansville Early

The Valparaiso University baseball team took an early 3-0 lead over Evansville on Saturday at Braun Stadium in Evansville, Ind., but Mother Nature took away a chance for a Beacons series win as the contest went on a lightning delay in the second inning. After an hour of waiting, the weather remained unplayable and the game was canceled and declared a no contest.

Valpo Ties Season High in Hits in Road Win at Evansville

The Valparaiso University baseball team went on the road and defeated one of the top teams in the Missouri Valley Conference standings on Friday night, besting Evansville 8-4 on a night where the temperatures were every bit as pleasant as the outcome at Braun Stadium in Evansville, Ind. Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) turned in his third four-hit game of the season to lead a 16-hit attack by the Beacons, who matched a season high in the hit column.

Valpo Drops Series Opener in Evansville

The Valparaiso University baseball team began the final series of the regular season on Thursday night at Braun Stadium in Evansville, Ind. with a 9-2 setback to the host Purple Aces.

Baseball to Close Regular Season at UE

The final weekend of the regular season is here for the Valparaiso University baseball team. The Beacons will look to play the role of spoiler as host Evansville enters the series just one game back of Southern Illinois for the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title, which is up for grabs over the season’s final weekend. Furthermore, Valpo has its sights set on building up momentum going into next week’s MVC Tournament and still has an opportunity to improve its tournament seeding by overtaking Illinois State in the league standings with a successful weekend.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: May 17

Ryan Maka, Jake Miller and the Valpo bullpen were topics on this week's edition of Valpo Baseball Weekly with head coach Brian Schmack, sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint.

Miller Earns MVC Pitcher of the Week Nod

Valparaiso University baseball pitcher Jake Miller (Chester, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep) has received recognition from the Missouri Valley Conference for his strong start this weekend as he was tabbed the league’s Pitcher of the Week on Monday.

Ryan Maka Named Collegiate Baseball Newspaper National Player of the Week

After a breakout weekend that included four home runs in a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series against Bradley, Valparaiso University baseball freshman Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) has been named a National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

McCluskey Outdueled by Bradley on Senior Day

Valparaiso University baseball sophomore Griffin McCluskey (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) turned in a strong pitching performance, but he was outdueled by Bradley’s Nick King in a 2-0 setback in Sunday’s rubber match at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Pulls Away From Bradley, Forces Sunday Rubber Match

The numerous Valparaiso University baseball alumni who gathered as part of an alumni event at Saturday’s game had plenty of reason to cheer, as the Beacons put up crooked numbers in three different innings to pull away late for an 8-2 victory over Bradley at Emory G. Bauer Field. Freshman Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) continued his all-out tear, launching his fourth home run of the series while finishing a triple shy of the cycle.

Maka Delivers Three-Homer Game vs. Bradley

The Valparaiso University baseball team’s attempt to rally fell shy on Friday afternoon as visiting Bradley edged the Beacons 7-6 in a tightly-contested series opener at Emory G. Bauer Field. Freshman Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) turned in a three-homer game, ripping solo shots to right in the third, seventh and ninth.

Valpo Baseball to Celebrate Seniors During Final Home Weekend

The final home weekend of the season is upon us as the Valparaiso University baseball team will welcome in Bradley for a three-game weekend series that gets started on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The series will culminate with Senior Day on Sunday as the program recognizes five senior players and two senior managers. Catcher Jake Kapers, outfielder Jeremy Drudge, RHP Colin Fields, LHP Keegan Bates and RHP Zach Fricke will be celebrated on the field prior to Sunday’s contest. In addition, four-year student managers Sam Miller and Evan Smith will be part of the Senior Day recognition. A busy weekend will also feature a Valpo baseball alumni event with a number of players from the program’s past planning to be in attendance on Saturday.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: May 9

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Baseball Weekly sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They looked back at the weekend series vs. DBU and looked ahead to this Sunday's Senior Day.

Baseball Falls to DBU in Series Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped Sunday’s series finale with Dallas Baptist 8-3 at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo did all of its scoring in the fifth inning in a game where seven different Beacons recorded a hit.

Baseballs Drops Doubleheader to DBU

The Valparaiso University baseball team received solid work on the mound throughout the day, but offense was hard to come by on a pitchers’ day with the wind blowing in on Saturday at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Beacons fell to Dallas Baptist 5-1 in the first game of the doubleheader before dropping Game 2 by a 3-0 score. DBU entered the weekend with the No. 5 Rating Percentage Index (RPI) in the nation.

Valpo-DBU Series Opener Postponed

Friday’s scheduled series opener between the Valparaiso University baseball team and Dallas Baptist has been postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday at noon at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball to Host DBU in Weekend Series

The first of back-to-back home weekends for the Valparaiso University baseball team is up next for the Beacons, who welcome perennial Missouri Valley Conference powerhouse Dallas Baptist to Emory G. Bauer Field for a three-game series. DBU will make its first trip to Northwest Indiana since Valpo’s inaugural MVC campaign in 2018.

Tuesday’s Baseball Game Canceled

Tuesday’s scheduled Valparaiso University baseball game against Western Michigan has been canceled due to forecasted rain throughout the day. Valpo will return to the diamond on Friday at 3 p.m. to open up a three-game series with DBU at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: May 2

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Baseball Weekly sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss this past weekend's series at SIU, the offensive performance of Nolan Tucker and preview this coming weekend's games against DBU

Tucker Named MVC Player of the Week

Valparaiso University baseball second baseman Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) stayed hot at the plate this week, and his offensive success has received notice from the Missouri Valley Conference as Tucker was named the league’s Player of the Week on Monday.

Valpo to Begin Seven-Game Homestand vs. Western Michigan

The calendar has flipped to the month of May as the Valparaiso University baseball team begins a seven-game homestand on Tuesday when Western Michigan comes to town for the final nonconference home date of the year. Note that the game time has been moved up to 2 p.m., an hour earlier than originally scheduled.

Offense Stays Hot as Valpo Takes Series Finale from First-Place SIU

The Valparaiso University baseball team enjoyed its second straight prosperous offensive day on Sunday afternoon at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill., as another double-figure run output helped the visiting Beacons top Southern Illinois 11-10. The Salukis entered the day tied for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference. Valpo scored early and often, putting up multiple runs in four of the first five innings, including a four-run third.

SIU Outdoes Valpo in High-Scoring Affair

After a pitchers’ duel took center stage on Friday night, a much different ballgame unfolded on Saturday afternoon at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

Thurston Accrues Five Hits, Fields Fires Quality Start in Setback at SIU

The Valparaiso University baseball team had traffic on the bases throughout the evening, but the visiting Beacons stranded 13 in a 4-0 loss to host Southern Illinois on Friday night at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. Valpo received another quality start from Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville), who took a tough-luck defeat as he was touched for two runs in his sixth and final frame. Valpo outhit SIU 11-8, but the guests were on the wrong end of the column that counts. Alex Thurston (Fowler, Ind. / Benton Central) enjoyed Valpo’s first five-hit game since 2018.

Valpo Seeks Third Straight Road Series Win at SIU

The Valparaiso University baseball team has won each of its last two road series, going on the road to take series from a pair of quality programs in Illinois State and UIC. The Beacons will head back to the Land of Lincoln this week with hopes of continuing their road success at Southern Illinois.

Baseball Drops Extra-Inning Heartbreaker at Purdue

The Valparaiso University baseball team had Big Ten instate foe Purdue on the ropes by taking the lead in the seventh inning, but the host Boilermakers tied the game with two in the bottom of the seventh and eventually walked off in the bottom of the 10th with a 6-5 victory at Alexander Field in West Lafayette, Ind.

Beacons, Boilermakers to Face Off in Midweek Matchup

The Valparaiso University baseball team will head to West Lafayette on Tuesday for an instate showdown with Big Ten foe Purdue in midweek action. The Beacons have played their best baseball away from home this season, including series wins in each of their last two road weekend series. However, they are attempting to snap a four-game skid on Tuesday while seeking their first midweek win of the season.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: April 25

Head coach Brian Schmack talked about what it's like to pitch in windy conditions, the strength of the MVC and more on Valpo Baseball Weekly sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. Click here to view the interview.

Valpo Falls to Missouri State in Weather-Shortened Series Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team incurred a 6-1 setback to Missouri State in the finale of a three-game weekend series on Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The game was halted in the bottom of the seventh due to lightning and rain and deemed an official game after a pair of 30-minute delays.

Bears Best Beacons in Doubleheader on Warm, Windy Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped both games of a doubleheader against Missouri State on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field, falling 14-2 in eight innings in the opener before incurring a 9-4 setback in Game 2. Missouri State lifted six home runs including three from Dakota Katowski on a warm day where 20-mile-per-hour winds were a major factor and the ball was carrying well.

Beacons to Host Bears in Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will attempt to notch a second straight series win after going on the road to take two of three from Illinois State last weekend. The Beacons will face off with a Missouri State team that has dropped its first six Missouri Valley Conference games, but there’s little doubt that the Bears are a better club than their early-season league record would indicate. Due to rain forecasted on Friday, the series will begin with a doubleheader on Saturday.

Baseball Alters Weekend Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced a schedule change for this weekend’s series against Missouri State.

Lockwood Hurls Solid Start in Setback at No. 18 Notre Dame

Starting pitcher Connor Lockwood (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) had his best day in a collegiate uniform, settling in after a three-run first to work five consecutive shutout innings for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Tuesday at Notre Dame. The freshman took a tough-luck loss on a day where a solo homer by Brady Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) represented the extent of the Beacon offense in a 5-1 setback to the No. 18 Fighting Irish at Frank Eck Stadium.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: April 18

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Baseball Weekly sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint. They discuss a series win at Illinois State, Griffin McCluskey stepping into the weekend rotation and the work of the bullpen against the Redbirds.

Tuesday Trip to No. 18 Notre Dame On Deck for Baseball Beacons

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make the short trip to the South Bend area on Tuesday for a midweek matchup with nationally-ranked Notre Dame. The Beacons will visit the Fighting Irish for the second time this season in hopes of avenging a setback from last month. Valpo will look to sustain the momentum it created this weekend with a road series win at Illinois State.

McCluskey Earns Victory, Valpo Takes Rubber Match to Win Road Series at Illinois State

Valparaiso University baseball sophomore Griffin McCluskey (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) won’t soon forget his return to his hometown this weekend. The Normal native earned his first collegiate victory, delivering six one-run innings of four-hit ball to pitch the visitors to a 2-1 victory over Illinois State in the rubber match of a three-game series on Easter Sunday. This marked Valpo’s second road series win in league play since joining the Missouri Valley Conference and first since 2018.

Valpo Pounds Out Eight Extra-Base Hits in Rout of Redbirds

The Valparaiso University baseball team pounded out eight extra-base hits including three home runs on Saturday afternoon at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill., coasting to a 10-2 victory over host Illinois State to even this weekend’s three-game series at one victory apiece. Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) enjoyed a two-homer game to back the effort of starting pitcher Jake Miller (Chester, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep), who was perfect through four and delivered 5 2/3 quality innings. Valpo picked up its most lopsided win in league play since joining the Missouri Valley Conference.

Baseball Drops Series Opener in Normal

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell to Illinois State 7-0 on Friday in the opener of a three-game series at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill. Illinois State starter Jared Hart threw six shutout innings of one-hit ball, while the Redbirds jumped ahead early and never looked back.

Valpo to Visit Illinois State for Easter-Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make its way to Normal, Ill. for an Easter Weekend series with Illinois State. Both teams will seek their first Missouri Valley Conference series win of the season as both clubs fell to Indiana State in their only league series to this point. The Beacons will hope to continue the success they enjoyed against the Redbirds last season.

Baseball Drops Midweek Matchup with EIU

Nolan Tucker (Cedar Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central) drilled his second career home run and Jeremy Drudge (Plymouth, Ind. / Plymouth) ripped a bases-clearing double, but a late rally came up short as the Valparaiso University baseball team fell 7-5 to Eastern Illinois on Tuesday at Rantoul Sports Complex in Rantoul, Ill.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: April 11

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for Valpo Baseball Weekly, presented by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. They look back at the weekend series against Indiana State and discuss Colin Fields, Nolan Lebamoff and Adam Brauch.

Beacons Drop Sunday Doubleheader to Sycamores

Redshirt freshman Adam Brauch (Waukee, Iowa / Dowling Catholic) launched a home run in each game, but the Valparaiso University baseball team lost both games of a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field, falling 15-8 in Game 1 before incurring an 11-8 setback in the nightcap. The day featured no shortage of offense as the two teams combined for 57 hits over the two games.

Fields Tosses Another Gem as Valpo Drops Pitchers’ Duel

A masterful season on the mound for Valparaiso University right-hander Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) continued on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field, but the right-hander’s dazzling effort against a quality opponent was not enough in a 2-0 setback to Indiana State to open Missouri Valley Conference play. The Sycamores, a team that earned an at-large NCAA Regional berth last season, scored the only runs of the game in the top of the ninth.

Baseball to Open MVC Play This Weekend

After its best pre-conference performance since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, the Valparaiso University baseball team will hope that success translates to league play as the Valley slate begins this weekend with Indiana State in town. The Sycamores are the only team that Valpo has not defeated since joining the conference, a trend the Beacons hope to flip this weekend.

Valpo Baseball Announces Weekend Schedule Change

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced a weather-related schedule change for this weekend’s conference-opening home series against Indiana State at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Drops Doubleheader at Milwaukee

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped both games of a doubleheader to host Milwaukee at Franklin Field in Franklin, Wis. on Tuesday. The Panthers edged the Beacons 3-2 in the opener before earning an 8-3 victory in the nightcap. This marked Valpo’s final day of baseball prior to the start of the Missouri Valley Conference slate.

Valpo to Visit Milwaukee in Final Pre-Conference Tune-up

The Valparaiso University baseball team will have one final tune-up prior to Friday’s Missouri Valley Conference opener as the Beacons continue a stretch of six straight games against Horizon League members with a doubleheader on Tuesday against Milwaukee in Franklin, Wis. Both games will be seven innings in length and the second game is a makeup of a contest that was originally slated for Emory B. Bauer Field earlier this season.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: April 4

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Baseball Weekly, sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. They discuss the success of Colin Fields and Jake Miller on the mound, Kyle Schmack's big doubleheader at the plate and look ahead to the start of MVC play against Indiana State.

Valpo Takes Rubber Match to Win Road Set at UIC

The Valparaiso University baseball team owns its best record through 22 games since 1998 after rallying to win the final two games of a road series this weekend at UIC, including a 5-2 triumph in Sunday’s series finale at Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago. Behind a stellar pitching performance by left-hander Jake Miller (Chester, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep), the Beacons earned their first series win over their nearby foes in 10 years in the final nonconference weekend of the season.

Saturday’s Valpo vs. UIC Baseball Game Postponed

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that the third and final game of this weekend’s series against UIC that was originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field has been postponed due to Saturday’s weather forecast. The game is expected to be made up on Sunday at noon and moved to Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago.

Fields Fires Gem, Schmack Delivers Big Day as Valpo Earns Road Split at UIC

The Valparaiso University baseball team nearly erased an eight-run deficit in a narrow 9-7 setback in Game 1 of Friday’s doubleheader at Granderson Stadium in Chicago, but the Beacons responded with an 8-3 victory in Game 2 to salvage a split with host UIC. Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) had a monster day by reaching base 10 times over the two games, while Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) turned in another stellar pitching performance in the nightcap to up his record to 4-0.

Valpo to Play Future, Former League Foe on Final Nonconference Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play its final weekend series prior to the start of Missouri Valley Conference play as the Beacons battle UIC for three this weekend. The series will be split between the two nearby venues as UIC will host the series opener on Friday at Curtis Granderson Stadium before the set shifts to Emory G. Bauer Field for Saturday’s doubleheader. This represents a preview of future MVC series as UIC will join The Valley on July 1.

Valpo Falls to Purdue Fort Wayne

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 11-3 to Purdue Fort Wayne on Tuesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: March 28

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey to talk about Friday's doubleheader sweep of St. Bonaventure, the unusual weather and the program's first-ever home game that was streamed on ESPN3.

Baseball Looks to Stay Hot on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to extend its three-game winning streak on Tuesday as Purdue Fort Wayne comes to town for a midweek matchup. This will be the first of six straight games against Horizon League teams as Valpo has upcoming dates with UIC and Milwaukee. A victory on Tuesday would extend the winning streak to four, which would match the team’s longest of the season and represent the program’s second four-game winning streak this year. Furthermore, Valpo is hoping to get above the .500 threshold on Tuesday.

Baseball Series Finale Canceled

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Saturday’s series finale against St. Bonaventure has been canceled due to cold temperatures and unfavorable weather.

Baseball Sweeps Doubleheader from St. Bonaventure to Open Home Slate

On a day that exemplified March weather in the Midwest, the Valparaiso University baseball team battled through the elements to sweep visiting St. Bonaventure in a doubleheader that opened up the home portion of the season.

Baseball to Open Home Slate by Hosting St. Bonaventure on ESPN3

The Valparaiso University baseball team will host a home series for the first time this season as St. Bonaventure comes to town for three games this weekend. The Beacons and Bonnies will lock horns in a doubleheader on Friday before concluding the set with a single game on Saturday. Note that the schedule for the weekend was altered due to forecasted cold temperatures for Saturday and Sunday. Since Wednesday’s scheduled game vs. Milwaukee was postponed, Friday’s doubleheader will mark the home opener and the first-ever web streamed games from Emory G. Bauer Field as the program has added streaming capabilities this season.

Valpo Baseball Announces Schedule Changes

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced several weather-related schedule changes for this week.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: March 21

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for this week's edition of Valpo Baseball Weekly, sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. They discuss a road split at Murray State that ended the Racers' long home winning streak, pitching performances from Colin Fields and Jake Miller and what it's like to start the season with so many games on the road.

Valpo to Host Milwaukee in Program's First-Ever Streamed Home Game

Weather permitting, the Valparaiso University baseball team will begin the home portion of the season on Wednesday as Milwaukee comes to town for a midweek matchup. Valpo will finally have the opportunity to take the field at home after beginning the season with 16 consecutive true road games. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, representing the first home game in program history to feature a live video stream.

Miller’s Strong Start Helps Valpo Take Series Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team earned a four-game split against a Murray State team that entered the weekend with an unblemished home mark by notching a 6-1 victory in Sunday’s series finale at Reagan Field in Murray, Ky. The triumph came behind a stellar effort on the mound by left-hander Jake Miller (Chesterton, N.Y. / Don Bosco Prep), who earned the win with seven strong innings.

Valpo Hands Murray State First Home Loss in Game 1 of Doubleheader

The Valparaiso University baseball team ended Murray State’s longest home winning streak since 1958 in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader at Reagan Field in Murray, Ky. The Beacons prevailed 7-2 in the opener to hand the Racers their first home loss of the season after a 12-0 start, but the hosts bounced back to salvage a doubleheader split with a 5-1 win in Game 2.

Baseball Drops Series Opener at Murray State

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the series opener with future Missouri Valley Conference foe Murray State 8-2 on Friday afternoon in Murray, Ky. The Racers put up crooked numbers in the third and fourth innings, while the Beacons were held scoreless until the sixth. Valpo’s Griffin McCluskey (Normal, Ill. / Normal Community) permitted just one run on one hit and one walk over three solid innings of relief.

Baseball to Visit Future Conference Foe Murray State

A week after taking on the team projected to win the Ohio Valley Conference, the Valparaiso University baseball team will battle the squad picked second in the OVC this weekend as the Beacons make their way to Murray, Ky. to take on Murray State. This nonconference series will serve as a preview of future Missouri Valley Conference showdowns as Murray State will join the MVC, effective July 1.

Baseball Falls at Nationally-Ranked Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team received a home run by Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) as part of a multi-hit game, but host Notre Dame scored six runs in the first three frames and added six in the eighth en route to a 12-1 victory on Tuesday afternoon at Frank Eck Stadium. The Fighting Irish entered the game ranked No. 6 by D1Baseball and in the top 10 in all six polls, including No. 1 by Baseball America and Perfect Game.

Valpo Baseball Weekly: March 14

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey for the first edition of the season of Valpo Baseball Weekly sponsored by Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute. They discuss the team's strong start to the season, the play of Alex Thurston and Kaleb Hannahs and review this past weekend's series at SEMO.

Baseball to Play First Midweek Game of 2022 at Nationally-Ranked Notre Dame

For the first time this season, the Valparaiso University baseball team will compete in a midweek game on Tuesday as the Beacons make their way to Notre Dame, Ind. to battle the nationally-ranked Fighting Irish. This marks the first of two matchups this season between these two teams, both at Frank Eck Stadium. Notre Dame won all three meetings last season, but Valpo played all competitive games against the top-25 Irish.

Hannahs Records Six Hits in Doubleheader Defeat at SEMO

Sophomore Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / West Vigo) had six hits over the two games, but the Valparaiso University baseball team dropped both games to Ohio Valley Conference preseason favorite SEMO, 16-6 and 10-8, in Sunday’s doubleheader in Cape Girardeau, Mo. The Beacons struck first in all three games in the series, but the Redhawks battled back on each occasion, including a seesaw affair in a tightly-contested series finale.

Baseball Drops Series Opener in Southeast Missouri

The Valparaiso University baseball team created more early-game scoring chances than host Southeast Missouri on Saturday afternoon in chilly Cape Girardeau, Mo., but the Beacons couldn’t fully capitalize on the opportunities in an eventual 9-1 setback. The defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Redhawks used a grand slam in the sixth to change the game’s complexion. Valpo faced the challenge of taking on a top-50 RPI foe that recorded its ninth straight win and improved its record to 11-1 behind a potent offense.

Series Opener at SEMO Postponed Due to Weather

A wintry weather forecast and cold temperatures have caused the postponement of Friday’s scheduled series opener between the Valparaiso University baseball team and Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Baseball Attempts to Continue Best Start Since 1999 at OVC Favorite SEMO

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its hot start to the season this weekend with a trip to Cape Girardeau, Mo. to take on Southeast Missouri. Continuing the team’s recent success will be no easy task as defending Ohio Valley Conference champion SEMO is off to a red-hot start that includes a series win over Missouri Valley Conference favorite DBU and a sweep of MVC member Bradley.

Series Finale at Omaha Canceled

The Valparaiso University baseball team had its series finale impacted by weather for the second consecutive weekend on Sunday as Game 4 at Omaha was canceled.

Valpo Defeats Omaha in Back-and-Forth Battle

The lead changed hands time and time again on Saturday evening at Tal Anderson Field in Omaha, Neb., but when the final out was recorded, the Valparaiso University baseball team had pulled off its fifth win in the last six games by beating host Omaha 7-5. The Beacons escaped a stressful bottom of the ninth to extend the team’s successful start to the season with another close victory.

Baseball Splits Doubleheader at Omaha

The Valparaiso University baseball team extended its winning streak to four in Game 1 of Friday’s doubleheader, but host Omaha bounced back with a victory in game two to earn the split. The Beacons prevailed 4-2 in the opener before the Mavericks took the second game by a 9-2 score.

Valpo Baseball Looks to Extend Winning Streak at Omaha

The Valparaiso University baseball team holds a winning record through five games, all against warm-weather competition, and will look to sustain the early-season success with this weekend’s four-game series at Omaha. The Beacons enter the weekend riding a three-game winning streak. This represents the lone scheduled four-game set this year.

Series Finale at Alabama A&M Washed Out

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced that Sunday’s series finale at Alabama A&M has been canceled due to inclement weather. Rain for the better part of the last 28 hours in Huntsville, Ala. will prevent baseball from taking place this afternoon.

Valpo Enjoys Doubleheader Sweep over Alabama A&M

The Valparaiso University baseball team erased an early deficit in Game 1 and held on to an early lead in Game 2 en route to a doubleheader sweep of Alabama A&M on Friday at Bulldog Field in Huntsville, Ala. The Beacons broke the first game open late for a 9-2 triumph before using lock-down pitching to hold off the Bulldogs 3-2 in the nightcap.

Baseball Swings Back into Action at Alabama A&M

The Valparaiso University baseball team made improvement with each game during the opening weekend at Memphis, culminating with a 10-8 victory in Sunday’s series finale. The Beacons will hope to keep things trending in the right direction as the early-season stretch of road games continues this weekend with a visit to Huntsville, Ala. to take on Alabama A&M.

Valpo Holds Off Memphis to Take Series Finale

Playing outdoors for essentially the first time all season after outdoor preseason practice activity in Northwest Indiana was limited due to the winter weather, the Valparaiso University baseball team made progress with each game in this weekend’s season-opening series.

Memphis Edges Valpo Despite Fields’ Strong Start

The Valparaiso University baseball team held the lead for much of the game on Saturday afternoon at Memphis, but the host Tigers scored three in the seventh to tie the game and pushed across the decisive tally in the bottom of the ninth to walk off with a 4-3 victory over the Beacons.

Baseball Drops Season Opener at Memphis

The Valparaiso University baseball team incurred a 13-0 setback on Friday at Memphis to open the 2022 season.

Valpo Baseball Set to Play Ball at Memphis

The Valparaiso University baseball team will begin the 2022 season this weekend with a trip to Memphis to face off with an American Conference foe. The first 17 games of the season will occur away from home before the Beacons begin the Emory G. Bauer Field slate on Wednesday, March 23 vs. Milwaukee.

Season Preview: Valpo Baseball Poised to Build on Solid Finish to 2021 Campaign

Simply put, the Valparaiso University baseball program is ready to take the next step forward in 2022.

Valpo Athletics Adds Web Streaming Capabilities for Baseball, Softball

The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that Emory G. Bauer Field and the Valpo Softball Complex have been upgraded with web streaming capabilities that will allow the department to stream home baseball and softball games on The Valley on ESPN this spring.

Valpo Baseball Reveals 2022 Schedule

Head coach Brian Schmack has announced the 2022 schedule for the Valparaiso University baseball program, which will open the season on Feb. 18 at Memphis.

Valpo Baseball Inks Five Signees for 2023 Season

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced five additions to the program for the 2022-2023 academic and athletic year.

Boe Joins Valpo Baseball Staff as Assistant Coach

The Valparaiso University baseball program and head coach Brian Schmack have announced the addition of Mitchell Boe as the program’s volunteer assistant coach.

Valpo Baseball to Hold Annual Golf Outing

The Valpo Baseball Players Association will hold the 26th annual Valparaiso University baseball golf outing on Saturday, Sept. 11. Check-in will start at noon CT prior to a 1 p.m. shotgun start at the Valparaiso Country Club (2501 Country Club Road in Valparaiso).

Valpo Baseball Garners ABCA Academic Excellence Award

The Valparaiso University baseball program has earned recognition for its success in the classroom as head coach Brian Schmack’s team was honored by the American Baseball Coaches Association as a Team Academic Excellence Award recipient for the second consecutive season.

Hannahs Named Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Freshman All-American

Valparaiso University baseball freshman Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / West Vigo) capped a stellar rookie season with another high honor as he was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper on Wednesday.

Fitzsimmons Named to MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team, Tieman Earns Honorable Mention

A pair of academic and athletic standouts represented the Valparaiso University baseball program on Tuesday as the Missouri Valley Conference released its 2021 Scholar-Athlete Teams.

Future Bright for Valpo Baseball After Strong Showing in Carbondale

The Valparaiso University baseball team was one of the final four teams standing at the Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament in Carbondale, Ill., but a strong run that featured a pair of victories came to an end on Friday night with an 11-5 defeat to host Southern Illinois.

MVC Baseball Tournament Schedule Update

After Thursday’s dramatic win over Illinois State, the Valparaiso University baseball team is awaiting its opponent, game date and game time for the next round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Olive Home Run Helps Valpo Rally Past Illinois State, Advance to Friday at MVC Tournament

When it was Matt Olive’s turn to pick up his teammates, the Valparaiso University baseball freshman came through in the most significant moment possible.

Valpo Falls to DBU to Open Double-Elimination Portion of MVC Tournament

The Valparaiso University baseball team faced a quick turnaround with the first game of the day on Wednesday following a resilient, extra-inning win over Missouri State that wrapped up late Tuesday evening. Top-seeded DBU defeated Valpo 12-2 in seven innings to begin the double-elimination portion of the MVC Tournament at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale. Valpo will be back in action in an elimination game that begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

Johnson Double Propels Valpo to Extra-Inning Victory over Missouri State in MVC Tournament Opener

The route may have been circuitous, but the bottom line remains unchanged: The Valparaiso University baseball team survived and advanced late Tuesday evening at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill.

Hannahs Named MVC Freshman of the Year; Valpo Trio Receives MVC Recognition

A trio of Valparaiso University baseball players garnered recognition on Tuesday as the Missouri Valley Conference released its all-league teams and postseason awards. Third baseman Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / West Vigo) highlighted the Valpo honors by earning the MVC Freshman of the Year distinction.

Valpo to Open MVC Tournament on Tuesday

For the second consecutive Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, Valpo will match up with Missouri State in the opening round after the two teams completed the regular season against one another. Much like 2019, Valpo finished the regular year by incurring a road sweep at the paws of the Bears. Eighth-seeded Valpo will face off with fifth-seeded Missouri State for the fifth consecutive game on Tuesday, this time with the season on the line in a win-or-go-home round to begin the MVC Tournament. If Valpo prevails on Tuesday, it will advance to the double-elimination portion of the event and take on top-seeded DBU on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Baseball Closes Out Regular Season

The Valparaiso University baseball team battled to another one-run game against Missouri State on Saturday at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo., but for the third time in the series the Bears prevailed in a game dictated by a single tally, this time 2-1. Valpo starter Trent Turzenski (Burlington, Wis. / Burlington) twirled a gem, but was the tough-luck losing pitcher. The Brown & Gold will get another crack at the Bears as the two teams will face off in the opening round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Carbondale.

Valpo Falls to Missouri State in Friday Doubleheader

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued to play close contests in Game 1 of Friday’s doubleheader at Missouri State, as the Bears prevailed 7-6 in extra innings for their second straight one-run win to start the series. Valpo had the lead as late as the seventh in the nightcap, but eventually fell 9-4 to wrap up a long day at US Baseball Park in Ozark, Mo.

Valpo Edged in Pitchers’ Duel to Open Series in Springfield

Three pitchers combined to limit Missouri State to two runs, but the host Bears edged the Valparaiso University baseball team 2-1 on Thursday afternoon at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo. Valpo received strong efforts on the bump from Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland), Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) and Alex Rodriguez (Bourbonnais, Ill. / Bradley-Bourbonnais).

Baseball to Close Regular Season in Springfield

The Valparaiso University baseball team will close out the 2021 regular season this weekend with a four-game series against Missouri State at Hammons Field in Springfield, Mo. This is the second straight Missouri Valley Conference slate that reaches its conclusion with Valpo visiting Missouri State, as the team also wrapped up the 2019 campaign by facing off in Springfield. All eight teams will qualify for the upcoming MVC Tournament in Carbondale, Ill., but Valpo could be seeded anywhere from third to eighth based on the results of this weekend’s games across the league. Note that suspended games (resumed the following day) are a possibility this weekend as play must be finished by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and by 2:30 p.m. on Saturday due to Missouri State sharing a field with the Springfield Cardinals.

Valpo Rallies Late to Force Extras, Evansville Prevails in Additional Frame

The Valparaiso University baseball team surged from behind for three runs in the bottom of the ninth to create a seven-all deadlock in Sunday’s home finale at Emory G. Bauer Field, but visiting Evansville scored four in the top of the 10th and held on for an 11-9 victory in a game that featured a frenetic finish. Matt Olive (Minneapolis, Minn. / Blake School) delivered a game-tying pinch-hit single in the bottom of the ninth, but Valpo stranded the bases full.

Seniors Shine on the Mound in Game 1 as Valpo Splits Senior Day Doubleheader

Seniors Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) and Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) were a winning combination on the hill for the second straight weekend, pitching the Valparaiso University baseball team to a 5-1 Senior Day victory in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday at Emory G. Bauer Field. Visiting Evansville bounced back to earn the split with a 12-9 triumph in Game 2.

Early Offense Not Enough in Series Opener vs. Evansville

A strong outing from starting pitcher Ryan Mintz (Lombard, Ill. / Willowbrook) and an early burst of offense put the Valparaiso University baseball team in good position in Friday’s series opener, but visiting Evansville stormed from behind for a 13-6 victory at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo posted crooked numbers in each of the first two innings and held a 5-0 lead in the early going, but the Purple Aces rallied late.

Baseball to Celebrate Seniors During Final Home Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to capture its third straight home series win this weekend as Evansville comes to town for a four-game set. This will mark the final home series of the season as Valpo plans to celebrate its seven-player senior class between games of Saturday’s doubleheader with an on-field ceremony. A series win this weekend would allow Valpo to win every home series this season. However, every weekend presents a challenge in The Valley, one of four conferences in the nation with all of its teams in the Top 175 of the RPI, joining the ACC, Big 12 and SEC.

Baseball Pushes No. 8 Notre Dame to the Brink on Tuesday

For the third time this season, the Valparaiso University baseball team held the lead against nationally-ranked Notre Dame as late as the sixth inning. On Tuesday, Valpo had the No. 8 Fighting Irish on the ropes by taking a 3-0 edge into the eighth, but Notre Dame rallied for a seven-run eighth inning and garnered a 7-4 victory.

Baseball to Host Nationally-Ranked Notre Dame on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will host a nationally-ranked opponent at Emory G. Bauer Field on Tuesday as Notre Dame comes to town for Valpo’s lone home nonconference contest of the 2021 campaign. Valpo will look to continue its home success and build upon its 6-2 mark over its first eight outings on the new turf.

Valpo Pulls Away in Series Finale, Earns Road Split at Bradley

The Valparaiso University baseball team tied its largest margin of victory in a Missouri Valley Conference game since joining the league in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader at Dozer Park in Peoria. The team’s 10-3 triumph over host Bradley helped it bounce back from a heart-breaking 3-2 defeat in the opener and earn a split in the road series.

Pitching Prowess Propels Valpo Past Bradley in Doubleheader Nightcap

Seniors Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) and Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) combined on a two-hit shutout and the offense capitalized just enough on numerous scoring chances as the Valparaiso University baseball team edged host Bradley 2-1 in Friday night’s seven-inning affair at Dozer Park in Peoria. Valpo bounced back to win the nightcap after incurring a 9-5 setback in a nine-inning opener to the twinbill.

Baseball Back on the Road to Battle Bradley

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its recent hot streak as it vies for a third consecutive series win this weekend against Bradley. However, this time the team will have to do it on the road, where Valpo is seeking its first conference win of the season. The Brown & Gold have collected home series victories in Missouri Valley Conference play each of the last two weekends, taking three of four from both Southern Illinois and Illinois State. Valpo hopes to sustain the success against teams that call the Land of Lincoln home over Mother’s Day weekend in Peoria.

Hannahs Named MVC Player of the Week

After the Valparaiso University baseball team enjoyed its best offensive weekend this season en route to a series victory over Illinois State, freshman infielder Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / West Vigo) received recognition from the Missouri Valley Conference on Monday as he was tabbed the MVC Player of the Week.

New Turf Makes Immediate Impact for Valpo Baseball

The Valparaiso University baseball program has debuted its new synthetic turf in style over the past two weekends, posting a 6-2 home record in Missouri Valley Conference play.

Valpo Defeats Illinois State, Wins Second Straight Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team stayed hot on Sunday, securing its second consecutive weekend series victory in Missouri Valley Conference play by fending off Illinois State 7-6 at Emory G. Bauer Field. Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) ripped his third home run of the series, a two-run blow that helped the Valpo offense produce seven runs on 10 hits.

Offensive Outburst Helps Valpo Take Game 2 of Doubleheader

The Valparaiso University baseball team has positioned itself to play for a second consecutive series win on Sunday afternoon after taking two of the first three games from Missouri Valley Conference foe Illinois State.

Valpo Takes Series Opener, Continues Home Success

The Valparaiso University baseball team improved its home record to 4-1 on Friday afternoon by edging Illinois State 3-2 in a lightning-fast, 1-hour, 54-minute affair with the wind blowing in at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo starting pitcher Ryan Mintz (Lombard, Ill. / Willowbrook) twirled seven strong innings before turning the ball over to Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland), who slammed the door with a two-inning save.

Baseball to Host Illinois State This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will enjoy another home weekend beginning on Friday afternoon as Illinois State comes to town to kick off a four-game set. Valpo will attempt to sustain the positive momentum generated during last weekend’s series victory over Southern Illinois and a solid midweek performance at No. 8 Notre Dame.

No. 8 Notre Dame Edges Valpo on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team gave nationally-ranked Notre Dame a scare for the second time this season, but the No. 8 Fighting Irish escaped with an 8-7 victory on Tuesday at Frank Eck Stadium. Valpo outhit Notre Dame 9-7 as the bats stayed hot on a pleasant, sunny day near South Bend, but a seventh-inning tally marked the difference in a back-and-forth affair.

Baseball Returns to Notre Dame for Midweek Matchup

The Valparaiso University baseball team will face off with a nationally-ranked opponent for the sixth time this season as the team makes its way to Notre Dame on Tuesday afternoon to battle the No. 8 Fighting Irish in midweek action. This marks the second of three matchups between the instate foes this season. Valpo will hope to carry the momentum garnered during a series win this past weekend into the nonconference tilt.

Valpo Baseball Tops SIU, Wins Home-Opening Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team capped off a winning weekend on Sunday afternoon by topping visiting Southern Illinois 4-2 to take three of four in the Missouri Valley Conference series at Emory G. Bauer Field. Although not quite as heart-pounding as Friday’s walk-off victories, Sunday’s finale featured a thrilling finish of its own as Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) escaped a ninth-inning jam with the tying run on base to nail down the save.

Baseball Falls to SIU on Saturday

After a pair of dramatic, walk-off victories on Friday, the Valparaiso University baseball team incurred a 10-4 setback to visiting Southern Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo tied a season high with 15 hits in the defeat. The game was delayed one hour due to rain, but play occurred uninterrupted after the 2 p.m. first pitch.

Grand Opening: Valpo Baseball Debuts New Turf with Two Walk-Off Wins

The Valparaiso University baseball team broke in its new field turf in celebratory style on Friday afternoon. Then, the team did it again on Friday evening.

Valpo Baseball to Open Home Slate This Weekend

At long last, the Valparaiso University baseball team will host home games this weekend. For the first time since May 14, 2019, Valpo will play on its home field as Southern Illinois comes to town for a four-game, Missouri Valley Conference series. The series will begin with a doubleheader on Friday starting at noon. That will mark the first games on the new Emory G. Bauer Field turf.

Valpo Baseball Alters Weekend Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a schedule change for this weekend’s series vs. Southern Illinois at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Renfro Homers in Setback at Indiana State

Freshman Brady Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) crushed his third home run of the season to move into a tie for the team lead, but the Valparaiso University baseball team was on the wrong end of a 12-1 score against No. 23 Indiana State on Sunday afternoon at Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute.

Baseball Drops Doubleheader in Terre Haute

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped both games of a doubleheader on Saturday to No. 23 Indiana State in Terre Haute, falling 11-2 in the opener before incurring a 6-2 setback in the nightcap.

Baseball Drops Opener at Nationally-Ranked Indiana State

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the opener of a four-game, weekend series with Indiana State 5-0 on Friday afternoon at Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute, Ind. The No. 23 Sycamores received a masterful pitching performance from ace Geremy Guerrero. Valpo continued to pitch well, but a strong effort on the mound was outdone by the best pitcher on one of the nation’s best teams.

Baseball Returns to Action at Nationally-Ranked Indiana State

After having last weekend’s scheduled nonconference series at Oakland canceled due to COVID-related concerns within Oakland’s program, the Valparaiso University baseball team will resume its Missouri Valley Conference slate this week. A short trip south to Terre Haute is in store as Valpo begins a four-game series with nationally-ranked Indiana State on Friday.

Valpo Baseball Series at Oakland Canceled

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that this weekend’s scheduled series at Oakland has been canceled due to COVID-related matters within the Oakland program.

Ninth-Inning Homers Not Enough as Baseball Drops Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team hit back-to-back home runs for the second time this season in the ninth inning of Saturday’s series finale at DBU, but the host Patriots prevailed 5-2 at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. Brady Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) and Parker Johnson (Golden Valley, Minn. / Hopkins) connected on the consecutive dingers, both of which traveled to right center.

Dent Compiles Career Performance as DBU Nips Valpo in Nightcap

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped a back-and-forth affair at Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite Dallas Baptist 9-8 in the second game of a doubleheader on Friday at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. The one-run contest came after the Patriots had also prevailed 8-4 in the opener. Fifth-year senior Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) had a career showing in Game 2, posting four hits including two doubles and a home run.

DBU Tops Valpo in MVC Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team incurred a 6-1 setback to Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite DBU in Thursday’s conference opener at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. Kyle Schmack (Wanatah, Ind. / South Central) reached base three times, while Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) had two hits and drove in the Valpo run.

Baseball to Open MVC Play on Thursday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will open up Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend with a trip to Dallas to match up with Dallas Baptist University in a four-game, holiday-weekend series. The set will commence on Thursday evening with sunshine and high 60s anticipated throughout the weekend in the Lone Star State.

Colin Fields Honored as MVC Pitcher of the Week

For the second time in three weeks, Valparaiso University baseball junior Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week.

Offense Thrives in Doubleheader Split with Butler

The Valparaiso University baseball team rolled to a 7-1 victory in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday in Indianapolis before the host Butler Bulldogs prevailed in a 13-10 slugfest in the nightcap. Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) pitched a gem in the opener, while Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / West Vigo) had five hits over the two games.

Butler Edges Valpo in Extras

The Valparaiso University baseball team built up a 4-0 lead on Friday afternoon in Indianapolis, but host Butler rallied for a 5-4, extra-inning victory at Bulldog Park. Brady Renfro (Antigo, Wis. / Antigo) drilled his first collegiate home run, while starter Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) mowed down nine straight over three perfect innings.

Baseball to Visit Butler for Final Pre-Conference Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will battle instate opponent Butler in a three-game series this weekend. All three games will be played at Bulldog Park in Indianapolis, but Valpo will have the last at-bats for Saturday’s doubleheader as the contests were originally slated for Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Edged by Nationally-Ranked Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team held the lead through five innings against No. 14 Notre Dame, but the nationally-ranked Fighting Irish came back to edge the Brown & Gold 6-3 on Tuesday evening at Frank Eck Stadium in Notre Dame, Ind. Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / West Vigo) led Valpo with two hits, while Jeremy Drudge (Plymouth, Ind. / Plymouth) and Parker Johnson (Golden Valley, Minn. / Hopkins) each ripped key extra-base knocks in Valpo’s three-run fifth.

Baseball to Meet Nationally-Ranked Notre Dame on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will compete in a midweek contest for the first time this season on Tuesday as the squad makes the short trip to the South Bend area to take on nationally-ranked Notre Dame. This marks the first of three meetings this season between Valpo and the No. 14 Fighting Irish.

Valpo Drops Rubber Match at WKU

One rough inning plagued the Valparaiso University baseball team on Sunday afternoon at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky. as Western Kentucky’s fourth-inning scoring was the difference in an 11-1 setback for the Brown & Gold. The Valpo bullpen settled in to put up zeros in each of the final four Hilltopper at-bats.

Valpo Tops Western Kentucky in Extra-Inning Thriller

The Valparaiso University baseball team enjoyed a successful Saturday for the second consecutive week, this time edging Western Kentucky 8-6 in 11 innings thanks in part to a go-ahead single by Steven Fitzsimmons (Golden Valley, Minn. / Robbinsdale Cooper) in the top of the 11th to snap a six-all tie. Quality relief work from Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) played a key role as the veteran right-hander stymied Western Kentucky to the tune of no runs on two hits and no walks over the game’s final 3 2/3 innings.

Back-to-Back Jacks Not Enough as Baseball Falls at WKU

The Valparaiso University baseball team took the lead thanks to back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning, but host Western Kentucky eventually came away with an 8-4 victory on Friday evening at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky. Parker Johnson (Golden Valley, Minn. / Hopkins) paced the guests with a three-hit contest, while Damon Jorgensen (Blair, Neb. / Blair [Coffeyville]) chipped in a pair of base knocks.

Baseball Continues C-USA Tour at Western Kentucky

For the third time in the first four series of the season, the Valparaiso University baseball team will visit a Conference USA foe this weekend. After strong pitching was on display throughout last weekend’s set at Middle Tennessee State, Valpo will visit a familiar venue as it returns to the site of its 2020 season opener to once again clash with Western Kentucky for a three-game weekend series in Bowling Green, Ky.

Fields Named National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, MVC Pitcher of the Week

Valparaiso University baseball junior Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) received high recognition on Monday as he was named a National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. The honor came after Fields tossed the eighth no-hitter in program history and the first since 1992 on Saturday at Middle Tennessee State.

Valpo Falls on Sunday, Splits Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team’s bullpen did a quality job of keeping the squad within striking distance, but a four-run first inning for Middle Tennessee State held up as the Blue Raiders collected a 5-0 victory in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Sunday afternoon. The hosts salvaged a split in the weekend series after Valpo swept Saturday’s doubleheader.

Fields Twirls Program’s First No-Hitter Since 1992, Valpo Sweeps Doubleheader from Middle Tennessee

Valparaiso University baseball junior Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) etched his name into the program’s history books on Saturday, delivering the eighth no-hitter in program history and first since 1992 to highlight Valpo’s doubleheader sweep of Middle Tennessee. Fields’ magic on the mound helped Valpo blank the Blue Raiders 5-0 in a seven-inning contest in Game 1, before the Brown & Gold prevailed 3-2 in eight innings in Game 2.

Drudge Homer, Rhodehouse Start Highlight Series-Opening Setback

Junior Jeremy Drudge (Plymouth, Ind. / Plymouth) clubbed his second home run of the season, but the Valparaiso University baseball team was on the wrong side of a 5-2 score on Friday afternoon at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Valpo returned to the diamond after a weekend off, competing in its first game since Feb. 27.

Baseball Returns to Diamond at Middle Tennessee

After a scheduled off weekend last weekend, the Valparaiso University baseball team will return to the diamond on Friday at Middle Tennessee State. This continues an early-season stretch where three of Valpo’s first four opponents are members of Conference USA. The two teams will play four games this weekend including a Saturday doubleheader, a format identical to the one Valpo will use for Missouri Valley Conference series this season.

Valpo Falls in Doubleheader at Jacksonville State

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped both games of a doubleheader on Saturday at Jacksonville State in Jacksonville, Ala. The host Gamecocks won the opener 10-2 before prevailing 13-3 in the second game.

Valpo Drops One-Run Decision After Eventful Ninth

The Valparaiso University baseball team rallied to tie the game in the top of the ninth on Friday at Jim Case Stadium in Jacksonville, Ala., but host Jacksonville State responded with a run in the bottom of the frame to walk off with a 5-4 victory. A clutch, two-out hit by Parker Johnson (Golden Valley, Minn. / Hopkins) tied the game in the top of the ninth, but the Gamecocks (2-3) used their own piece of two-out hitting to win the game on a Jay Williams single.

Tieman Recognized in MVC Scholar-Athlete Spotlight

Valparaiso University fifth-year senior Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) was recognized for his excellence on the field and in the classroom on Friday as a featured student-athlete in this week’s State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete spotlight.

Baseball to Visit Jacksonville State This Weekend

After an opening weekend that featured strong pitching from head coach Brian Schmack’s staff and a season-opening victory for the first time in seven years, the Valparaiso University baseball team will play three more in the state of Alabama this weekend in series at Jacksonville State. Valpo and the Gamecocks begin the set with a single game on Friday before playing a doubleheader to round out the set on Saturday.

Strong Pitching Not Enough as Valpo Falls in Series Finale

Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) put together a solid showing in his first start of the season, striking out eight over 4 1/3 innings and yielding just one hit, but he was charged with an unearned run that crossed the dish following his departure and took a tough-luck defeat in the Valparaiso University baseball team’s 4-1 setback at UAB. Head coach Brian Schmack’s pitching staff put together an encouraging opening weekend that saw Valpo take the opener before the host Blazers won the remaining two games in Birmingham, Ala.

Baseball Falls at UAB on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play a rubber match on Sunday in Birmingham after host UAB evened the three-game series with an 8-2 triumph on Saturday afternoon. The left side of the Valpo infield paced the offense, as freshman Kaleb Hannahs (West Terre Haute, Ind. / Terre Haute) and senior Damon Jorgensen (Blair, Neb. / Blair) notched two hits apiece.

Drudge’s Blast, Mintz’s Arm Lift Baseball to Season-Opening Victory

The Valparaiso University baseball team grabbed the lead thanks to a second-inning home run by Jeremy Drudge (Plymouth, Ind. / Plymouth), and never looked back courtesy of a quality pitching performance by Ryan Mintz (Lombard, Ill. / Willowbrook) on its way to a season-opening 6-2 victory over UAB in Birmingham, Ala. In the process, the 2021 team became the first Valpo squad to win a season opener in seven years.

Baseball Season Begins Friday in Birmingham

The Valparaiso University baseball team will return to the diamond in a game situation for the first time in over 11 months this weekend as the club makes the trip to Birmingham, Ala. to match up with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Valpo will begin a 54-game slate that leads into the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament with this weekend’s set at UAB. The Brown & Gold are slated to play 17 nonconference games prior to the April 1 Missouri Valley Conference opener at Dallas Baptist (DBU).

Season Preview: Valpo Ready to Play Ball with Season Opener Approaching

The pop of the mitt and the crack of the bat will be music to the ears of Valparaiso University baseball players and coaches this week.

Valpo Baseball Unveils 2021 Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced its schedule for the 2021 season, a slate that begins on Friday, Feb. 19 with the opener of a three-game series at UAB in Birmingham, Ala. That starts a 52-game regular season slate leading into the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament hosted by Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Ill. starting on May 25.

Valpo Baseball Signs Five to Incoming Class

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced the addition of five incoming freshmen for the 2021-2022 academic and athletic year. Christian Hack (Tinley Park, Ill. / Tinley Park), Grant Ross (Pewaukee, Wis. / Pewaukee), Connor Lockwood (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville), Ryan Maka (Oak Forest, Ill. / Oak Forest) and Patrick Ilitch (Harper Woods, Mich. / IMG Academy) have signed to join head coach Brian Schmack’s program.

Texas Rangers Farmhand Scott Kapers Stays Sharp in USPBL

Like everything else for everyone in the country and across the world, baseball looks a little different this year for former Valparaiso University standout Scott Kapers.

Valpo Helps Springboard Karch Kowalczyk to Professional Pitching Career

Pitching went from an afterthought to a profession for former Valparaiso University baseball player Karch Kowalczyk during his time on campus.

Valpo Product Ryan Fritze Thriving in Fourth Professional Season

When he finished out his collegiate baseball career at Valparaiso University in 2016, pitcher Ryan Fritze thought his playing days were done.

Valpo Baseball Receives ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award

The Valparaiso University athletic department continues to haul in academic honors for its collective success in the classroom throughout the 2019-2020 academic year.

Barczi Named CoSIDA Third Team Academic All-American

Valparaiso University baseball senior Christian Barczi (Naperville, Ill. / Naperville North) received a high honor for his academic success on Thursday as he was named a Third Team Academic All-American by CoSIDA.

Barczi Named to CoSIDA Academic All-District Team

Valparaiso University baseball senior Christian Barczi (Naperville, Ill. / Naperville North) was recognized for his athletic and academic prowess on Thursday as CoSIDA revealed its academic all-district teams.

Valpo Baseball Trio Recognized with MVC Scholar-Athlete Status

The Valparaiso University baseball team had a pair of repeat honorees as the Missouri Valley Conference announced its scholar-athlete teams on Thursday. Senior outfielder Steven Fitzsimmons (Golden Valley, Minn. / Robbinsdale Cooper) and senior pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) were once again named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team, while senior pitcher Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) earned MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention.

Alabama State Nips Valpo on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team was edged 4-2 by Alabama State on Wednesday night in Montgomery Alabama. The Hornets snapped a 2-2 tie with a two-run triple in the sixth, a lead that would hold up on a night that featured quality pitching on both sides.

Baseball Bests Alabama State, Returns to Win Column

The Valparaiso University baseball team got back in the win column on Tuesday night, topping Alabama State 8-3 in the first of two midweek showdowns between the two teams in Montgomery, Ala. The victory came together as three Valpo hurlers combined to span the nine quality frames while three batters contributed multi-hit efforts.

Valpo Falls in Game 3 at Georgia Southern

In the final matchup of a three-game set, the Valparaiso University baseball team dropped a 12-0 decision to host Georgia Southern. Senior Steven Fitzsimmons (Golden Valley, Minn./ Robbinsdale Cooper) recorded his first extra-base hit of the year during a multi-hit game.

Turzenski Shines, Offense Stymied as Valpo Drops Game Two at GSU

The Valparaiso University baseball team faced off against Georgia Southern Saturday for the second of a three-game series. While their pitching was strong, the Brown and Gold’s offense was unable to capitalize on early opportunities, eventually dropping the contest 1-0. Freshman Trent Turzenski (Burlington, Wis./ Burlington) pitched brilliantly in relief, allowing just three hits over 6.2 innings pitched.

Valpo Drops Series Opener to Georgia Southern

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the series opener to Georgia Southern on Friday, falling on the short end of an 8-1 contest. Valpo’s bullpen was strong, but the team was unable to overcome an early deficit.

Baseball Visits Georgia Southern Starting Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will head to Statesboro, Ga. to continue its spring break trip with a three-game weekend series against Georgia Southern. Valpo recently wrapped up a stretch of seven-straight games against teams that played in NCAA Regionals last season (No. 3 Louisville, McNeese and Southern Miss) and will continue its challenging nonconference slate with the weekend set at Georgia Southern, a team coming off a win over No. 4 Georgia.

Nicholls Nips Valpo on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 3-2 on Tuesday night at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, La. Valpo scored twice in the sixth to tie the game, but Nicholls prevailed on a walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth.

Baseball Drops Finale of Lake Area Classic

The Valparaiso University baseball team was again paced by Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) and Jonathan Temple (Turlock, Calif. / Turlock [Modesto JC]), who had two hits apiece in the team’s fourth and final game of the Lake Area Classic in Lake Charles, La. on Sunday. However, host McNeese State sprinted out to a 6-0 lead over the first three innings and held on for an 8-3 triumph.

Southern Miss Nips Valpo in Saturday Slugfest

The Valparaiso University baseball team rallied for nine runs over the final three innings including a six-run eighth, but it was not enough in a 13-11 setback to Southern Miss on Saturday afternoon at the Lake Area Classic in Lake Charles, La. Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) had three hits to lead a 15-hit onslaught, while Jonathan Temple (Turlock, Calif. / Turlock [Modesto JC]) enjoyed a four-RBI day.

Valpo Edged by Quality Foes to Start Spring Trip

The Valparaiso University baseball team received several strong pitching performances on Friday’s first day of the Lake Area Classic in Lake Charles, La. However, the team’s annual spring break trip started with a pair of losses against quality competition as Valpo fell 5-1 to Southern Miss and 4-2 to host McNeese State, both teams that played in NCAA Regionals last season.

Valpo to Start Spring Trip with Lake Area Classic

The Valparaiso University baseball team will begin its annual spring break trip with the Lake Area Classic hosted by McNeese State in Lake Charles, La. this weekend. This event’s four games will begin a 13-game journey that features seven contests in Louisiana, two in Alabama and three in Georgia over the University’s two-week spring break. This weekend, Valpo will face a pair of teams that played in NCAA Regionals last season.

Baseball Bats Produce 10 Runs in Series Finale vs. Louisville

The Valparaiso University baseball team enjoyed its most successful offensive day of the season thus far, posting 10 runs on 15 hits in a 14-10 defeat at No. 3 Louisville on Sunday. It was a big day for freshman Nolan Tucker (Cedar, Lake, Ind. / Hanover Central), who spanked a home run and drove in four, the highest RBI output by a Valpo rookie in eight seasons.

Baseball Drops Game 2 at Nationally-Ranked Louisville

The Valparaiso University baseball team held a 1-0 lead as late as the fifth inning, but No. 3 Louisville gained the advantage with three in the fifth and put the game away with three more in the eighth for a 6-1 victory on Saturday afternoon at Jim Patterson Stadium. Kevin Barry (Bartlett, Ill. / South Elgin) took advantage of his first action of the season, notching two hits and driving in Valpo’s lone run of the day.

Pitching Staff Enjoys Solid Day at No. 3 Louisville

The Valparaiso University baseball team limited No. 3 Louisville to three runs on eight hits on Friday, but the offense ran into reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year Reid Detmers, who struck out 14 over six shutout innings in a 3-0 win for the Cardinals at Jim Patterson Stadium in Louisville, Ky.

Baseball to Face Tough Test at No. 3 Louisville

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue its challenging nonconference schedule with perhaps its biggest test of the season this weekend at Louisville. The Brown & Gold will take on a Cardinals team that is ranked as high as third nationally in various polls and entered the season as the nation’s No. 1 team. Valpo will head to the state of Kentucky for the second straight weekend.

Baseball Enters Win Column by Topping Western Kentucky in Extras

The Valparaiso University baseball team garnered its first victory of the 2020 campaign by capturing the series finale on Monday afternoon at Western Kentucky, besting the host Toppers 5-3 in 10 innings at Nick Denes Stadium in Bowling Green, Ky. Senior Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) belted his first career home run, and Valpo eventually took the lead on a squeeze bunt by Damon Jorgensen (Blair, Neb. / Blair [Coffeyville]) in the top of the 10th.

Baseball Drops Middle Game at Western Kentucky

Senior Riley Dent notched three hits and junior Troy Jones (Orland Park, Ill. / Carl Sandburg [Triton]) was involved in both runs as the Valparaiso University baseball team incurred a 6-2 setback in the middle game of this weekend’s season-opening series at Western Kentucky. Valpo starter Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) turned in a solid showing, holding the Hilltoppers scoreless through four and permitting just two runs over five innings.

Baseball Drops Season Opener to Western Kentucky

The Valparaiso University baseball team opened up the 2020 campaign on Saturday with a 9-3 setback to Western Kentucky at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky. Jonathan Temple (Turlock, Calif. / Turlock [Modesto JC]) had a pair of hits in his Valpo debut to highlight the offense.

Valpo Baseball Preview Video

Head coach Brian Schmack joined Brandon Vickrey to preview the 2020 Valpo baseball season!

Baseball Alters Weekend Plans at Western Kentucky

The season has yet to begin, but the first weather-related schedule change of the year is already upon us for the Valparaiso University baseball team.

Valpo Baseball to Open Season at Western Kentucky

The long winter wait is in the books and the Valparaiso University baseball team is poised to commence the 2020 campaign on Friday afternoon in Bowling Green, Ky. For the second time in the last four years, Valpo will begin the season by visiting Western Kentucky for a three-game series. This begins the annual road gauntlet that opens the Valpo season as Friday will be the first of 22 consecutive games away from home prior to the Emory G. Bauer Field opener on March 24.

2020 Valpo Baseball Season Preview

Two words that hold a special ring to baseball fans across the world will be spoken this week with regard to the Valparaiso University baseball team – Opening Day.

Bauer Field Renovation Off to Strong Start

With the support of two generous gifts, the project to renovate Bauer Field, Valparaiso University’s baseball field, is off to a strong start. The two gifts total $550,000 and will provide the resources to install synthetic turf on the infield and down the foul lines. The total project will be done in two phases and, when completed, will transform Bauer Field into a quality Missouri Valley Conference facility.

Valpo Baseball Welcomes Incoming Recruiting Class

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a large incoming class of 13 signees for the 2020-2021 academic and athletic year.

Valpo Baseball Team Store Now Open

Just in time for holiday shopping, our online store is open through Nov. 14! Click here to visit the store and order Valpo baseball gear.

Valpo Baseball Reveals 2020 Slate

Another challenging schedule is in store for the Valparaiso University baseball team, which will open the 2020 season on Feb. 14 at Western Kentucky.

Valpo Baseball Announces Annual Golf Outing

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced plans for the annual Crusader Baseball Players Association Golf Outing, which is slated to take place on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Sam Shaikin Joins Valpo Baseball Staff as Volunteer Assistant Coach

When the Valparaiso University baseball team’s volunteer assistant coaching position came open, head coach Brian Schmack didn’t have to look far to find the perfect fit for his program.

Dawson Signs Professional Contract With Gary SouthShore RailCats

It didn’t take long for Chase Dawson to join the ranks of Valpo baseball alums who have gone on to play professional baseball, as the Gary SouthShore RailCats of the American Association announced Tuesday that they have signed Dawson to his first professional contract.

Valpo Baseball Trio Named to MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team

The Valparaiso University baseball team was well represented as the Missouri Valley Conference announced its MVC Scholar-Athlete selections on Tuesday. Three Valpo players earned first team recognition for their accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom.

Valpo Gives Baker Chance to Play Baseball in America

Each time Louie Baker ’20 takes the field for the Valparaiso University baseball team, he is making a lifelong dream of playing the sport he loves in the United States a reality.

Valpo Baseball Season Comes to a Close

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 7-1 to Missouri State on Tuesday in the first round of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill. That marked the final game of the 2019 season and the end of the careers of seven Valpo seniors.

Four Valpo Players Honored as MVC Announces All-Conference Teams

The Valparaiso University baseball team was well represented as the Missouri Valley Conference announced all-conference teams on Tuesday.

Valpo Baseball Set for MVC Tournament

After matching its regular season Missouri Valley Conference win total from a year ago despite playing in a conference that entered the final weekend of the regular season ranked sixth nationally in RPI, the Valparaiso University baseball team will look to make some noise in the Valley tournament much like it did a year ago. Valpo finished seventh in the regular season standings, creating a matchup with sixth-seeded Missouri State, the defending conference champion, in a single-elimination first-round game on Tuesday.

Baseball Drops Regular Season Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team held a late lead in Saturday’s regular season finale, but Missouri State came from behind for an 8-6 win that ended with a walk-off home run to snap a 6-6 tie. Valpo finished the regular season with six Missouri Valley Conference wins, equaling its conference win total from a year ago despite playing in a conference that is ranked sixth nationally in RPI this season.

Baseball Drops Middle Game in Springfield

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 11-4 to Missouri State on Friday night at Hammons Field in Springfield despite eight of the nine batters in the Valpo lineup recording hits and the two teams collecting 10 hits apiece. Valpo is now locked into the No. 7 seed for the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and will play sixth-seeded Missouri State in the opening round on Tuesday at Illinois State regardless of the results on Saturday’s final day of the regular season.

Valpo Edged in Series Opener at Missouri State

The Valparaiso University baseball team incurred a one-run defeat on Thursday night in Springfield, falling 5-4 to Missouri State. Valpo had leads of 1-0 and 3-1, but the Bears scored four in the fifth to take the lead and fended off the visitors for the game’s duration.

Valpo Baseball Sets Camp Dates

The Valparaiso University baseball team has set its summer camp dates for 2019.

Baseball to Close Regular Season in Springfield

The Valparaiso University baseball team will finish out the 2019 regular season this weekend with a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series at Missouri State. Valpo enters the weekend trailing the defending conference champion Bears by one game in the standings and can overtake Missouri State for sixth by winning this weekend’s series. Valpo enters the weekend with a four-game winning streak and the team will shoot to surpass its conference win total from a year ago (six) with at least one victory this weekend.

Winning Streak Reaches Four for Valpo Baseball

The Valparaiso University baseball team made it four wins in a row on Tuesday by topping Chicago State 4-3 in the Emory G. Bauer Field finale. Steven Fitzsimmons (Golden Valley, Minn. / Robbinsdale Cooper) finished a home run shy of the cycle, while four Valpo relief pitchers did not allow any earned runs over 4 1/3 innings to help secure the triumph.

Rhodehouse Wins MVC Pitcher of the Week Award, Named a National Player of the Week

Valparaiso University baseball pitcher Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) earned a pair of honors on Monday as he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week while also being recognized by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper as one of six National Players of the Week.

Baseball Attempts to Extend Winning Streak to Four on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will welcome Chicago State to Emory G. Bauer Field for the home finale on Tuesday. The game is a makeup of a contest that was slated for April 9 and was postponed. This is the final nonconference game of the season for Valpo and presents the team with a chance to nail down its fourth straight win, which would mark the program’s longest winning streak since taking six straight late in 2016. With a win on Tuesday, Valpo can finish with a winning home record for the fourth time in the last five years.

Valpo Completes Sweep of Southern Illinois on Senior Day

The Valparaiso University baseball program celebrated its seven seniors in victorious fashion, rounding out a perfect weekend with a 4-1 victory over Southern Illinois on a cool and cloudy Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Jarrett Hammel (Brook, Ind. / South Newton [Saint Joseph’s College]) turned in the third quality start by a Valpo pitcher in the series, while senior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) had a clutch two-out, two-run single in the fifth that proved to be the key moment in the game.

Valpo Pulls Away to Clinch Series Win

After winning a suspenseful, 14-inning game on Friday night, the Valparaiso University baseball team kept the drama to a minimum by rolling to a 7-1 victory over Southern Illinois on an overcast and rainy Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Freshman starting pitcher Zach Fricke (Arlington Heights, Ill. / Buffalo Grove) dealt, going the distance to propel his team to victory.

Valpo Walks Off with Win in 14-Inning Marathon

Heroes came in all forms for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Friday evening at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Billinger Earns Place on Google Cloud Academic All-District Team

Valparaiso University baseball senior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) was recognized for his success on the field and in the classroom on Thursday as he was named to the 2019 Google Cloud Academic All-District Team selected by CoSIDA.

Valpo Baseball to Honor Seven Seniors on Sunday

It’s senior weekend for the Valparaiso University baseball team as seven Valpo seniors will suit up at Emory G. Bauer Field for their final home series. The three-game set between Valpo and Southern Illinois will conclude on Sunday afternoon, Senior Day at Emory G. Bauer Field. The team’s seven seniors will be honored in a pregame ceremony. This marks an important series for both teams as the two squads enter the weekend with comparable conference records.

Seniors Crack Home Runs on Wednesday at Michigan State

Senior Day isn’t until Sunday, but the two graduating cornerstones of the Valparaiso University baseball program accounted for the offense on Wednesday evening at McLane Stadium in East Lansing. Chase Dawson (Chesterton, Ind. / Andrean) and Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) both belted home runs in a 9-3 nonconference defeat to Big Ten foe Michigan State.

Valpo Slated to Meet Michigan State on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will be back in action on Wednesday for a midweek visit to Big Ten foe Michigan State. This will be the second straight season Valpo has made its way to East Lansing to take on the Spartans. Wednesday marks Valpo’s final nonconference road game of the season.

Baseball Drops Series Finale at Bradley

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell to Bradley 13-2 in seven innings in the rubber match of a three-game weekend series on Sunday afternoon at Dozer Park in Peoria. Brent Jones (Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny Centennial [Iowa Central]) had a two-run double to account for Valpo’s scoring.

Valpo Tops Bradley, Forces Rubber Match in Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team put together a solid team effort on Saturday afternoon, coming away with a 5-2 victory over Bradley at Dozer Park. Valpo manufactured its runs with a balanced offensive attack and timely hitting, while the pitching staff did its job for the second straight day and has allowed just four runs in the series.

Tieman Outdueled Despite Complete Game in Series Opener at Bradley

It was an old-fashioned pitchers’ duel on Friday afternoon at Dozer Park as the Valparaiso University baseball team came up just shy in a 2-1 defeat to host Bradley. Valpo starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) was masterful in an eight-inning complete game, but took a tough-luck loss on a day where all of the scoring came in the first inning.

Baseball to Battle Bradley Beginning on Friday

After back-to-back midweek rainouts at Chicago State and Western Michigan, the Valparaiso University baseball team is ready to return to the diamond this weekend in Peoria. It’s time to turn the page to the month of May as a three-game Missouri Valley Conference set against Bradley looms. All three games are slated to start at high noon at Dozer Park.

Valpo, Western Michigan Canceled

It may be May, but flowers were nowhere to be found on Wednesday in Kalamazoo, causing the Valparaiso University baseball team’s game at Western Michigan to be canceled due to rain.

Mother Nature Wins Again, Valpo/Chicago State Washed Out

Mother Nature remained undefeated on Tuesday as the Valparaiso University baseball game slated to take place at Chicago State was canceled due to rain.

Pitching Strong as Valpo Splits Doubleheader with Evansville

The Valparaiso University baseball team received a pair of quality starts on Sunday on its way to splitting a doubleheader with Missouri Valley Conference foe Evansville. Freshman Zach Fricke (Arlington Heights, Ill. / Buffalo Grove) earned his first career victory in the opener, pitching his team to a 6-2 win. Jarrett Hammel (Brook, Ind. / South Newton [Saint Joseph’s College]) was impressive in his first start of the season in Game 2, but he received no decision in an eventual 4-2 setback.

Rain Washes Out Valpo Baseball, Doubleheader Set for Sunday

Saturday’s scheduled game between the Valparaiso University baseball team and Evansville has been postponed due to rain.

Baseball Drops Series Opener to Evansville

One tough inning hurt the Valparaiso University baseball team in Friday’s series opener at Emory G. Bauer Field. Visiting Evansville put a six spot in the sixth in an eventual 8-1 win. Freshman Jeremy Drudge (Plymouth, Ind. / Plymouth) collected three of Valpo’s four hits.

Baseball to Entertain Evansville for Weekend Set

After a weekend of nonconference action, the Valparaiso University baseball team will return to Missouri Valley Conference play on Friday as Evansville comes to town to lift the lid on a three-game series. Valpo won last season’s series against the Purple Aces, but they’ll face a much-improved team that has exceeded expectations after being picked to finish eighth in The Valley this season.

Valpo Edged in One-Run Game at Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team jumped out to a 3-0 lead on Tuesday night, but host Notre Dame scored three runs in the fifth and one in the seventh to notch a 4-3 victory at Frank Eck Stadium. Starting pitcher Keegan Bates (Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield North) did not permit a hit through the first four innings.

Baseball Battles Notre Dame on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make its annual visit to instate foe Notre Dame on Tuesday. The two teams will renew a long history against one another as Valpo competes in its fifth straight game outside of Missouri Valley Conference play. This kicks off an instate week for Valpo, which hosts Evansville for a conference series beginning on Friday.

Billinger Belts Three Homers in Doubleheader at SIUE

Senior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) provided the bright spot of the day for the Valparaiso University baseball team, launching one home run in the first game and two in the second game of a twinbill at SIU Edwardsville’s Simmons Complex. The Cougars won the opener 4-3 before taking the nightcap 16-6 in eight innings.

Tieman Strikes Out 12, Helps Valpo Blank SIUE in Series Opener

Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) set the tone right away when the junior right-hander struck out the side in each of the first two innings. He went on to accumulate 12 strikeouts over six frames, the most by any Valpo pitcher in a single game since 2011. Tieman was the winning pitcher in Valpo’s 8-0 shutout of SIU Edwardsville in Friday’s series opener at Simmons Complex.

Baseball Steps Outside of MVC Play for Series at SIUe

The Valparaiso University baseball team will step outside of Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend for a nonconference series at SIU Edwardsville leading into the Easter holiday. The two teams will play a single game on Friday before clashing in a scheduled doubleheader on Saturday.

Valpo Invokes 10-run Rule in Victory over Western Michigan

The Valparaiso University baseball team slugged three home runs on the way to an 11-1, seven-inning victory over Western Michigan on Tuesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]), Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) and Jeremy Drudge (Plymouth, Ind. / Plymouth) all went yard in a game that saw Valpo outhit the Broncos 12-3. Freshman starting pitcher Keegan Bates (Plainfield, Ill. / Plainfield North) turned in six quality innings to garner the victory.

Valpo Drops Doubleheader at Indiana State

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell in both games of a doubleheader on Saturday against an Indiana State team that is receiving votes nationally. The Sycamores won the opener 8-0 before Valpo senior Chase Dawson (Chesterton, Ind. / Andrean) drove in four in the nightcap in an 11-5 defeat at Bob Warn Field.

Shaikin Homers Twice in Series Opener at Indiana State

Senior Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) continued his power surge, but the Valparaiso University baseball team dropped Friday’s series opener 13-2 at Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute. The Sycamores did all of their scoring in the first two innings before securing the run-rule victory.

Challenging Valley Baseball Slate Continues at Indiana State

High-level competition is the rule rather than the exception in the Missouri Valley Conference, and that’s the case again this weekend for the Valparaiso University baseball team. Valpo makes the short trip to Terre Haute for a three-game series against instate foe Indiana State, a team that is off to the best start in program history.

Wintry Wisconsin Weather Wednesday Blocks Baseball

The Valparaiso University baseball game scheduled for Wednesday at Milwaukee has been canceled due to an unfavorable weather forecast.

Tuesday’s Valpo Baseball Game Canceled

The Valparaiso University baseball game scheduled for Tuesday vs. Chicago State has been canceled due to a Chicago State travel issue.

Go-Ahead Shaikin Homer Lifts Valpo Past Illinois State

The Valparaiso University baseball team battled back to earn a split in Saturday’s doubleheader at Emory G. Bauer Field as Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) drilled a go-ahead solo homer in the sixth inning to put Valpo ahead 3-2 in an eventual 4-2 win. It didn’t come easy as Illinois State stranded a man at third in the eighth and left two aboard in the ninth, but Valpo held on to garner its first conference victory of the season. That came after Illinois State captured the opener of Saturday’s twinbill 12-6.

Illinois State Takes Series Opener from Valpo

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped its first conference home game of the season 13-1 to visiting Illinois State on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Redbirds tacked on six insurance runs in the top of the ninth and scored eight of their 13 runs over the final three innings.

Valpo Welcomes Illinois State This Weekend

After a travel-heavy week that featured five consecutive road games, the Valparaiso University baseball team will get its first taste of conference action on its home field this season as Illinois State comes to town this weekend. The Redbirds will open up Valley play when the series gets going on Friday.

DBU Takes Series Finale at Horner Ballpark

The Valparaiso University baseball team concluded a challenging week of road games on Sunday afternoon with a 6-1 loss to DBU at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. Louie Baker (Gold Coast, Australia / [Scottsdale CC]) scored the lone Valpo run of the day and had two hits, while Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) pitched three quality innings of relief to lead the pitching staff.

Dent Leads Valpo in Defeat at DBU

The Valparaiso University baseball team ran into one of the Missouri Valley Conference’s top arms on Saturday as DBU right-hander MD Johnson dazzled to the tune of six shutout innings in which he yielded just three hits, lifting the hosts to an 8-0 victory over visiting Valpo at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. Junior Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) was his team’s top performer with a three-hit output to go along with an impressive catch in left-center.

DBU Pulls Away Late to Top Valpo in MVC Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team held its own early but DBU pulled away late for a 10-5 victory in the 2019 Missouri Valley Conference opener on Friday night at beautiful Horner Ballpark in Dallas. Senior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) cracked his team-leading fifth home run of the season as part of his three-hit performance to pace Valpo.

Valley Action Begins Friday for Valpo Baseball

The Missouri Valley Conference season will begin where the last one ended for the Valparaiso University baseball team. It’s a site that evokes positive memories for the program after Valpo exceeded expectations in its first Missouri Valley Conference Tournament a year ago, knocking off host DBU in the conference tournament opener before dropping two close games. Now, Valpo is headed back to the Lone Star State to kick off conference action against the Patriots, a perennial baseball powerhouse.

Valpo Falls to Ball State Despite Five-Run Eighth

The Valparaiso University baseball team came to life with five runs in the eighth and one in the ninth, but it was not enough in Wednesday’s 14-8 defeat at Ball State. Senior Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) belted his third home run of the season, a three-run job that highlighted the prosperous eighth inning.

Valpo Falls to Purdue in Midweek Matchup

The Valparaiso University baseball team scored the first run of the game on Tuesday in West Lafayette, but instate Big Ten foe Purdue followed with five unanswered to capture a 5-1 victory at Alexander Field. Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) and Damon Jorgenson (Blair, Neb. / Blair [Coffeyville]) had two hits apiece for Valpo.

Baseball Begins Busy Week against Instate Foes

This week, the Valparaiso University baseball team will meet a pair of instate foes that have become annual staples on the team’s schedule over the years. The yearly visit to West Lafayette to battle Purdue will occur on Tuesday, then the team will face a quick turnaround for a Wednesday matinee with Ball State in Muncie. The game against the Cardinals will serve as the final tune-up for Missouri Valley Conference action as Valpo continues a road-heavy week by making its way to Dallas on Thursday.

Barry Homer a Bright Spot for Valpo on Sunday

Long after the final score of Sunday’s Valparaiso University baseball game against Butler is forgotten, Kevin Barry (Bartlett, Ill. / South Elgin) will remember his swing of the bat in the bottom of the ninth inning. It had been a long time coming for the Valpo redshirt freshman, who missed last season with an injury and got off to a slow start this season in a small sample size. Getting his first at-bat in a game Butler led 9-0, Barry belted his first collegiate home run down the right field line to get Valpo on the board in a 9-2 defeat.

Baseball Bounces Back to Split Doubleheader with Butler

Freshman starting pitcher Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) had another sparkling outing, and junior outfielder Steven Fitzsimmons (Golden Valley, Minn. / Robinsdale Cooper) had his best day in a college uniform, paving the way for the Valparaiso University baseball team to capture the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader with instate rival Butler at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo won the nightcap 5-2 after dropping the opener 6-4.

Baseball Alters Weekend Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a schedule change for this weekend’s series against Butler due to inclement weather.

Baseball to Open Home Slate Against Butler

The Valparaiso University baseball team is slated to open up the home portion of the season this weekend as a three-game series with instate foe Butler commences on Friday at Emory G. Bauer Field. After 16 straight games on the road to begin 2019, Northwest Indiana fans will finally have their first chance to catch Valpo baseball in person this spring.

Fields Lifts Valpo to Series Win Over NIU

Freshman starting pitcher Colin Fields (Libertyville, Ill. / Libertyville) had the best performance of his young career and got better as the game went on, propelling the Valparaiso University baseball team to a 5-2 victory over Northern Illinois on Sunday afternoon at Chicago State. Eight quality innings from Fields helped Valpo take the rubber match of the three-game weekend series.

Dawson, Rhodehouse Lead Valpo to Game 1 Win

The Valparaiso University baseball team split a doubleheader on Saturday against Northern Illinois, winning the opener 7-6 before dropping the nightcap 5-2 at Chicago State. Chase Dawson (Chesterton, Ind. / Andrean) collected three hits in the first game and five for the day including a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning of the victory. Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) continued his strong junior season by retiring all nine men he faced to earn the win in relief.

Baseball Announces Changes to Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced changes to this weekend’s series against Northern Illinois.

Baseball Falls in Midweek Action at Tennessee Tech

A high-scoring first four innings gave way to a bullpen battle over the final five frames in a game that saw host Tennessee Tech hold on to edge the Valparaiso University baseball team 12-8 on Tuesday. Valpo’s offense was strong early, racking up eight runs in the first four frames.

Baseball Concludes Road Stretch This Week

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play the final four games of a stretch of 16 straight road contests to open the season this week, starting with a visit to Cookeville, Tenn. to take on Tennessee Tech in midweek action on Tuesday. The team will return to the Midwest following Tuesday’s game and will clash with Northern Illinois in a three-game series this weekend. Due to the weather situation, stay tuned for any additional information about location and time changes for the weekend series.

Baseball Drops Series Finale at South Carolina

The Valparaiso University baseball team came back to tie Sunday’s game in the seventh inning, but No. 24 South Carolina responded with three in the seventh and four in the eighth to pull away for a 12-6 victory. Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) and Brent Jones (Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny Centennial [Iowa Central]) turned in three hits apiece and both homered in the series finale at Founders Park in Columbia, S.C.

Tieman Turns in Gem as Baseball Nearly Knocks off Nationally-Ranked South Carolina

The Valparaiso University baseball team came within three outs of adding to the program’s long list of wins over Top 25 opponents, but No. 24 South Carolina started the ninth with back-to-back home runs and walked off with a 3-2 victory. Junior starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) may very well have pitched his best game in a Valpo uniform on Saturday, holding a quality Gamecocks offense to just one run (none earned) on six hits and no walks over eight innings.

Weather Interrupts Game 1 at South Carolina

The Valparaiso University baseball team was originally scheduled to take on No. 24 South Carolina on Friday night at 6 p.m. CT / 7 p.m. ET. Due to an unfavorable forecast, the start time was moved to 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET, but then the game started on a two-hour rain delay. Baseball was finally played starting at 5 p.m. CT on Friday, but then rain came again after four innings, causing the contest to be suspended. It will be resumed on Saturday afternoon in Columbia, S.C. with Valpo down 4-1.

Baseball Battles Nationally-Ranked South Carolina This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue a rigorous stretch with perhaps its toughest test yet this weekend in Columbia, S.C. Valpo will visit South Carolina, a perennial baseball powerhouse, for a three-game weekend series. The Gamecocks are ranked 20th nationally by Baseball America and 24th in the latest D1Baseball.com poll. This will mark Valpo’s first games against a nationally-ranked opponent since beating No. 25 Illinois in a midweek game last April. This continues a stretch of eight straight games against opponents who played in NCAA Regionals last season.

Valpo Drops Midweek Battle with North Carolina A&T

The spring trip continued for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Tuesday as the program played its first midweek contest of the season in Greensboro, N.C. Host North Carolina A&T pulled away late for an 11-4 victory over Valpo.

Shaikin Grand Slam Propels Valpo to Dramatic Victory

One swing of the bat by Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) altered the game’s complexion on Sunday afternoon in Wilmington, N.C. as the senior launched a go-ahead grand slam with two outs in the eighth to send the Valparaiso University baseball team to a 10-8 victory over UNCW. The victory came against a quality program that reached an NCAA Regional last season.

Baseball Drops Pair of Close Games at UNCW

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell in both games of Saturday’s doubleheader at UNCW, falling 10-8 in the opener and 4-3 in the nightcap. Brent Jones (Ankeny, Iowa / Akeny Centennial [Iowa Central]) racked up two hits in each game to lead the offense, while Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) turned in a quality start but received no decision in Game 2.

Rain Postpones Series Opener

Baseball to Begin Spring Trip on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will return to the diamond this weekend to begin a challenging spring break trip that will see the team play eight true road games, all against teams that qualified for NCAA Regionals last season. The tough stretch starts in Wilmington, N.C. against defending Colonial Athletic Conference champion UNC Wilmington.

Baseball Succumbs to Arkansas State in Series Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the final game of a three-game set with Arkansas State by a score of 4-1 on Monday afternoon in Jonesboro, Ark. Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) continued to drive in runs as he picked up Valpo’s lone RBI.

Billinger Homers Twice in Opener of Baseball Twin Bill

The Valparaiso University baseball team came within one out of topping host Arkansas State in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader, but the Red Wolves rallied for a 7-6, 11-inning win before capturing the second game 7-1. Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) was Valpo’s top offensive performer, enjoying his second career multi-homer game in the opener.

Baseball Announces Schedule Changes

With heavy rain in the forecast for Jonesboro this weekend, the Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a change of plans regarding this weekend’s series at Arkansas State.

Baseball Journeys to Jonesboro This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team returns to the diamond this weekend for a three-game series in Jonesboro, Ark. against Arkansas State. The two teams will battle Mother Nature as well as each other as they attempt to complete the series uninterrupted.

Rain Washes Out Baseball at Lipscomb

The Valparaiso University baseball team grabbed an early lead on Sunday afternoon with a chance to win two of three in the season’s opening series, but Mother Nature had other ideas as rain halted play in the middle of the third and eventually caused the game’s cancellation.

Dent Sets Tone Atop Lineup as Baseball Tops Lipscomb

The Valparaiso University baseball team received consistent offense throughout the day on Saturday, fending off Lipscomb 8-6 in Nashville, Tenn. to enter the win column and force a rubber match in the season-opening series. Leadoff man Riley Dent (Long Beach, Calif. / Wilson) had a career day, racking up three hits, three RBIs, one walk and two runs scored.

Baseball Falls to Lipscomb in Season Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team threw out the first pitch of the 2019 season on Friday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn. Host Lipscomb used a five-run fifth inning to secure a season-opening 6-0 victory over Valpo.

Baseball Begins on Friday at Lipscomb

The Valparaiso University baseball team will throw out the first pitch of the 2019 season on Friday afternoon in Nashville, Tenn. Valpo will begin a challenging conference schedule by visiting ASUN foe Lipscomb for a three-game series. As always, Mother Nature has Valpo on the road for the season’s early portion, as this weekend starts a season-opening stretch of 17 straight games away from Emory G. Bauer Field.

2019 Valpo Baseball Season Preview

After finishing the 2018 season with a strong tournament showing including an upset victory over host DBU, the Valparaiso University baseball team looks to take the next step forward in Year 2 in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Billinger Named to Preseason All-Conference Squad

Valparaiso University senior outfielder Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) has been named to the 2019 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason All-Conference team, as announced by the league office on Tuesday.

No. 9: Baseball Upsets Host Dallas Baptist in MVC Tournament Debut

The Valparaiso University baseball team made a grand entrance to the Missouri Valley Conference by upsetting host Dallas Baptist in the first game of the 2018 MVC Tournament, a win that ranks ninth in our countdown of the Top 10 moments of the year in Valpo Athletics.

Valpo Baseball Announces Incoming Recruiting Class

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the addition of seven newcomers for the 2020 season.

Valpo Baseball Announces 2019 Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball program has unveiled its schedule for the 2019 season – a quality slate that features six opponents that played in NCAA Regionals last season.

Dylan DeBrouwer Joins Valpo Baseball Staff as Volunteer Assistant Coach

The Valparaiso University baseball team has rounded out its coaching staff for the 2019 season as head coach Brian Schmack has named Dylan DeBrouwer the team’s volunteer assistant coach.

Kory Winter Named Valpo Hitting Coach

Valparaiso University head baseball coach Brian Schmack has hired a familiar face to take over as the team’s hitting coach.

Valpo Baseball Announces Walk-on Tryouts

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announces that it is holding walk-on tryouts for the 2019 roster on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018.

Valpo Baseball Releases Details on Annual Golf Tournament, Alumni Game

The Valparaiso Baseball Alumni Group has announced that its annual Valpo Baseball Alumni Reunion will occur the weekend of Sept. 22.

Casey Fletcher Joins Valpo Baseball Coaching Staff

Valparaiso University head baseball coach Brian Schmack has announced the addition of Casey Fletcher to his coaching staff.

Valpo Baseball Announces Prospect Camp

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced plans for its 2018 Prospect Camp.

Valpo Baseball Announces Youth Camp

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced dates for its annual Youth Camp, which will take place from July 9-11 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Scott Kapers Selected by Texas Rangers in MLB Draft

The ultimate dream of anyone who has ever stepped foot on a baseball diamond came to fruition for Valparaiso University’s Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mount Carmel) on Wednesday.

Tieman Named to MVC Scholar-Athlete Team, Garbella Receives Honorable Mention

Valparaiso University baseball sophomore Jon Tieman was honored for his performance both academically and athletically on Tuesday as the right-handed pitcher was named to the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete First Team. In addition, senior Giovanni Garbella was named MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention.

Kapers Named to MVC All-Tournament Team

After the Valparaiso University baseball team turned heads with its performance at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Dallas this week, junior catcher Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mount Carmel) has been recognized as a member of the all-tournament team.

Strong Showing in MVC Tournament Comes to an End on Friday

The long day in Dallas that featured a little bit of everything ended with the Valparaiso University baseball team bidding farewell to its 10-member senior class on Friday evening. The Crusaders gave host DBU a scare by sprinting out to a 5-0 lead at Horner Ballpark, but the Patriots came from behind to edge the Crusaders 7-5, avoiding a second straight loss to the seventh-seeded Crusaders that may have dashed DBU’s NCAA Regional hopes.

Resilient Crusaders Fall Just Shy on Thursday Against Bradley

The Valparaiso University baseball team simply wouldn’t go away on Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday morning in a winners’ bracket second-round Missouri Valley Conference Tournament game at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. Every time Bradley appeared to open the game up, the Crusaders had a response, but in the end the Braves prevailed 11-9 when the Crusaders stranded the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Bradley finds itself one victory from the MVC championship game, while the Crusaders are forced into a quick turnaround for an elimination rematch with DBU on Friday afternoon.

Grand Entrance: Valpo Knocks Off Host DBU in First MVC Tournament Game

A Valparaiso University baseball team that is no stranger to winning on the big stage gained its most memorable victory yet in Wednesday’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament opener by upstaging host DBU 13-10 under the lights at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. The second-seeded Patriots have won three of the last four MVC Tournament titles, but Wednesday night belonged to a poised group of MVC newcomers who sure didn’t look like the tournament’s seventh seed.

Five Crusaders Honored on Baseball All-Conference Teams

The Valparaiso University baseball team has five representatives on the all-Missouri Valley Conference teams, which were announced by the conference office on Tuesday.

Baseball Set for MVC Tournament in Dallas

The Valparaiso University baseball team will spend the week in the Lone Star State as Dallas Baptist University hosts the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament. The eight-team, double-elimination event will commence on Wednesday and conclude on Saturday with the winner earning an automatic NCAA Tournament berth. The seventh-seeded Crusaders will face an immediate test in their tournament opener as they clash with host DBU, the No. 2 seed, under the Horner Ballpark lights to conclude the first day of MVC Tournament play.

Valpo Baseball Honors Seniors on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team celebrated its 10-member senior class on Saturday afternoon prior to the regular season finale against Indiana State at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders started five seniors and used four more out of the bullpen in an 8-2 loss to the Sycamores.

Valpo Falls to Indiana State on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 16-0 to Indiana State on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Sycamores did all of their scoring in the first four innings in a game that was shortened to seven frames because of the 10-run rule.

Five-Run Sixth Lifts Indiana State Past Valpo in Series Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team was hurt by one big Indiana State inning in Thursday’s series opener between the two Missouri Valley Conference foes at Emory G. Bauer Field. All six hits in the Sycamore sixth were singles, leading to a five-run uprising and an eventual 6-3 victory over the Crusaders. Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) tied the program record for doubles in a single season with his 23rd of the year in the eighth inning.

Valpo Hosts Indiana State for Senior Weekend

The regular season reaches its conclusion this week as Valpo welcomes in-state foe Indiana State for a three-game series that begins on Thursday. The Crusaders and Sycamores will go at it in an important set as teams across the conference battle for seeding in next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The series will culminate with Senior Day on Saturday as the Crusaders recognize their 10-member senior class prior to the group’s final game at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Two-Out Rally in Ninth Propels Valpo to Dramatic Win

Even the most optimistic fans of the Valparaiso University baseball team had to admit that the outlook was bleak with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders hadn’t scored since the second inning and faced a 2-1 deficit with nobody on base and one out left to work. Then, the fortunes turned. The next three batters reached, setting the stage for a two-run single by Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) as Valpo stunned Chicago State 3-2 in walk-off fashion.

Baseball Drops Series Finale in Normal

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 8-0 to Illinois State on Sunday afternoon at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill. The Redbirds sprinted ahead 7-0 through two innings before the Valpo bullpen slowed them down to the tune of one run over seven frames. However, the Crusader offense was stymied by Illinois State starter Matt Walker, who pitched six shutout innings and garnered the win.

Valpo Drops Middle Game at Illinois State

After waiting out a three-hour rain delay, the Valparaiso University baseball team was on the wrong end of a 13-3 score at Illinois State on Saturday night at Duffy Bass Field in Normal. The Redbirds used an eight-run second inning to set the tone and eventually invoked the 10-run rule in the bottom of the eighth. Junior Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) drove in all three Valpo runs and launched his eighth home run of the season, moving into a tie for the team lead.

Tieman Tosses Complete Game to Help Valpo to Heart-Pounding Win in Series Opener

Starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) turned in a complete-game gem, Zack Leone (Pelham Manor, N.Y. / Fordham Prep [Susquehanna]) ripped a go-ahead ninth-inning double and Jayden Eggimann (Mesa, Ariz. / Desert Ridge [Central Arizona / Grand Canyon]) made a game-ending diving catch on a line drive to center. All of it added up to a crisp, entertaining and dramatic 2-1 victory over Illinois State for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Friday night in the series opener at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill.

Key MVC Series Starts Friday for Valpo Baseball

With six games to go in the regular season, the Valparaiso University baseball team’s level of success in its first season in the Missouri Valley Conference has yet to be defined. How Valpo views its first year in The Valley on the diamond will largely be determined by what happens the rest of the way as the Crusaders have a pair of conference series the next two weekends that appear evenly matched. The stretch run starts on Friday as Valpo visits Illinois State to kick off a three-game set.

Valpo’s One-Year Wonder: MBA Program, Baseball Team Attract Leone to Valpo for Last Hurrah

A standout season on the Valparaiso University baseball team may have never happened for Zack Leone ’18 MBA if it weren’t for a variety circumstances that came together perfectly, uniting the fifth-year senior first baseman with the Missouri Valley Conference program.

Inclement Weather Causes Cancellation of Baseball on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Wednesday’s scheduled game against Western Michigan at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Billinger Launches Three Home Runs, Propels Valpo Past Western Michigan

From the moment he made his first plate appearance in a Valpo uniform, junior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) has racked up offensive accomplishment after offensive accomplishment. But he outdid himself on Tuesday, enjoying his most noteworthy day at the dish yet by becoming the first Valpo player in 10 years with a three-homer game. In the process, he helped Valpo to an 18-13 win over Western Michigan at Robert J. Bobb Stadium in Kalamazoo.

Strong Starting Pitching Not Enough on Sunday

For the second straight Sunday, starting pitcher Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake Country]) gave the Valparaiso University baseball team a quality chance to win against a high-level opponent. This time, a strong effort on the mound wasn’t enough, as visiting Missouri State used a four-run eighth to beat Valpo 6-2 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Absorbs Narrow Defeat to First-Place Missouri State

Senior Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) moved into a tie for the team lead with his seventh homer of the season and junior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) extended his Missouri Valley Conference lead in doubles, but the Valparaiso University baseball team was handed another close loss to first-place Missouri State on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Drew Millas clubbed a three-run homer in the fifth inning to help the Bears to an eventual 6-4 victory.

Late Comeback Allows Missouri State to Edge Valpo on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team got off to a favorable start with a four-run first inning against Missouri Valley Conference powerhouse Missouri State on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field, but the Bears came back with crooked numbers of their own in the third and eighth to win the game 6-5. The Crusaders led 5-3 for the bulk of the day until Missouri State’s three-run eighth inning turned the tables.

Baseball Continues Challenging Slate This Weekend

After hosting preseason MVC favorite DBU last weekend, the Valparaiso University baseball team continues its challenging slate by welcoming another high-level conference foe to Emory G. Bauer Field. This week, it’s 10-2 Missouri State making its way to Valpo. The Bears were one of two MVC teams to compete in the NCAA Tournament a year ago.

Baseball Announces Makeup Date vs. Western Michigan

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a makeup date for a game against Western Michigan that was postponed in early April.

Seven-Run Eighth Highlights Tuesday’s Game at NIU

The Valparaiso University baseball team ventured to the alma mater of head coach Brian Schmack on Tuesday afternoon for its annual nonconference showdown with Northern Illinois. The Crusaders took a significant bite out of a 10-0 deficit with a seven-run eighth, but the Huskies held on for the 10-7 win at McKenzie Field in DeKalb.

Valpo Upstages MVC-Leading DBU on Sunday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has added another name to the growing list of nationally-acclaimed programs it has defeated this season. The Crusaders topped a DBU team that entered the weekend 46th nationally in RPI in one-sided fashion, cruising to a 9-2 victory in Sunday’s series finale at Emory G. Bauer Field. The star of the day was starting pitcher Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake County]), who turned in a complete-game masterpiece against a formidable offensive club.

DBU Tops Valpo Baseball on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the middle game of this weekend’s series to DBU by a score of 9-3 on Saturday afternoon. The visiting Patriots, a perennial NCAA contender and Missouri Valley Conference power, cruised to a series-clinching 9-3 win.

Baseball Drops Series Opener to DBU

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 8-1 in the series opener against MVC preseason favorite Dallas Baptist on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders received the bulk of their offensive production out of the six and seven spots in the lineup as Chad Jacob (Irvine, Calif. / Woodbridge) and Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mt. Carmel) combined for five of the team’s eight hits.

DBU Makes First Trip to Emory G. Bauer Field This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will welcome the Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorites to Emory G. Bauer Field this weekend for a three-game conference series. Dallas Baptist has won seven of its nine MVC affairs after hauling in seven of the eight first-place votes in the preseason coaches poll. This marks the first of two straight home weekends where Valpo will host programs with proud baseball traditions, as DBU and Missouri State – both teams that played in the NCAA Tournament a year ago – come to town for the first time.

Late Comeback Comes Up Just Shy at Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team rallied with two runs in the seventh and two more in the ninth on Wednesday night at Frank Eck Stadium in Notre Dame, Ind., but the host Fighting Irish held on for a 6-5 victory. The Crusaders stranded the potential tying run in scoring position in the ninth in what marked their 10th one-run loss of the season.

Garbella Named MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week

Valparaiso University baseball outfielder Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) has been selected as a Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week, presented by Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, for his performance in both the classroom and on the playing field this past week.

Baseball at Notre Dame Pushed to Wednesday

Tuesday’s scheduled Valparaiso University baseball game at Notre Dame has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up on Wednesday, April 25 at 5:05 p.m. CT / 6:05 p.m. ET at Frank Eck Stadium.

Valpo Makes Annual Visit to Notre Dame on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will be back in action on Tuesday as the Crusaders head to Notre Dame, Ind. to clash with the Fighting Irish, an instate foe from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Valpo will look to sustain the momentum from a successful week that saw the Crusaders win three of their four contests.

Shaikin Named to Brooks Wallace Award Watch List

Valparaiso University shortstop Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) has been named to the Brooks Wallace Award Watch List, which was announced by the College Baseball Foundation late last week.

Baseball Picks Up First MVC Series Win on Sunday

The Valparaiso University baseball team secured its first Missouri Valley Conference series win as a first-year member of the league on Sunday afternoon, playing quality baseball on the way to a 6-1 victory over Evansville at Braun Field. The Crusader pitching staff held the Purple Aces to two runs or fewer in both wins this weekend. Senior Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake Country]) was on the bump for Sunday’s series finale and turned in a quality start to garner his first victory of 2018.

Valpo Drops Middle Game, Sets Up Sunday Rubber Match

The Valparaiso University baseball team held an 8-3 lead as late as the sixth inning on Saturday afternoon at Braun Field in Evansville, but the Purple Aces roared from behind with three in the sixth and three more in the seventh to top the Crusaders 9-8. Valpo will play for its first Missouri Valley Conference series win in a rubber match on Sunday.

Early Offense Helps Valpo Take Series Opener From Evansville

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued its recent trend of scoring early and often on Friday night at Braun Field in Evansville, jumping out to an early lead with three in the first and three more in the second against the host Purple Aces. That was more than enough for sophomore starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge), who hurled a 112-pitch complete game win.

Baseball Heads to Evansville This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team returns to Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend with a trip to Evansville. The Crusaders will look to build upon the momentum created with Tuesday’s signature victory as they return to conference play and vie for their first series win as MVC members.

Valpo Baseball Knocks off No. 25 Illinois on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team notched another victory over a high-caliber program on Tuesday at Illinois Field – this time the team’s best win yet. The Crusaders knocked off Illinois 11-7, handing a team ranked 25th nationally its first loss in the last six games. Illinois (23-9) had won nine straight midweek game dating back to March 2017 and had lost by more than three runs only once all season. The win came on the exact 55-year anniversary of Valpo’s last win over Illinois.

Valpo, Illinois Meet for First Time in 37 Years on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play its third Big Ten opponent of the season on Tuesday night in Champaign, colliding with an Illinois team that has been nationally ranked at various points in the year. The Crusaders and Fighting Illini will get together for the first time since 1981.

Rain Washes Out Series Finale Between Crusaders, Spartans

Saturday’s scheduled game between Valpo and Michigan State has been canceled due to steady rain and an unfavorable forecast. The game will not be made up.

Ferketic Heaves Second Straight Complete Game, Valpo Takes Game 2 from Michigan State

The Valparaiso University baseball team secured a win against a team from the Big Ten Conference for the third consecutive season, splitting Friday’s doubleheader at McLane Stadium in East Lansing by virtue of a 7-6 triumph in Game 2. The Crusaders dropped the opener 5-4 in a 12-inning marathon before starting pitcher Trey Ferketic (Laguna Niguel, Calif. / JSerra [UC San Diego]) heaved all nine innings for the second straight start and didn’t allow a run after the third as Valpo came from behind for the Game 2 victory.

Big Ten Foe Michigan State Awaits Valpo This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will step outside of Missouri Valley Conference action this weekend for a three-game series against Big Ten foe Michigan State. This marks the second of three Big Ten squads Valpo will oppose this season, as they played Purdue earlier in the year and will visit Illinois next week. The Crusaders and Spartans altered this weekend’s slate to dodge raindrops and will now play a doubleheader on Friday and a single game on Saturday.

Highest Run Total Since 2010 Helps Baseball Down Milwaukee

The Valparaiso University baseball team set the tone with a seven-run first-inning explosion, and that was only the beginning on a windy Wednesday at Emory G. Bauer Field. With temperatures in the 60s for the first time since the team returned to the Midwest, the Valpo offense took full advantage of a hitters’ day by dispatching visiting Milwaukee 23-5. The Crusaders produced their highest run total in eight years with Jayden Eggimann (Mesa, Ariz. / Desert Ridge [Central Arizona/Grand Canyon]) leading the way by launching a grand slam and racking up seven RBIs.

Valpo, Michigan State Announce Alteration to Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that this weekend’s nonconference series at Michigan State has been tweaked in an effort to dodge anticipated raindrops in East Lansing, Mich.

Baseball to Host Milwaukee in Midweek Matchup

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play its lone home contest over a 12-game stretch on Wednesday afternoon as the Crusaders welcome former Horizon League foe Milwaukee for a midweek matchup. The game will take place on the University’s annual Valpo Day.

Baseball Drops Rubber Match in Southern Illinois

The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered an 8-0 setback to Southern Illinois on Friday at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. as one rough inning hurt the Crusaders. Valpo yielded seven runs in a bottom of the fifth that changed the game’s complexion, while the Crusaders managed just five hits for the game.

Billinger Leads Offense, Ferketic Goes the Distance in Win Over SIU

The Valparaiso University baseball team excelled in all three facets of the game on Saturday afternoon at Itchy Jones Stadium, using sound pitching, hitting and defense to put together a well-played 6-2 win over host Southern Illinois in Missouri Valley Conference play. Starting pitcher Trey Ferketic (Laguna Niguel, Calif. / JSerra [UC San Diego]) turned in a strong start, Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) racked up a career-high five hits and the Crusaders played flawless defense on their way to creating a rubber match in the three-game weekend series.

Baseball Drops Series Opener in Carbondale

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped its first Missouri Valley Conference road game on Friday in Carbondale, Ill. The two starters engaged in a pitchers’ duel early, but host Southern Illinois pulled away late for a 6-2 victory in the opening game of the three-game weekend series.

Crusaders Head to Carbondale to Battle Salukis

The Valparaiso University baseball team will be back in action this weekend as the Crusaders head to Carbondale for a three-game series with Southern Illinois. Valpo will hit the road for the first time in Missouri Valley Conference play, while the Salukis will compete in their first home MVC contests of the campaign.

Tuesday’s Game Canceled Due to Field Conditions, Weather

“Spring” in the Midwest continues as the Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Tuesday’s scheduled nonconference game against Western Michigan at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Drops Rubber Match to Bradley on Sunday

Series Finale Postponed to Sunday Due to Rain

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that the third and final game of this weekend’s series against Bradley has been postponed due to rain.

Historic Day for Valpo Baseball Ends in Epic Fashion

A day that started with the Valparaiso University baseball team embarking on its maiden voyage in the Missouri Valley Conference ended fittingly, with senior first baseman Zack Leone (Pelham Manor, N.Y. / Fordham Prep [Susquehanna]) ripping a three-run, walk-off home run to beat Bradley 5-2 in 10 innings in the second game of a doubleheader.

Valpo Baseball Announces Schedule Change for Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play a doubleheader to open this weekend’s Missouri Valley Conference series with Bradley on Friday beginning at noon CT at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Baseball Begins MVC Era on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball program will begin the Missouri Valley Conference era this weekend by hosting Bradley for a three-game Easter Weekend series at Emory G. Bauer Field. The University joined the MVC as a full-fledged member on July 1, 2017 after 10 years in the Horizon League.

Purdue Tops Valpo on Wednesday in West Lafayette

The Valparaiso University baseball team came up short against Big Ten foe Purdue on Wednesday night in West Lafayette as the Boilermakers edged the Crusaders 4-1 at Alexander Field. Purdue left-handed pitcher Ryan Beard dominated unlike any opposing pitcher Valpo has seen this season, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh until the Crusaders finally scratched out consecutive hits to end his day.

Crusaders Continue Instate Stretch at Purdue on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue a stretch of games against instate opponents on Wednesday night in West Lafayette. After taking on Butler and Ball State in their last two games, the Crusaders will face off with Big Ten foe Purdue. Valpo has won back-to-back meetings with Purdue for the first time since 1977 after beating the Boilermakers each of the last two seasons.

Five-Run Seventh Highlights Home Opener for Crusaders

The visitors from Ball State spoiled the home opener for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Monday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Cardinals scored in seven of the nine innings including a dozen unanswered runs in the first six and a half frames. Valpo’s offense showed positive signs in the bottom of the seventh by scoring five times, but Ball State went on to win 13-5 in nonconference action.

Baseball Announces Schedule Change, Hosts Ball State on Monday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a schedule change for this week’s nonconference game against Ball State.

Snow in Indy Wipes Out Sunday’s Scheduled Doubleheader

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Sunday’s scheduled doubleheader at Butler has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Strong Start by Tieman, Six-Run Third Lift Valpo Over Butler

The Valparaiso University baseball team staked starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) to a sizeable lead by virtue of a six-run third inning, and the sophomore right-hander did his part to make that early edge hold up. He turned in a quality start and picked up the win as Valpo downed rival Butler 9-2, capturing the first game of a three-game series in Indianapolis.

Valpo, Butler to Meet on Diamond This Weekend

A storied history across all athletic platforms between two Indiana institutions will continue this weekend. The Valparaiso University baseball team will take the diamond for a three-game series at Butler’s Bulldog Park beginning on Friday, marking the first time Valpo and Butler have played in baseball since 2014 and renewing a long history between the in-state rivals.

Inclement Weather Wipes Out Baseball at Chicago State

The Valparaiso University baseball game scheduled to be played on Tuesday afternoon at Chicago State has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Leone Drives in Seven to Propel Crusaders to Game 2 Win

The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a Game 1 loss by capturing a 12-8 win over host Arkansas Pine Bluff in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex. Zack Leone (Pelham Manor, N.Y. / Fordham Prep [Susquehanna]) racked up seven RBIs and reached base in all six plate appearances in the second game. The Golden Lions came from behind to edge the Crusaders 6-5 in the opener.

Dawson Grand Slam Highlights Victory Over Arkansas Pine Bluff

A five-run seventh inning that featured a Chase Dawson grand slam helped the Valparaiso University baseball team break Friday’s game wide open. From there, the Crusaders coasted to a 14-7 victory over host Arkansas Pine Bluff at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex. Dawson also had a run-scoring triple, while Zack Leone returned to the lineup and contributed three hits to the winning cause.

Baseball Back in Action on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has returned from its spring trip to California, but soon enough the Crusaders will be on the road again as they make their way to Pine Bluff, Ark. to begin a three-game weekend series with Arkansas Pine Bluff. The Crusaders and Golden Lions will play a single game on Friday followed by a Saturday doubleheader.

Baseball Concludes California Week by Dropping Doubleheader to LMU

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell in both games of a doubleheader on Sunday in Los Angeles. Loyola Marymount held on for a 7-4 victory in the first game before pulling away to win the nightcap 15-5. Chase Dawson had two hits in each game, Giovanni Garbella drove in five runs for the day and Blake Lutgen provided perhaps the biggest highlight by slugging his first career home run in Game 2.

Inclement Weather Postpones Middle Game of Series Between Crusaders, Lions

The middle game of a three-game weekend series between Valpo and Loyola Marymount has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. CT.

Three Juniors Lash Out Multiple Hits on Friday at Loyola Marymount

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued to get strong offensive production from its junior class on Friday night in Los Angeles, as Chase Dawson, Sam Shaikin and Scott Kapers picked up two hits apiece in a 10-3 defeat at Loyola Marymount. The Lions roared ahead with three in the first, tacked on another three spot in the fourth and cruised to the win after their third three-run inning in the seventh.

Baseball Heads to Loyola Marymount for Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will conclude its spring trip to the state of California this weekend as it matches up with Loyola Marymount for a three-game series. Both teams will look to get back on the winning track, as LMU will attempt to rectify a three-game losing streak, while the Crusaders dropped back-to-back games at UC Riverside earlier this week.

Dawson Delivers Big Day in Loss to UC Riverside

Valparaiso University junior Chase Dawson enjoyed a prosperous performance on Thursday night at UC Riverside, but the Crusader second baseman’s four hits and four RBIs came in a losing effort as the Highlanders notched a 14-5 victory over Valpo. The Crusaders racked up 11 hits, but left 10 on base, while UC Riverside had 16 hits and stranded only six.

Kapers Named to 2018 Johnny Bench Award Watch List

Valparaiso University junior catcher Scott Kapers was named to the official 2018 Johnny Bench Award Watch list on Tuesday.

Baseball Absorbs One-Run Loss at UC Riverside

The Valparaiso University baseball team began the California portion of its spring break trip on Tuesday night with a 4-3 loss at UC Riverside. On an evening when the Crusaders faced the challenge of playing in their fifth game in five days, a taxed pitching staff held the Highlanders to four runs, but the offense was kept scoreless outside of a three-run fifth inning.

Valpo Begins California Week at UC Riverside

The Valparaiso University baseball team has long stocked its roster with talent from the state of California. For the first time since the opening series of the 2015 season, the Crusaders will make an appearance in the Golden State on Tuesday night, the first of five games in California this week, starting with back-to-back midweek affairs with UC Riverside.

Eggimann Finishes Trip to Home State with Home Run, Helps Valpo Defeat Grand Canyon

When the Valparaiso University baseball team arrives in California for the second stop on its spring trip, 11 Crusaders will be back in their home state. But on Sunday, it was Jayden Eggimann’s moment in the sun in The Valley of the Sun. The Mesa, Ariz. native clubbed a ninth-inning home run and drove in five to help Valpo ensure that his homecoming ended on a high note with an 11-7 victory over Grand Canyon, the team Eggimann played for as a freshman. That allowed Valpo to bounce back from a 6-5 loss to CSUN earlier in the day.

Offense Keeps Rolling as Valpo Tops Grand Canyon

The Valparaiso University baseball team sustained its status as an early-season offensive juggernaut on Saturday night at GCU Ballpark in Phoenix, Ariz., downing host Grand Canyon 12-6. Valpo scored three runs in the second, four in the third and three in the fourth before cruising to the victory.

Miraculous Comeback Not Enough as CSUN Holds off Valpo

If there’s one thing the Valparaiso University baseball team has proved through the first seven games of the 2018 season, it’s that the Crusaders can score on anybody. Trailing 13-4 entering the frame, they scored in the ninth inning of Friday’s GCU Classic opener against CSUN. And they scored. And they scored. And they scored. Eventually, Chase Dawson (Chesterton, Ind. / Andrean) drilled a game-tying home run to cap a nine-run frame and tie the game at 13, but the Matadors went on to win 14-13, sending Valpo to their third walk-off loss in five defeats this year.

Arizona the First Stop on Baseball's Spring Trip

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to sustain its recent success this week as the annual spring break trip commences with a stop in the Copper State as the Crusaders partake in the GCU Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. Valpo will face off with the host Antelopes for a pair of games while also going at it with CSUN in two neutral-site contests.

Shaikin Named MVC Hitter of the Week

Valparaiso University baseball third baseman Sam Shaikin (Wes Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) became the first Crusader baseball player to earn a Missouri Valley Conference weekly award on Monday, as he was recognized as the league’s Hitter of the Week for his impressive showing this past weekend in Norman, Okla.

Gordon Dominant as Valpo Drops Oklahoma Finale in Extras

Starting pitcher Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake County]) had his finest day in a Valpo uniform on Sunday at L. Dale Mitchell Stadium in Norman, Okla. and the Crusaders pushed across a game-tying run in the ninth, but Oklahoma prevailed 3-2 in 10 innings in the weekend finale. The Crusaders outhit the Sooners 11-6 in the contest.

Banner Day for Valpo Baseball Concludes with Second Straight Rout of 2017 NCAA Tournament Team

If college baseball clubs who call cold-weather areas home are supposed to struggle offensively early in the season, nobody bothered to tell the Valparaiso University baseball team. There was no time for basking in the glory of a signature win over Oklahoma, a Big 12 team that had the third-most votes of teams outside the Top 25 in the USA Today Baseball Coaches Poll, on Saturday evening. Instead, the Crusaders were back on the field less than an hour later, whitewashing another team that went to the NCAA Tournament last year in a 20-6 win over defending Patriot League champion Holy Cross.

Baseball Knocks Off Oklahoma on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team started its weekend in Norman, Okla. by upstaging the host Oklahoma Sooners, a Big 12 team that received 46 votes in the USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll. The Crusaders dominated from the outset, scoring three in the first and six in the second on the way to the 11-4 victory. Starting pitcher Trey Ferketic twirled a gem to capture his first win in a Valpo uniform.

Inclement Weather Washes Out Battle of Crusaders

The Valparaiso University baseball team’s scheduled game against Holy Cross on Friday afternoon has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Baseball Faces Pair of Reigning NCAA Tournament Teams This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue its challenging nonconference slate this weekend by heading to L. Dale Mitchell Park in Norman, Okla. to play a pair of games against both Holy Cross and the host Sooners. After visiting a team from the SEC, which finished second nationally in conference RPI a year ago, the Crusaders will clash with Oklahoma – a member of the Big 12 Conference, first nationally in conference RPI last season. Both of this weekend’s opponents played in the NCAA Tournament last year.

Baseball Edged by SEC Foe Alabama on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team scored five runs in the first four innings against Alabama on Saturday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, but the bats went quiet after that and the Crimson Tide eventually rallied from 5-1 down to capture a 6-5 victory in walk-off fashion.

Newcomers Shine as Valpo Baseball Drops Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team saw a pair of newcomers enjoy noteworthy debuts on Friday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but the Crimson Tide defended their home field with a 16-2 victory on Opening Day. An eight-run fourth inning turned the tide, transforming a one-run Valpo edge into a seven-run deficit.

Crusaders to Take on Crimson Tide in Season-Opening Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will throw out the first pitch of the 2018 season on Friday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, Ala. as the Crusaders begin a challenging nonconference schedule by visiting SEC foe Alabama for a three-game weekend series. As always, Mother Nature has the Crusaders on the road for the season’s early portion, as this weekend starts a season-opening stretch of 23 straight games away from Emory G. Bauer Field.

2018 Valpo Baseball Season Preview

As the Valparaiso University baseball team enters the 2018 season, the Crusaders are ready to embrace the role of underdogs in their first season in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Valpo Baseball Announces 2018 Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball team has revealed its schedule for the 2018 season, the program’s first year of competition in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Valpo Baseball Announces Incoming Recruiting Class

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a group of eight individuals who have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Crusaders for the 2018-19 academic and athletic year.

Baseball Poised for Fall World Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team is set for its annual version of the Fall Classic, which is slated to begin on Monday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m. CT at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo In The Valley: Baseball

Continuing the #ValpoInTheValley series, which will take a look at each of the Missouri Valley Conference’s 17 sports, is baseball. Learn about the landscape of The Valley in baseball, how Valpo has fared against opponents from The Valley in the past, and hear from head coach Brian Schmack as he talks about what the program is looking forward to entering its first season of MVC competition and who will lead the way in 2018 for his team.

Crusader Baseball Announces Alumni Golf Outing, Game

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced that this year’s Alumni Golf Outing and Alumni Game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24.

Valpo Baseball Announces Youth Camp

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced dates for its annual Youth Camp, which will take place from July 17-19 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Tieman Named Freshman All-American

Valparaiso University baseball freshman Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) received a distinct honor on Wednesday as he was tabbed a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

Valparaiso University to Join Missouri Valley Conference

Valparaiso University president Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., announced today that the University has accepted an invitation to join the Missouri Valley Conference on July 1, 2017. The Crusaders will begin competing for MVC championships in the 2017–2018 academic year.

Season Comes to Close with Loss to Oakland

The Valparaiso University baseball team saw its season come to an end with a 6-4 loss to Oakland in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament on Wednesday afternoon at Granderson Stadium in Chicago. The Crusaders finished the season at 24-29 and will bring back the bulk of their team for the 2018 season. Valpo does bid farewell to five seniors who have been key contributors during their time with the program.

Two Crusaders Achieve All-League Honors, Three Others Named to All-Freshman Team

Five Valparaiso University baseball players received recognition on Tuesday as the Horizon League announced its all-league teams and league award winners. Seniors James Stea and Jake Hanson were named to the all-league second team. Stea filled an outfield slot, while Hanson earned the honor at designated hitter.The Crusaders had three players named to the Horizon League all-freshman team – pitcher Jon Tieman, pitcher Easton Rhodehouse and outfielder/DH Christian Barczi.

Baseball Ready for Horizon League Tournament in Chicago

The Valparaiso University baseball team enters the most important week of the season playing well at the right time. The Crusaders won four of their final five regular season games to latch down the No. 4 seed in this week’s Horizon League Tournament, which will be hosted by UIC at Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago.

Rain Thwarts Doubleheader Between Crusaders, Panthers

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Saturday’s doubleheader against Milwaukee. The two teams attempted to play the middle game of the series on Friday, but it was pushed back to a Saturday double dip due to steady rain throughout the day. Rain started to fall heavily again on Saturday morning, and was projected to continue for the remainder of the day.

Rain Prevents Friday Baseball at Emory G. Bauer

The Valparaiso University baseball team made every effort to play Friday’s scheduled game against Milwaukee, but Mother Nature had other plans. A relentless rain throughout the day rendered baseball impossible, causing the postponement of the game.

Hanson Recognized on Horizon League All-Academic Team

Valparaiso University senior Jake Hanson was honored by the Horizon League on Friday as the league announced its 2017 baseball all-academic team. Hanson was one of 14 Horizon League players honored for their success both on the playing field and in the classroom.

Crusaders Continue Winning Ways with Walk-off Walk

The Valparaiso University baseball team notched its fourth win in the last five games on Thursday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Freshman Christian Barczi (Naperville, Ill. / Naperville North) worked a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth to force in the winning run and send the Crusaders into celebration following a 5-4 victory over Milwaukee. All four Valpo base runners in the ninth came via walks, two of which were intentional.

Saturday's Senior Day to Culminate Final Home Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will close out the regular season with a three-game series at Emory G. Bauer Field beginning on Thursday afternoon as Milwaukee comes to town. Saturday’s game will mark the final Valpo home athletic event of the 2016-2017 academic and athletic year. It’s also Senior Day for the Crusaders as they recognize James Stea, Nate Palace, Mario Losi, Ellis Foreman and Jake Hanson prior to the game.

Rhodehouse Honored as Horizon League Pitcher of the Week

The stellar performance of Valpo freshman Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) was recognized by the Horizon League as the league unveiled its weekly awards on Monday.

Freshman Relievers Shine in Doubleheader Split with First-Place Flames

The Valparaiso University baseball team came up on the wrong end of a 2-0 pitchers’ duel in Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader against first-place UIC, but the Crusaders bounced back by pulling out a 7-6 victory in a seesaw Game 2 on Sunday at Emory G. Bauer Field. After winning three of four during a difficult stretch of four games in two days in two locations, Valpo has clinched a berth in the upcoming Horizon League Tournament. Freshman Jake Larson kept the Crusaders in the first game with five shutout innings of relief, then classmate Easton Rhodehouse dominated over four perfect frames to earn the win in Game 2.

Crusaders Sweep Critical Doubleheader from Panthers

The Valparaiso University baseball team took a giant step toward securing its place in the upcoming Horizon League Tournament on Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader from Milwaukee at Henry Aaron Field. The Crusaders cruised to an 11-3 win in the opener before holding on for a 7-4 triumph in Game 2. Senior James Stea (Los Alamitos, Calif. / Los Alamitos) homered in both games and also tripled and drove in five in the second game. Valpo can clinch a spot in the league tournament on Sunday with either at least one victory over UIC or at least one Oakland victory over Youngstown State.

Important Stretch of Four Games in Two Days Next Up for Valpo

The Valparaiso University baseball team will embark upon the final seven-game stretch of the regular season with four games in two days this weekend. The Crusaders finally play Milwaukee for the first time all season with a Saturday doubleheader at Henry Aaron Field, then come home for a double dip with UIC on Sunday. Five teams can finish anywhere from third to seventh in the Horizon League, with everyone fighting to avoid being the one team left out of the league tournament.

Crusaders, Boilermakers Washed Out

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Tuesday’s scheduled game against Purdue has been cancelled due to rain. The game will not be made up.

Crusaders Seek to Sweep Season Set from Instate Rival Purdue

The Valparaiso University baseball team will renew an in-state rivalry on Tuesday afternoon as the Purdue Boilermakers make their way to Emory G. Bauer Field. It’s the final midweek game of the season and the last nonleague affair of the year. After this tune up, the Crusaders will gear up for the final seven Horizon League games of 2017, an important stretch for league positioning.

Doubleheader Split a Tale of Two Games for Valpo Baseball

The two games of Sunday’s doubleheader represented quite the contrast to one another for the Valparaiso offense. The Crusaders banged out 18 hits on their way to a 13-3 win over Oakland in Game 1, but didn’t save any firepower for Game 2, when they scratched out just one hit and fell 7-0. The games were originally scheduled to take place in Rochester, Mich., but were moved to Emory G. Bauer Field.

Crusaders to Host Relocated Twin Bill at Emory G. Bauer

The Valparaiso University baseball team received the pleasant surprise of a weekend without leaving town, as Sunday’s doubleheader was moved from Rochester, Mich. to Valpo due to field conditions at Oakland. The Grizzlies took two of three from the Crusaders when they visited Emory G. Bauer Field earlier this season. Oakland will be the home team for both games and have last at-bats.

Crusaders Bounce Back with Game 2 Win to Split Twin Bill

The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a tough 4-3 loss to Youngstown State in Game 1 to notch a 6-2 victory in the nightcap of Friday’s doubleheader at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders coughed up a ninth-inning edge in the opener, but rode a strong pitching performance from Jon Tieman to a Game 2 victory.

Crusaders, Penguins Lock Horns Twice More on Friday

After dropping two of three to Youngstown State last weekend in Niles, Ohio, the Valparaiso University baseball team still has an opportunity to win the season series as the Crusaders welcome the Penguins to Emory G. Bauer Field for a doubleheader on Friday afternoon. Last weekend, the Crusaders salvaged the series finale against Youngstown State with a 10-7 win on Sunday.

Sunday Doubleheader Moved to Emory G. Bauer Field

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Sunday’s doubleheader against Oakland scheduled to take place in Rochester, Mich. has been moved to Emory G. Bauer Field.

Larson’s Strong Pitching Performance Helps Crusaders Down Huskies

When the first four Northern Illinois batters of the game drew bases on balls, it looked like it could be a long Wednesday afternoon for the Valparaiso University baseball team. That’s when head coach Brian Schmack summoned Jake Larson from the bullpen. The freshman right-hander delivered 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to propel the Crusaders to an 8-2 victory over the Huskies at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Crusaders, Huskies Postponed to Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Tuesday’s scheduled game against Northern Illinois has been postponed due to field conditions. The game will be made up on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Garbella Garners Batter of the Week After Continuing Hot Streak

Valparaiso University junior Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) gained attention from the Horizon League office on Monday after his recent trend of success continued this week.

Eggimann Home Run Helps Crusaders Past Penguins

For the third time in the series, the Valparaiso University baseball team engaged in a back-and-forth affair with Youngstown State on Sunday afternoon at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio. This time the Crusaders got the last laugh, as Jayden Eggimann belted his first Valpo home run in the top of the ninth, a three-run shot that proved to be the difference in the game.

Series Finale Postponed by Rain

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that the third game of its weekend series at Youngstown State, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, has been postponed due to inclement weather.The series finale is now set for Sunday at 11 a.m. CT at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio.

Crusaders Drop Both Games of Friday’s Doubleheader

The Valparaiso University baseball team had late leads in both games of Friday’s doubleheader with Youngstown State at Eastwood Stadium in Niles, Ohio, but the Crusaders couldn’t hold on to the edge in either game. The Penguins walked off with a 6-5 win in the opener, then rallied for five in the eighth to beat the Crusaders 9-7 in Game 2.

Crusaders, Penguins Set for First Meeting of Season

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make the longest Horizon League journey this weekend as it heads to Youngstown State for a three-game set with the Penguins. Note that the series schedule has been altered due to weather, as the two teams are now scheduled to play a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 1 p.m. CT. All five of the meetings between the Crusaders and Penguins will occur in an eight-day span, as Valpo and Youngstown State get together next Friday, May 5 for a doubleheader at Emory G. Bauer Field

Weather Alters Baseball Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a schedule change to its series at Youngstown State this weekend. The Crusaders and Penguins will play a doubleheader on Friday at 1 p.m. CT at Eastwood Field due to an unfavorable weather forecast for the remainder of the weekend.

Crusaders Fall to Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered a 10-3 loss to Notre Dame on Tuesday night at Frank Eck Stadium. Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) provided a bright spot for the Crusaders by continuing his recent stretch of offensive success with two doubles.

Valpo, Notre Dame Face Off in Midweek Affair

The Valparaiso University baseball team will make the trip to Notre Dame on Tuesday evening for a midweek meeting with the Fighting Irish. The Crusaders will spend the week away from Emory G. Bauer Field as the Notre Dame game will be followed by a three-game weekend set at Youngstown State.

Foreman Wins Horizon League Pitcher of the Week After Shutting Down Wright State

Fifth-year senior Ellis Foreman (Round Rock, Texas / Stony Point) made his first start of the season one to remember on Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. He shut down perennial Horizon League powerhouse Wright State to the tune of a complete game shutout.

Foreman Heaves Complete Game Shutout as Crusaders Earn Split with Raiders

Valparaiso University fifth-year senior Ellis Foreman hadn’t started a game all season, but he sure looked comfortable in a starting role in Game 2 of Sunday’s doubleheader against Wright State at Emory G. Bauer Field. Foreman did make 23 starts over his first four collegiate seasons, but few of them matched the caliber of Sunday’s gem.

Crusaders, Raiders to Play Two on Sunday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will round out its first four-game league weekend of the season with a pair of contests at Emory G. Bauer Field on Sunday afternoon. The Crusaders will look to knock off Wright State after dropping all three games in Dayton earlier this season. The Raiders face a difficult turnaround after playing a home doubleheader then traveling to Valpo on Saturday.

Crusaders Earn Doubleheader Split with Lopsided Game 2 Win

The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a 14-5 loss in Game 1 to salvage a doubleheader split with Northern Kentucky on Friday, winning Game 2 17-4 at Bill Aker Complex in Highland Heights. Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) was productive at the plate in both games, Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) collected six RBIs in the second game and freshman Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) earned a win in his first collegiate start.

Crusaders Visit Norse for Twin Bill

The Valparaiso University baseball team will have its first four-game weekend of the year, beginning with Friday’s doubleheader at Northern Kentucky. The Crusaders will attempt to continue their success against the Norse after taking two of three against them at Emory G. Bauer Field two weeks ago.

Garbella Cracks Two Home Runs to Help Crusaders Over Cougars

The Valparaiso University baseball team has played the last four games without its most established hitter with first baseman Nate Palace sidelined by an illness, but Giovanni Garbella has helped make sure the offense hasn’t skipped a beat.

Grizzlies Take Rubber Match from Crusaders

The Valparaiso University baseball team couldn’t overcome a nine-run Oakland fourth inning on Saturday afternoon in an eventual 19-9 defeat at Emory G. Bauer Field. It was a day of big innings as the Grizzlies set the tone with four runs in the top of the first, while the Crusaders had a six-run fifth to chip into the large hole created by the nine-run fourth. Chad Jacob had three hits to lead Valpo.

Crusaders Draw Even with Late Rally, Fall in Extras

The Valparaiso University baseball team came from behind late for the second straight day, but this time the rally came up shy as Oakland scored three times in the top of the 10th and held on to beat the Crusaders 9-6. The Crusaders plated three runs in the bottom of the ninth to draw even after the Grizzlies had grabbed two insurance tallies in the top of the ninth.

Stea Grand Slam Propels Crusaders to Dramatic Win

One swing of the bat from senior James Stea altered the complexion of Thursday’s series opener between the Valparaiso University baseball team and visiting Oakland. The Grizzlies played long ball early to build the lead, but it was Stea’s big fly that mattered most as his eighth-inning shot over the left-field fence put the Crusaders up 7-6, a lead they did not relinquish.

Crusaders, Grizzlies to Face Off Beginning Thursday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to put together another winning weekend at Emory G. Bauer Field as it welcomes Oakland to town for a holiday weekend set. The three-game series begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday.

Crusaders Suffer First Midweek Loss of Season

The Valparaiso University baseball team couldn’t keep its run of midweek success alive on Tuesday afternoon in Muncie, Ind., as Ball State defeated the Crusaders 11-2. Valpo received two hits apiece from Chad Jacob, Christian Barczi and Sam Shaikin in the losing effort.

Baseball Looks to Sustain Midweek Success on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will return to the road as it visits instate foe Ball State in Muncie on Tuesday afternoon. The Crusaders will attempt to remain unbeaten in midweek games as they hold a 5-0 record in midweek affairs entering Tuesday.

Crusaders Fall to Norse in Series Finale

Trey Ganns hit three home runs, Northern Kentucky scored multiple runs in six of the nine innings and the Valparaiso University baseball team couldn’t slow down a powerful Norse lineup in an 18-7 loss on a windy Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders (12-17, 3-6 Horizon) still took two of three in the series after Saturday’s doubleheader sweep of the Norse (11-9, 6-3 Horizon).

Crusaders Fend Off Northern Kentucky Rallies, Sweep Doubleheader from Norse

It wasn’t easy by any means, but the Valparaiso University baseball team pulled off a doubleheader sweep of Northern Kentucky at Emory G. Bauer Field on Saturday. Both games saw the Crusaders build sizeable leads, then hold on for dear life in exhilarating victories. Valpo picked up an 8-7 win in Game 1, before winning the nightcap 10-9.

Crusaders Begin Home Slate, Host Northern Kentucky

The Valparaiso University baseball team will finally begin its home slate after starting the season with 26 consecutive road games. The scheduled home opener against Western Michigan on Wednesday was canceled due to inclement weather, then the scheduled series opener on Friday was postponed due to unplayable field conditions. The Crusaders will finally lift the lid on their home season with Saturday's doubleheader.

Field Conditions Alter Series Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the postponement of Friday’s scheduled series opener against Northern Kentucky due to unplayable field conditions.

Inclement Weather Cancels Wednesday’s Game Between Crusaders, Broncos

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Wednesday’s scheduled game against Western Michigan due to anticipated inclement weather.

Crusaders Edge Redbirds in 12-Inning Marathon

It took longer than the regulation nine innings, but the Valparaiso University baseball team grabbed its first one-run win of the season on Tuesday night at Illinois State. A go-ahead bases-loaded walk by Chase Dawson in the top of the 12th helped the Crusaders top the Redbirds 4-3 at Duffy Bass Field. The Crusaders prevailed in a battle of the bullpens that saw both teams go scoreless from the sixth through 12th innings.

Western Michigan, Illinois State Up Next for Valpo Baseball

The Valparaiso University baseball team rounds out a stretch of 26 straight road games to begin the season on Tuesday evening, then finally opens the home slate, weather permitting, on Wednesday afternoon. The Tuesday trip will be to Normal, Ill. to take on Illinois State, while the Wednesday home affair will welcome Western Michigan to Emory G. Bauer Field. Both games this week feature former Valpo assistant coaches on the opposing staff.

Wichita State Walks Off Again as Crusaders Drop Finale

The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered its third straight one-run loss on Sunday afternoon in Wichita, Kan. Travis Young, the same player who lashed a walk-off single to beat the Crusaders on Friday night, struck again. This time he snapped a 3-3 tie in the ninth with a one-out walk-off single to right to give the Shockers a 4-3 victory, their third straight one-run win in the series.

Crusaders Incur Second Straight One-Run Loss on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has been competitive over the course of its tough road schedule to start the season, but one-run losses have been a bugaboo for the Crusaders. Valpo suffered its second straight one-run defeat to Wichita State on Saturday afternoon at Eck Stadium, falling to the Shockers by a score of 3-2.

Wichita State Walks Off with Wild Win Over Valpo

Friday’s game at Eck Stadium featured no shortage of late drama, as the Valparaiso University baseball team put together a thrilling rally for two runs in the top of the ninth to take a 3-2 lead over Wichita State, only to see the Shockers bounce back with two of their own in the bottom of the frame. The game culminated with a two-out, walk-off single through the left side by Travis Young, giving the Shockers a 4-3 win.

Valpo, Wichita State Ready for First Ever Meeting

The Valparaiso University baseball team steps outside of league play this weekend as the Crusaders visit Missouri Valley Conference foe Wichita State for a three-game series. This is the final weekend nonleague set for Valpo this year.

Crusaders Best Boilermakers in West Lafayette

A strong start by Grant Inman set the stage, three hits by Chad Jacob helped the cause and a scoreless ninth by freshman Jon Tieman sealed the deal as the Valparaiso University baseball team dispatched instate Big 10 foe Purdue 5-1 on Wednesday night in West Lafayette. This marked the first time since 1977 the Crusaders won at Purdue, and they’ve now captured back-to-back wins against the Boilermakers after a triumph at Emory G. Bauer Field last May.

Crusaders Face Instate Foe Purdue on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will step outside of Horizon League activity for each of the next six games, a stretch that begins on Wednesday night at Alexander Field in West Lafayette. The Crusaders will attempt to repeat the success they enjoyed a year ago against their in-state Big 10 foe Purdue.

Crusaders Can’t Capture Rubber Match in Chicago

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the rubber match of a three-game weekend series at Granderson Stadium 8-1 to UIC on Sunday afternoon. The Flames jumped in front with two runs in the first inning and later pulled away on a pair of late two-run home runs.

Crusaders Take Game 2, Split Doubleheader with Flames

The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a Game 1 defeat to split Friday’s doubleheader with a 4-2 win over UIC in Game 2 at Granderson Stadium in Chicago. The Flames held on for a 10-7 win in Game 1 as the Crusaders rallied for six unanswered runs but came up short. The win in the nightcap allowed Valpo (8-12, 1-4 Horizon) to notch its first league win of the season.

Crusaders, Flames Begin Set with Twin Bill on Friday

After visiting the defending Horizon League champions to open league play at Wright State, another tough test is in store for the Valparaiso University baseball team with this weekend’s series at UIC. The Crusaders and Flames have amended the weekend slate due to the weather forecast and will play a doubleheader on Friday before finishing the series on either Saturday or Sunday.

Baseball Announces Schedule Changes to UIC Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team has altered its schedule for this weekend’s series at UIC based on the weather forecast. The two teams will take advantage of a forecast that features 73-degree temperatures and mostly cloudy skies on Friday by playing a doubleheader instead of the originally-scheduled single game. The twin bill will begin at 12:05 p.m. CT.

Bats Break Out as Valpo Downs Chicago State

After being limited to two total runs in a three-game weekend series at Wright State, the Valparaiso University baseball team made it clear early on that the offensive struggles would end on Tuesday night at Cougar Stadium in Chicago. The Crusaders had three extra-base hits in the opening inning and scored three times to set the tone for an eventual 13-1 rout of Chicago State.

Crusaders to Clash with Cougars Tuesday in Chicago

The Valparaiso University baseball team has returned from its spring break trip, but will continue the lengthy season-opening stretch of road games on Tuesday afternoon at Chicago State. The Crusaders and Cougars clash in the first of two midweek showdowns between the two teams this season as Valpo tries to bring its six-game skid to a halt.

Crusaders Drop Both Games of Twin Bill at Wright State

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped both games of a doubleheader at Wright State University’s Nischwitz Stadium on Sunday. A go-ahead, fifth-inning home run by Wright State’s Brandon Giltrow turned the tide in Game 1, an eventual 6-1 victory for the Raiders. Wright State scored early an often in Game 2 and went on to prevail 7-0.

Wright State Nips Valpo in League Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered a 2-1 setback to Wright State on Saturday afternoon at Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton, Ohio. Valpo’s Mario Losi and Wright State’s Danny Sexton engaged in a quality pitchers’ duel that was won by Sexton, who tossed a complete game. Losi received no decision despite allowing just one run over seven innings.

Friday’s Game Postponed, Weekend Schedule Adjusted

The Valparaiso University baseball team’s scheduled game at Wright State on Friday evening has been postponed due to inclement weather.The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday. The schedule for this weekend’s series has been adjusted, with the Horizon League opener now scheduled to begin at noon CT on Saturday at Nischwitz Stadium. The doubleheader is slated to get underway at 10 a.m. CT on Sunday.

Crusaders Open Horizon League Play, Visit Defending Champs

The Valparaiso University baseball team will jump right into the Horizon League gauntlet by opposing the defending league champions on the first weekend of conference play. The Crusaders hit the road to face a Wright State team that is the preseason favorite to repeat its league title. The Horizon League season begins at Nischwitz Stadium, the same place last year’s season ended with Valpo falling to Wright State 7-2 in the Horizon League championship game.

Valpo Rally Not Enough as USF Walks Off with 14th Straight Win

A late comeback, strong middle relief work and multi-hit games from three players were not enough for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Sunday afternoon. The Crusaders rallied from down three to tie the game at five, but Joe Genord belted a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to give USF a 6-5 victory and extend the Bulls’ winning streak to 14.

Crusaders Allow Five-Run Third, Fall to South Florida

A big third inning for South Florida doomed the Valparaiso University baseball team on Saturday evening at USF Baseball Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Bulls tallied five runs in the third to snap a 1-1 tie, then held on for an eventual 8-1 win over the Crusaders.

Crusaders Can’t Cool Bulls on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team ran into a red-hot South Florida squad on Friday evening in Tampa as USF pulled away for an 11-2 victory. The Bulls improved to 13-1 and extended their best start in school history, while the Crusaders slipped to 6-6 on the year. Junior Chad Jacob cracked a two-run homer in the ninth that got Valpo on the board.

Crusaders Visit South Florida, Hope to Stay Hot

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its best start since 1997 as it faces a tough test this weekend at South Florida. USF is off to its best start in program history, winning 12 of its first 13. The last time the Crusaders held a winning record through 11 games, this year’s freshmen were not even born yet. Valpo has won five of its last six.

Kapers Named to 2017 Johnny Bench Award Watch List

Valparaiso University sophomore catcher Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mount Carmel) was named to the official 2017 Johnny Bench Award Watch list on Thursday. Kapers is one of only two Horizon League players on the list, joining Milwaukee junior Daulton Varsho. The award is given annually to the top Division I collegiate catcher.

Crusaders Pummel Quakers for Fifth Win in Six Games

A day after coming out on the winning end of a pitchers’ duel, the Valparaiso University baseball team brought the bats on Wednesday afternoon in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Crusaders busted out for their most productive inning of the season by scoring five times in the fifth and never looked back on their way to a 16-3 rout of Pennsylvania.

Stellar Pitching, Three-Run Ninth Lift Crusaders Over Quakers

Michael Mommersteeg may have been making his first collegiate start, but the freshman southpaw looked like a seasoned veteran on Tuesday afternoon at First Data Field, the Spring Training home of the New York Mets. The Crusaders posted a three-run ninth inning to snap a scoreless tie and held on to beat Pennsylvania 3-0 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Crusaders Can’t Close Series Sweep Sunday

The Valparaiso University baseball team saw its three-game winning streak snapped on Sunday afternoon at Sessions Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., as the Dolphins held the Crusaders scoreless for the final five innings of a 6-3 Jacksonville victory.

Late Comeback Lifts Crusaders to Third Straight Win

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued its strong start to the season on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla., putting together some late-inning drama for the second consecutive contest. Valpo trailed 2-1 as late as the eighth inning, but scored a run in the eighth and three more in the ninth to beat the host Dolphins 5-2.

Crusaders Start Weekend with Extra-Inning Win over Jacksonville

The Valparaiso University baseball team started its spring trip in style on Friday evening in Jacksonville, Fla., prevailing 6-3 in a 10-inning contest. The Crusaders have won back-to-back games, including Friday’s win over an Atlantic Sun contender and strong warm-weather foe.

Valpo Visits Jacksonville to Begin Spring Trip

The Valparaiso University baseball team embarks on its annual spring trip as it heads to Jacksonville, Fla. to meet the Dolphins on Friday evening, the first of eight straight games in the Sunshine State. The Crusaders won’t return to campus until after their first Horizon League series of the year concludes on March 19.

Offense Breaks Out as Crusaders Bury Blazers

The Valparaiso University baseball team pounded out 15 hits on Sunday afternoon in Birmingham, Ala., as the Crusaders had seven players enjoy multi-hit days in a 9-5 victory over UAB. The win allowed Valpo to salvage one game in the three-game weekend series and achieve a Sunday triumph for the second consecutive week.

Crusader Bats Quiet in Saturday Loss to UAB

Valparaiso University baseball player Nate Palace continued his hot start to his senior campaign by launching a home run, but the remainder of the Crusader battles were quiet in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to UAB at Regions Field in Birmingham, Ala. Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) continued his strong start to the season with 2 2/3 scoreless frames of relief.

Crusaders Lose Opener at UAB

The Valparaiso University baseball team entered Friday in a select group of NCAA teams that had not committed an error yet this season, but two miscues in the sixth inning led to two unearned insurance tallies in an eventual 5-1 loss to UAB. The Crusaders (1-3) grabbed an early lead, but their bats were stymied for the rest of the day by UAB (4-1) starter Garrett Whitlock, who went the distance.

Baseball Back in Action Against UAB

The Valparaiso University baseball team will hit the road again this weekend, traveling to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to take on a Blazer team that has won three of its first four games. This marks the second straight series against a team from Conference USA. The series will be played at Regions Field, also the home of the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

Baseball Picks Up First Win of Season

Sophomore Grant Inman hurled five solid innings, senior Nate Palace launched his first home run of 2017 and freshman Jon Tieman nailed down his first career save as the Valparaiso University baseball team defeated Western Kentucky 5-2 on Sunday afternoon at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky. The win marked the first of the season for the Crusaders.

Crusaders Suffer Second Straight One-Run Defeat

The late innings haunted the Valparaiso University baseball team for the second consecutive day on Saturday afternoon in Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky followed Friday’s walk-off win with another one-run victory, nipping Valpo 4-3 after snapping a 2-2 tie with two runs in the eighth. Junior college transfer Wes Gordon turned in a quality start in his Crusader debut, but received no decision.

Western Kentucky Uses Walk-Off Home Run to Beat Valpo on Opening Day

The Valparaiso University baseball team came within one out of opening the season with a victory on Friday afternoon in Bowling Green, Ky., but Western Kentucky’s Kaleb Duckworth belted a walk-off home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Hilltoppers a 6-5 victory over the Crusaders.

Crusaders Ready for First Pitch of Baseball Season

The Valparaiso University baseball team will begin its annual stretch of road games to start the season as the Crusaders crank up the 2017 campaign on Friday in Bowling Green, Ky. The Crusaders take the diamond against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky for a three-game weekend series.

Opportunity Knocks as Crusaders Turn the Page to 2017

Some of the household names of recent years have departed from the Valparaiso University baseball team, but head coach Brian Schmack and his staff enter 2017 optimistic about their chances of putting together another quality season.

Valpo Picked Fourth in Baseball Preseason Poll

The Valparaiso University baseball team has been picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League by a vote of the league’s head coaches.

Valpo Releases 2017 Baseball Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball program has released its schedule for the 2017 season. The Crusaders will begin the new campaign on Feb. 17 at Western Kentucky for the first of a three-game series, the first meeting between the two teams since 2002. The series will take place at newly-renovated Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky.

Valpo Announces Three Additions for 2018 Baseball Season

The Valparaiso University baseball team has inked three players to National Letters of Intent for the 2018 season. Head coach Brian Schmack and his staff will welcome junior college transfer Blake Billinger (Los Gato, Calif. / Mountain West [Mission College]) and true freshmen Zach Orn (Royville, Ind. / Eastside) and Andy Samuelson (LaPorte, Ind. / LaPorte) to the program next year.

Valpo Baseball Team Makes World Series Predictions

With the World Series set to begin on Tuesday night in Cleveland, it’s time for the Valparaiso University baseball team to weigh in. Members of the 2017 Crusaders offer their prognostication of what will unfold this week between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs.

Lodden Named HL Spring Scholar-Athlete of the Season

Valpo senior outfielder Nolan Lodden received co-Horizon League Spring Scholar-Athlete of the Season accolades, as announced by the league office Thursday. Lodden, a First Team Academic All-American, carried a 3.949 grade-point average in the classroom. On the diamond, he led the Crusaders in batting average (.356), hits (83), runs scored (57), doubles (18), and walks (36).

13 Crusaders Earn Spring Academic All-League Honors

13 Valparaiso University student-athletes earned spots on the Horizon League Spring Academic All-League teams, as announced by the league office today. The men’s track and field team had four honorees from the outdoor season, while the women’s squad had three honorees. Three baseball players earned Academic All-League accolades, while softball, men’s golf and men’s tennis each had one recipient apiece.

Dalton Lundeen Selected by Detroit Tigers in MLB Draft

The Detroit Tigers selected Dalton Lundeen in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Saturday. Lundeen recorded career podium finishes in all three major pitching categories. His 347 1/3 innings pitched are a program record. His 22 wins tied him with John Grippi for the third-most in Valpo baseball history. Lundeen's 275 strikeouts also rank third in the program's long-standing tradition of pitching excellence.

Nolan Lodden Named First Team Academic All-American

Senior outfielder Nolan Lodden was elected to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-American First Team on Friday. Lodden amassed a 3.94 grade-point average as an electrical engineering major in the classroom. On the diamond, he tallied team watermarks in hits (83), runs (57), doubles (18), and walks (36) in 2016. This marks the first such honor in program history.

Valpo's Title Run Concludes Saturday in Dayton

Valpo baseball's first winning season under the Brian Schmack Era came to a close Saturday afternoon at Nischwitz Stadium with a 7-2 loss to the host Wright State Raiders. Chase Dawson, James Stea, Nolan Lodden, and Dan Delaney were all named to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team.

Frantic Comeback Propels Crusaders to Championship Saturday

An eighth-inning solo homer off the bat of freshman Scott Kapers resurrected the Brown and Gold, and capped a roaring offensive rebuttal as memorable as it was loud. The Crusaders scored 12 of the game's final 13 runs while the bullpen surrendered a lone unearned run over eight frames in a signature 12-7 victory over Milwaukee Panthers in Game 7 of the Horizon League Baseball Championship.

Foreman Pitches Valpo Past UIC in Elimination Game

Facing the possibility of elimination, redshirt junior Ellis Foreman fired seven innings of two-run ball to boost the Valpo baseball team to a 4-2 victory over UIC Thursday night at Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton, Ohio. Nate Palace's two-run double in the first inning put Valpo ahead for good. The triumph prolongs the Crusaders' season to Friday, where they'll face the loser of Wright State versus Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Assembles 7th-Inning Rally to Overtake Crusaders

Valpo took a 5-3 lead into the seventh inning of their second-round contest against Milwaukee before the Panthers put together a five-run frame. Nolan Lodden and Dan Delaney each had three-hit games at the dish. The Crusaders will face UIC at 7 pm ET/6 pm CT Thursday in an elimination game.

Freshmen Spark Crusaders to 10-7 Win over NKU

Rookies Scott Kapers and Chase Dawson combined for a 5-for-5 day at the plate with six runs scored en route to a queasy 10-7 Crusader victory over Northern Kentucky at Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton, Ohio. Dalton Lundeen notched his 22nd career victory for Valpo after going six innings. The Crusaders advance to face the second-seeded Milwaukee Panthers on Thursday at 3 pm ET/2 pm CT.

Baseball Opens Horizon League Championship Wednesday

Six teams will duke it out for an NCAA Tournament berth this week in Dayton, Ohio. The Crusaders enter the Horizon League Championship as the No. 3 seed and will oppose the sixth-seeded Northern Kentucky Norse Wednesday afternoon. The winner will face a rested Milwaukee club Thursday.

Crusaders Clean Up as HL Baseball Awards Announced

Nine Crusaders earned accolades as the Horizon League unveiled its postseason baseball awards Tuesday afternoon. Seniors Dalton Lundeen, Shea Molitor, Nolan Lodden, and Dan Delaney were all First Team recipients. Trevor Haas, Nate Palace, and Josh Clark were elected to the Second Team, while Chase Dawson and Sam Shaikin were named to the All-Freshman Team.

Lundeen Tabbed Horizon League Pitcher of the Week

Senior Dalton Lundeen was rewarded for his four-hit shutout of Youngstown State this past Thursday with Horizon League Pitcher of the Week honors. Lundeen lowered his earned-run average to 3.12 while collecting his 21st career win. Lundeen and the Crusaders open the Horizon League Baseball Championship Wednesday versus Northern Kentucky.

Seniority Rules in Crusaders' 7-5 Victory in Regular-Season Finale

On a day when their twelve graduating seniors were honored, the Crusaders received five runs batted in, five runs scored, and a save from their departing class. Valpo rallied in the middle innings to overtake Youngstown State, 7-5, at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders leapfrogged UIC in the process, seizing the No. 3 seed in next week's Horizon League Championship.

Haas Remains Undefeated in HL Play; Baseball Wins 6-1

With the help of four double-play balls, senior Trevor Haas improved to 5-0 in Horizon League play Friday as he kept Youngstown State to one run on five hits over six innings in a 6-1 victory. Josh Clark crossed the plate twice as part of a three-hit afternoon. Valpo will recognize its twelve graduating seniors Saturday afternoon prior to the 1:00 pm first pitch.

Lundeen's Four-Hitter Leads Crusaders to 4-0 Win Thursday

Left-handed pitcher Dalton Lundeen took to the pitcher's mound at Emory G. Bauer Field for the final time Thursday and reinforced his legacy with a four-hit shutout of visiting Youngstown State. The senior expended 107 pitches for his 21st career victory including his seventh over the Penguins. Offensively, Shea Molitor reached the 50-RBI plateau while James Stea and Chase Dawson enjoyed multi-hit contests.

Saturday's Senior Day Highlights Pivotal Home Weekend

The regular season wraps up this weekend as Youngstown State visits Emory G. Bauer Field for a three-game series. Valpo can still finish anywhere from second to fifth place in the Horizon League standings. Head coach Brian Schmack will honor all twelve seniors during Saturday’s Senior Day.

Hanson, Foreman Sweep HL Weekly Baseball Awards

An eight-RBI game and eight shutout innings fetched Jake Hanson and Ellis Foreman the Horizon League's weekly baseball awards. Hanson was named Batter of the Week thanks in large part to a career day Sunday. In the second game of a twinbill against Oakland, the catcher hit two doubles and a homer while piling up eight RBIs. Foreman earned the win in that second game after firing eight shutout frames.

Show-Stopping Performances Lead Valpo to Sweep of Oakland

Trevor Haas, Jake Hanson, and Ellis Foreman were all magnificent Sunday in a doubleheader sweep of Oakland at Emory G. Bauer Field. Haas improved to 4-1 on the season as he went the distance in the opener to nail down Valpo's 3-2 win. Hanson accumulated eight RBIs in the second game to power the Crusader offense while Foreman notched eight shutout innings in a 17-2 rout.

Crusaders, Penguins Divide Friday Doubleheader

Valpo whacked 32 hits in a Friday doubleheader with Youngstown State, but managed just a split with the Penguins at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio. Dalton Lundeen became Valpo's all-time leader in innings pitched as the senior went seven strong in a 15-7 win in the opener. He also moved into sole possession of third place for most career strikeouts (270) while earning career win No. 20.

Baseball Gets First Look at Penguins Friday, Greets Golden Grizzlies Sunday

Eight days before the curtain descends on the regular season, Valpo and Youngstown State will meet for the first time in 2016 in a Friday doubleheader. Two days later, the Crusaders will return to Emory G. Bauer Field for a Sunday twinbill versus the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.

Delaney Goes Deep Twice in 13-10 Win over Purdue

Dan Delaney delivered a pair of three-run homers in a 13-10 victory over visiting Purdue on Wednesday. The senior struck in the third and sixth innings to help the Crusaders snap a seven-game slide. Delaney reached the 40-RBI plateau in Valpo's final midweek tilt of the season.

Brown and Gold Drop Sunday Doubleheader to NKU

Josh Clark and Dan Delaney cracked homers Sunday, but Northern Kentucky erased deficits in both games of a doubleheader with the Crusaders. Seven Valpo errors resulted in 12 unearned runs crossing the plate for the Norse. The Crusaders return to the diamond Wednesday afternoon when Purdue visits Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Drops a Pair at WSU Friday

Wright State ascertained its lead in the Horizon League standings Friday with a doubleheader sweep of the Valpo baseball team. Nolan Lodden reached base in all four of his plate appearances in the opener while Nate Palace did so in all five of his trips to the plate in the second game.

Lodden Named to CoSIDA Academic All-District Team

Outfielder Nolan Lodden was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District Team for District V Friday. The senior carries a 3.94 grade-point average as an electrical engineering major. On the field, Lodden boasts a team-high .353 batting average and has reached base in 31 consecutive games entering this weekend.

Baseball Treks to Wright State, Hosts NKU This Weekend

Another four Horizon League games await the Valpo baseball team this weekend. Valpo heads to Dayton to take on first-place Wright State in a Friday twinbill. The Brown and Gold will then return to Porter County to prepare for a Sunday doubleheader with Northern Kentucky.

Crusaders Fall Victim to 9th-Inning Rally at NIU

Scott Kapers and Shea Molitor belted home runs as part of a 13-hit barrage Wednesday, but Northern Illinois rallied for seven runs in the ninth inning to overthrow Valpo, 11-10. Nolan Lodden, Josh Clark, and Nate Palace each went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in the Crusaders' final midweek game away from Emory G. Bauer Field this season.

Offense Goes Cold in DH Sweep to UIC

Valpo managed to score in just one of its 18 offensive innings Sunday as UIC defeated the Brown and Gold in both tilts of a doubleheader at Emory G. Bauer Field. The pair of Flame victories created a tie for second place in the Horizon League standings between Valpo and UIC.

Saturday's Baseball Game Postponed; Doubleheader Set for Sunday

Rain has caused the postponement of Saturday's baseball game between Valpo and UIC. The two teams will now play two games on Sunday beginning at 12 pm CT.

Crusaders Walk Off Flames in Friday's Series Opener

Valpo had the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the ninth when UIC reliever Trevor Lane uncorked a wild pitch allowing James Stea to hightail it home for a 2-1 victory Friday at Emory G. Bauer Field. Crusader starting pitcher Dalton Lundeen took a perfect game into the sixth inning in an outing that moved him into second place for career innings pitched at Valparaiso.

Crusaders and Flames Collide this Weekend

Just five of Valpo’s final twelve Horizon League tilts are against opponents predicted to finish in the top half of the standings, and three of those occur this weekend at Emory G. Bauer Field. UIC, which sits one game back of Valpo in the standings, takes a 9-18 road record into Friday’s opener. Crusader outfielder Nolan Lodden is currently riding a 27-game on-base streak.

Baseball Rides Huge 4th Inning to 5th Straight Victory

The Valpo baseball team erased a three-run deficit thanks to nine fourth-inning tallies in a 12-4 win over Chicago State Tuesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Every Crusader starter crossed home plate while freshman Grant Inman notched his first collegiate victory. The triumph improved Valpo's record to 19-18.

Crusaders Slug Their Way to 17-6 Win Monday

Sophomore Giovanni Garbella's first-inning grand slam highlighted a 10-run opening frame as the Valpo baseball team cruised to a 17-6 victory over Purdue North Central Monday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Josh Clark and Shea Molitor also went yard in the Crusaders' highest outpouring of runs all season.

Late Rallies Lift Crusaders to Sweep of Panthers

Valpo scored nine runs from the sixth inning on Saturday as it rattled off a pair of come-from-behind wins in a doubleheader sweep of Milwaukee at Emory G. Bauer Field. Trevor Haas fired a 128-pitch complete game in the opener before Jake Hanson's two-run single capped off a 7-6 win in the second tilt. Freshman shortstop Sam Shaikin was 5-for-7 in the twinbill.

Lundeen Climbs Strikeout List; Valpo, UIC Split Doubleheader

Senior Dalton Lundeen leapfrogged two former Crusader hurlers Friday to move into fourth place in career strikeouts as he fanned eight UIC batters in the opening game of Valpo's doubleheader against the Flames. The Brown and Gold dropped the first tilt 5-3, but rallied to earn the split by virtue of a 5-2 victory in the second contest. Mario Losi did not allow an earned run in 6 2/3 innings of work to notch his third win.

Baseball Approaches Pivotal Weekend with UIC, Milwaukee

The Crusaders enter a kooky corridor of their Horizon League schedule as four games await them in a 27-hour span. The owners of 7-4 league records, UIC and Valpo will square off Friday in a doubleheader at Curtis Granderson Stadium. The Crusaders will then have to turn around and host Milwaukee, a team one-half game behind them in the standings, in another twinbill Saturday in Valparaiso.

Crusaders Persevere in Slugfest with Chicago State

For the third time in its last four games, Valpo rode double-digit runs to a victory. The Crusaders accrued 15 hits in a 10-6 win over Chicago State on Wednesday at Cougar Stadium. Nolan Lodden finished a home run shy of the cycle as his 3-for-6 afternoon yielded five RBIs. Lodden is now batting .370 on the season.

Molitor Selected as HL Batter of the Week

Eleven hits and eleven runs batted in last week fetched senior infielder Shea Molitor Horizon League Batter of the Week honors. Molitor boosted his batting average from .330 to .362 following his five-game offensive onslaught. Four of his eleven hits went for extra bases: three doubles and a grand slam. Molitor now leads the Crusaders in the RBI department with 30.

Haas Tabbed as HL Pitcher of the Week Nominee

Senior Trevor Haas was chosen as a nominee for Horizon League Pitcher of the Week Monday following his first career shutout on Saturday at Oakland. The righty required just 92 tosses and needed no help closing out an 11-0 victory over the Golden Grizzlies. Haas scattered five hits (all singles) and struck out four batters without issuing a walk. Oakland did not have a base runner advance past first base until the ninth inning.

Crusaders Drop 5-3 Finale to Golden Grizzlies

Four Crusader errors generated three unearned runs in a 5-3 loss to the Golden Grizzlies Sunday at Oakland Baseball Field. Shea Molitor drove in all three Valpo runs, but a three-run home run by Oakland's Mike Brosseau proved to be the game winner.

Haas Dominates in 11-0 Shutout of Oakland

A sensational breakout season for Trevor Haas found its defining chapter Saturday at Oakland Baseball Field. The senior was flat-out dominant in a five-hit shutout of the Golden Grizzlies. Haas needed only 92 pitches to earn his second win of the season, lower his earned-run average to 2.40, and more importantly, secure the series win for the Crusaders. Offensively, Nolan Lodden and Nate Palace went yard in the 11-0 victory.

Lundeen Surpasses 300 IP; Crusaders Seize Opener, 10-4

Shea Molitor's ninth-inning grand slam ensured fellow senior Dalton Lundeen would get the win on a day where the left-hander joined elite company. Lundeen became one of just four pitchers in program history to log 300 innings after tossing 6 2/3 IP in Valpo's 10-4 win over Oakland on Friday. Lundeen also took over sole possession of fourth place for most career wins (19).

Crusaders Meet Upstart Golden Grizzlies this Weekend

The Crusaders trek to Michigan for the second and final time in 2016 this weekend when Oakland greets Valpo in a three-game series at Oakland Baseball Field. The two teams are currently in a logjam for third place in the Horizon League standings.

Valpo Drops Pitchers' Duel to Irish

The Valpo baseball team dropped a 3-1 affair to the Fighting Irish Wednesday night at Frank Eck Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. Josh Clark, Shea Molitor, Scott Kapers, and Nolan Lodden were responsible for the four Crusader hits. Kapers threw out another two base runners to raise his total this week to five.

Crooked Numbers Propel Crusaders to 8-4 Win at WMU

The Valpo baseball team finished one knock shy of its fourth consecutive 14-hit performance Tuesday afternoon in an 8-4 victory at Western Michigan. Shea Molitor accumulated four hits as he was one of six Crusaders to record a run batted in. Freshman Scott Kapers gunned down three potential base stealers behind the plate.

Saturday Baseball Game at EMU Cancelled

Valpo's baseball game Saturday at Eastern Michigan has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The Crusaders will return to the diamond Tuesday at Western Michigan at 3 pm ET/2 pm CT, weather permitting.

Weather Claims Another Valpo Baseball Game

For the fourth time in nine days, the Valpo baseball schedule has been adversely affected by weather. Friday's contest between the Crusaders and Eastern Michigan has been cancelled due to unplayable conditions at Emory G. Bauer Field. The two clubs hope to meet Saturday in Ypsilanti, as previously scheduled.

Wednesday Game at Notre Dame Pushed Back a Week

A weather forecast calling for rain throughout the day in the South Bend area has prompted the postponement of Wednesday's baseball game between Notre Dame and Valpo. The two teams will instead meet next Wednesday: same time, same place.

Crusaders Club Their Way to 8-6 Win over Redbirds

The Valpo baseball team lumped five extra-base hits with a 7-for-18 mark with runners in scoring position to overtake the visiting Illinois State Redbirds 8-6 at Emory G. Bauer Field on Tuesday afternoon. Nolan Lodden lacked just a home run for the cycle while Giovanni Garbella drove in three teammates. Six Crusader pitches combined to pile up 16 strikeouts.

Baseball to Host Illinois State, Trek to Notre Dame in Midweek Play

It'll be a family affair for Shea and Blake Molitor when they square off against one another Tuesday at Emory G. Bauer Field. Teammates two seasons ago at Des Moines Area CC, the twin brothers will be in opposite dugouts in a midweek tilt between Valpo and Illinois State. One day later, the Crusaders will head to Notre Dame to continue their long-running series with the Irish in a 6:05 pm ET/5:05 pm CT first pitch.

Crusaders, Panthers Split Sunday Doubleheader

With a 5-0 lead entering the fifth inning, Valpo was closing in on a sweep of Milwaukee at Kapco Park in Mequon, Wisconsin on Sunday. However, the Panthers rallied to seize a 6-5 win in the nightcap. Lundeen limited the Panthers to just one earned run over eight innings to notch his third win of the season in the first game. The Crusaders won the opener, 7-3.

Snow Day: Winter Weather Prompts Saturday Cancellation

Mother Nature threw another wrench in Valpo and Milwaukee's weekend plans on Saturday. Two inches of snow coupled with heavy winds forced the cancellation of Saturday's game at Henry Aaron Field. The Crusaders and Panthers are now scheduled to play a doubleheader Sunday at Kapco Park in nearby Mequon. First pitch is slated for 12 pm CT.

Friday's Baseball Game at Milwaukee Called Off

Valpo's series opener at Milwaukee has been postponed due to unplayable field conditions at Henry Aaron Field. The Crusaders and Panthers will now play a doubleheader Sunday beginning at 11 am CT.

Crusaders, Panthers Meet in Milwaukee this Weekend

The Crusaders begin their first of eight straight Horizon League games away from Emory G. Bauer Field Friday in Milwaukee when the Panthers host Valpo in a three-game series. Senior starting pitcher Dalton Lundeen needs 3 2/3 innings to move into sole possession of 5th place in Valpo history for career innings pitched (currently at 282.2 IP).

Rain Forces Cancellation of Wednesday Tilt at Purdue

Rain in the West Lafayette, Indiana area spoiled Valpo and Purdue's plans for Wednesday night. The two teams were slated to play a 6:00 pm ET/5:00 pm CT affair at Alexander Field, but inclement weather prompted a cancellation.

Ball State Nips Crusaders 3-2 on the Diamond Tuesday

Valpo led visiting Ball State for five innings on Tuesday, but a two-run homer helped the Cardinals to a 3-2 victory at Emory G. Bauer Field. Ellis Foreman spotted the Cards just one earned run in 5 1/3 innings, but an offensive lull in the middle frames hamstrung the Brown and Gold.

Crusaders Face Instate Foes Tuesday, Wednesday

Bragging rights are up for grabs this week as the Valpo baseball team faces a pair of Indiana schools in midweek, non-league play. The Crusaders will host Ball State Tuesday at 3:00 pm at Emory G. Bauer Field before traveling to West Lafayette Wednesday evening to take on the Purdue Boilermakers.

Valpo, Wright State Split Saturday Twinbill

Trailing by a run and down to its final out with the bases empty, the Valpo baseball team pulled off an improbable 3-2 comeback win over Wright State in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Raiders salvaged a split, however, taking the afternoon tilt, 7-3. Junior Nate Palace was 4-for-6 with an RBI in his return to the Crusader lineup.

Crusaders Drop Series Opener to Raiders, 9-6

Senior Nolan Lodden reached base four times in his debut in the leadoff spot of the Valpo batting order, but Wright State scored in each of the last five innings to record a 9-6 series-opening win over the Crusaders Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Josh Clark, Shea Molitor, and James Stea each had multi-hit days at the plate.

Crusaders Host Wright State in Home Opener Friday

After opening the season with 18 road games, Valpo returns to Emory G. Bauer Field to pop the top on the 2016 home slate. The Crusaders welcome Wright State to town for a single game Friday and a Saturday twinbill. Like Valpo, the Raiders recorded a sweep in their opening weekend of Horizon League action.

Lodden Rewarded with HL Batter of the Week Honors

A 6-for-12 weekend at the plate accented by six runs batted in, two doubles, and a pair of stolen bases fetched Valpo outfielder Nolan Lodden Horizon League Batter of the Week honors, as announced by the league office Monday afternoon. Lodden boosted his average from .312 to a team-high .356 during the Crusaders' three-game sweep of the Northern Kentucky Norse this past weekend in Highland Heights.

Offensive Onslaught Carries Losi, Crusaders to Sweep of NKU

Mario Losi got all the run support he needed and more Sunday afternoon in a 16-1 victory over Northern Kentucky at Bill Aker Baseball Complex in Highland Heights. Valpo set season watermarks in runs and hits (19) while the junior right-hander limited the Norse to one run over six innings for his second win of the season.

Valpo Assembles Late Rally to Overthrow Norse, 6-4

The Valpo baseball team manufactured five runs on eight hits over the final three innings of Saturday's game at Bill Aker Baseball Complex in Highland Heights to roll to a 6-4 victory over Northern Kentucky. Trevor Haas yielded three earned runs in 7 1/3 innings of work to earn his first win of the season. Dan Delaney went yard again to provide the Crusaders with a key insurance run in the ninth inning.

Crusaders Squeeze Out 5-4 Win in Extras at NKU

A successful suicide squeeze play in the 10th inning lifted the Valpo baseball team to a 5-4 victory Friday at Bill Aker Baseball Complex in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Dan Delaney and Josh Clark hit back-to-back home runs in the eighth to help propel the Crusaders to a win in their Horizon League opener.

Crusaders Open HL Play Friday at Northern Kentucky

Horizon League baseball touches down in Highland Heights, Kentucky for the first time this weekend when Valpo visits NKU in a three-game series. Staff ace Dalton Lundeen shoots for his tenth career win in league play in Friday’s 2:00 pm opener at Bill Aker Baseball Complex.

Baseball to Host Youth Camp on April 10th

The Valpo baseball team will be hosting a spring youth camp on Sunday, April 10th at Emory G. Bauer Field. Led by the Crusader coaching staff and players, the three-hour camp will focus on skill development and competition. Any interested participants between the ages of 7 and 13 are encouraged to email assistant coach Nic Mishler at Nicolais.Mishler@valpo.edu

Baseball Falls to Patriots on Saturday

Valpo was in the process of digging itself out of a six-run hole in the top of the sixth Saturday at Dallas Baptist, but a line drive to third base turned into an inning-ending double play. The Crusaders settled for two runs in the frame, but the Patriots answered with three in the bottom half of the inning to secure a 9-2 win over the Brown and Gold at Horner Field in Dallas, Texas.

Lundeen's Masterpiece Helps Crusaders Break Through at DBU

Senior starting pitcher Dalton Lundeen silenced a potent Dallas Baptist offense Friday, scattering four hits over nine dominant innings. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, leading the Crusaders to a 6-1 win at Horner Field. Lundeen fired first-pitch strikes to 75% of the Patriots he faced as the southpaw racked up seven strikeouts.

Valpo Drops Pitchers' Duel to Dallas Baptist Thursday

Junior Jake Hanson broke a scoreless tie in the top of the 7th with an RBI single, but Dallas Baptist answered with a pair of runs in the bottom half to steal a 2-1 win over the Crusader baseball team Thursday evening at Horner Field in Texas. Trevor Haas yielded just two runs in 6 1/3 innings in his rotation debut.

Late Rally Lifts Dallas Baptist Past Crusaders

Valpo hurler Ellis Foreman turned in a quality start against a proficient Dallas Baptist offense Wednesday, but the Patriots touched up the Crusader bullpen for seven runs over the final two frames in a 10-4 win over the visiting Brown and Gold. Freshman Scott Kapers drove in two runs and Josh Clark boosted his season average to .340 after a 3-for-4 night at the plate.

Crusaders Begin Four-Game Set with Dallas Baptist Wednesday

Valpo returns to the Lone Star State for the second time in three years as it readies for a four-game series with Dallas Baptist. The Patriots have made five NCAA appearances including a cameo in the 2011 Super Regionals. Texas native Ellis Foreman will get the start in Wednesday’s opener.

Baseball to Add Fourth Game to Dallas Baptist Series

In light of Tuesday's cancellation of its contest against Grambling State, Valpo will play four games at Dallas Baptist. The two teams agreed to add a Wednesday tilt to the series, now making it a four-game set. Wednesday's affair will begin at 6:30 pm CT.

Lundeen Rewarded with Horizon League Pitcher of the Week Award

Dalton Lundeen's series-opening victory over Louisiana Tech landed the senior Horizon League Pitcher of the Week honors. Lundeen earned his first victory of 2016 last Friday when he limited the Bulldogs to three runs over seven innings of work. The left-hander punched out six batters, and did not issue a walk for the second consecutive outing.

Unplayable Conditions Force Cancellation of Tuesday Baseball Game

Grambling State's baseball field was not quite ready for play just yet. As a result, Valpo's Tuesday tilt versus the Tigers was cancelled. The two teams attempted to find an alternative venue and time, but a suitable arrangement could not be made. The Crusaders will trek on to Texas where they will close out their spring trip with a three-game set at Dallas Baptist beginning Thursday.

Late Defensive Hiccups Cost Crusaders Series vs. LA Tech

A Crusader defense that had patched together a 25-inning errorless streak committed two critical miscues in the eighth inning of a 7-5 loss to Louisiana Tech on Sunday afternoon. The gaffes allowed the Bulldogs to score five runs in their final at-bat and clinch the series victory. The loss spoiled a strong outing from Mario Losi, who yielded just two runs in seven innings of work.

Louisiana Tech Evens Series with 7-2 Victory over Valpo

Shea Molitor drove in a pair of runs for the Crusaders Saturday, but Louisiana Tech tagged Valpo starter Ryan Fritze for six early runs en route to a 7-2 win over the Brown and Gold at J.C. Love Field in Ruston, Louisiana. Junior Mario Losi will take the mound Sunday as Valpo goes for the series win at 1:00 pm CT.

Lundeen Emerges as Top Dog in Battle of Lefties

Fresh off a 3-2 win Wednesday over #12 Arkansas in Fayetteville, Louisiana Tech returned home with a collective 3.39 earned run average and a .320 batting average. Valpo ace Dalton Lundeen greeted the Bulldogs by spotting them just three runs over seven strong innings while the Crusader offense racked up ten hits in an 8-3 win versus LA Tech in the series opener.

Baseball Continues Tour of Pelican State Friday at LA Tech

After splitting a two-game set with ULM this past week, Valpo hopscotches over to Ruston to take on an accomplished Louisiana Tech squad. The Bulldogs, who are averaging 7.6 runs/game through their first eight contests, return home after defeating #12 Arkansas, 3-2, Wednesday in Fayetteville.

Valpo Weathers Infield Hijinks; Wins 9-6 in Extras

Nolan Lodden's two-run single in the top of the 10th inning provided the Valpo baseball team with its second of the win season as the senior's go-ahead knock masked a seven-spot in the visitor's error column. The Crusaders prevailed for a courageous 9-6 victory in extra innings, salvaging a series split with ULM. The leadoff-through-cleanup spots of the Valpo batting order combined to go 9-for-19 with six runs scored and six runs batted in.

Defense Betrays Crusaders in Loss to ULM

The Crusader baseball team was engaged in a slugfest with University of Louisiana Monroe Tuesday night at Warhawk Field before ULM scored eight unearned runs to seal an 18-9 victory. Dan Delaney, Josh Clark, Scott Kapers, Chase Dawson, and Luke Syens all had multi-hit games for Valpo.

Palace Goes Deep Twice, but Early Lead Evaporates in 9-8 Loss

Junior Nate Palace cranked a pair of home runs and Shea Molitor corked a three-run triple Sunday, but New Orleans rallied for a 9-8 victory over the Crusaders at Maestri Field. For Palace, it was his second career multi-HR day at the plate.

Valpo Drops 5-3 Decision to New Orleans

Senior Josh Clark (Granada Hills, Calif./Hillcrest Christian [Riverside City]) tomahawked two hits, scored a run, and drove another in on Saturday, but a three-run bottom of the third proved pivotal in a 5-3 loss to New Orleans.

Crusaders Blanked in Series Opener versus Privateers

University of New Orleans starting pitcher Shawn Semple limited the Valpo offense to just two hits in 6 1/3 innings of work in Friday's series opener at Maestri Field in Louisiana. Freshman Sam Shaikin reached base twice and Jeff Edwards was 1-for-3 at the plate, but the Privateers emerged with a 9-0 win over the Crusaders.

Baseball Makes Maiden Voyage to New Orleans this Weekend

Valpo kicks off a 39-hour, 2,477-mile road trip Friday in the French Quarter with a three-game series versus University of New Orleans. After their meeting with the Privateers, the Crusaders will stay in Louisiana to visit UL-Monroe for a pair before taking on Louisiana Tech for three.

Offense Pours it on Thick in 14-4 Victory over Gamecocks

Seven Crusaders enjoyed multi-hit games as Valpo defeated Jacksonville State 14-4 at Rudy Abbott Field on Sunday. Junior Mario Losi earned the win as the right-hander did not walk a batter in six innings of four-run ball. Shea Molitor's bases-clearing double in the first inning got things rolling. The Crusaders scored 18 third-inning runs in the series.

Gamecocks Storm Back for 11-10 Win

The Valpo baseball team hung a seven spot in the top of the third inning at Rudy Abbott Field Saturday, but Jacksonville State manufactured nine runs thereafter to record an 11-10 walk-off win. Nate Palace launched his first home run of the season while leadoff man James Stea went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored.

Valpo Falls in Season Opener at Jacksonville State

The Valpo baseball team broke a scoreless tie in the third inning, but the Gamecocks roared back with four of their own and went on to win 9-3 at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, Alabama. James Stea and Jeff Edwards recorded multi-hit games while Dan Delaney drove in two runs.

Crusaders Ready to Rock 'n Roll in 2016

In his third season as head coach, Brian Schmack returns an entire weekend rotation and a core chunk of the club's 2015 lineup. Behind Dalton Lundeen, Nate Palace, Nolan Lodden, and Dan Delaney, the Crusaders expect to be in the thick of things in Horizon League play in 2016.

Baseball Boasts Four on Preseason All-League Team; Picked 3rd in Poll

Nolan Lodden, Dalton Lundeen, Nate Palace, and Bryce Yoder were all recognized Wednesday when the Horizon League released its 2016 Preseason Baseball All-League Team and Coaches Poll. No team received more All-League nods than Valpo. The Crusaders were selected third in the survey of head coaches, two points behind UIC and one ahead of Milwaukee.

Baseball Lands Five on CSM Preseason All-HL Teams

Nate Palace and Nolan Lodden were tabbed as College Sports Madness Preseason All-First Team selections while seniors Dalton Lundeen, Ryan Fritze, and Daniel Delaney were named Second Teamers in the 2016 survey. The five selections equaled the most of any Horizon League club with the exception of Wright State.

Schmack Unveils Details for 6th Annual Crusader Baseball Bash

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack announced Wednesday that longtime Major League Baseball manager and Valpo alum Lloyd McClendon will serve as guest speaker at the 6th Annual Crusader Baseball Bash to be held on Saturday, January 23rd inside the Aberdeen Manor Ballroom. Children 13 and under can get in for $35 while adult tickets cost $40. For more information, email Brian.Schmack@valpo.edu.

Baseball Announces Ten-Member Recruiting Class

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack unveiled one of the largest recruiting classes in program history Thursday. Schmack welcomes ten student-athletes from six different states. The class, which consists of four pitchers, two infielders, two outfielders, a catcher, and a utility player, will arrive to Valpo for the 2016-17 season.

Baseball Releases 2016 Schedule

The 100th anniversary of Valpo's inaugural baseball season will get underway on Feb. 19th against Jacksonville State while the home opener is scheduled for Mar. 24th versus Wright State. Non-league contests versus Dallas Baptist, Notre Dame, Purdue, and Illinois State highlight an ambitious 2016 slate.

Baseball Announces Winter Camp Dates

Assistant baseball coach Nic Mishler announced the details and dates for the "Sader Skill & Strength Sharpening Academy" set to begin Monday, Nov. 18th at the team's indoor hitting facility. The camp, which will run every Monday and Wednesday until Dec. 21st, will focus on fundamentals, arm strength, bat speed, and foot speed. Email Nicolas.Mishler@valpo.edu to register today!

Talkin' Schmack: We Tour the U

Ping pong tables, bro tanks, and Trevor Haas tickling the ivories are all showcased in this week's edition of Talkin' Schmack as Haas and fellow pitcher Dalton Lundeen take viewers around the Harre Union.

Talkin' Schmack: Around the World with Luke Gore

Our star of the show sits down with assistant baseball coach Luke Gore to talk life, basketball, and Valparaiso University in this week's episode of Talkin' Schmack.

Talkin' Schmack: Clubhouse

A recent alum checks in with head coach Brian Schmack in this week's episode of Talkin' Schmack. Viewers also get a behind-the-scenes look at the team's clubhouse, locker room, and indoor hitting facility. Click the video to hear from the skipper and see the guided tour.

Hit the Links with Crusader Baseball on October 10th!

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack has announced Saturday, October 10th as the date for the 2015 Baseball Golf Scramble held at The Course at Aberdeen. Prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, and more will be awarded at the event.

Talkin' Schmack: Mind Reader

Orville Redenbacher, bunt defense, and the mind-reading of a high-ranking Valpo Athletics official are all discussed in this week's episode of Talkin' Schmack. Click the video to get a full recap!

Talkin' Schmack: Tire World

This week's installment of Talkin' Schmack takes fans through a day in the life of senior outfielder Josh Clark. Schmack also reminisces on the summer he spent working at a tire factory in the Question of the Week segment.

Valpo Baseball to Conduct Walk-on Tryouts

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack announced Monday that the team is holding walk-on tryouts for the 2016 team on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd. Prospective players are required to complete a pre-participation physical exam form, have had a physical exam in the past year and ability to provide either sickle cell results or a signed waiver. For more information, contact assistant coach Ben Wolgamot at 219-464-5239.

15 Crusaders Earn Spring Academic All-League Honors

15 Valparaiso student-athletes earned spots on the Horizon League Spring Academic All-League teams, as announced by the league office this morning. Men’s outdoor track and field had five athletes honored, while baseball, men’s golf and women’s outdoor track and field each had three selections to go with one from men’s tennis.

Hasler Selected by White Sox in 34th Round of MLB Draft

The Chicago White Sox selected junior right-handed pitcher Drew Hasler in the 34th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday. The selection represents the sixth draft pick in the last six years for Valpo and the 21st in school history.

Lundeen Named to Horizon League All-Tournament Team

Junior starting pitcher Dalton Lundeen was named to the Horizon League All-Tournament Team on Saturday. The left-hander tossed a 141-pitch shutout of Youngstown State in Valpo's 8-0 victory in the opening game of the Horizon League Baseball Championship on Wednesday. Lundeen finished 2015 with a 3.75 earned run average and five wins for the third consecutive season.

Baseball Concludes Season with Loss to Milwaukee

Valpo and Milwaukee entered the fifth inning tied 2-2, but the Panther offense erupted for a dozen runs in three frames as part of a 14-2 win over the Brown and Gold. Seniors Spencer Mahoney and Mark Johnson both went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Mahoney set the school record for career walks in the second inning with a five-pitch free pass.

Crusaders Drop Morning Tilt to Flames

The Valparaiso Crusaders plated four runs in the latter innings of Thursday morning's contest against UIC, but it wasn't enough as the Flames hung on for an 8-5 win over the Brown and Gold at Oil City Stadium in Whiting, Indiana. Valpo will face Milwaukee at 7:00 p.m. CT in a win-or-go-home contest.

Lundeen Delivers Shutout to Advance Crusaders

On the back of their ace Dalton Lundeen, the Crusaders recorded an 8-0 win over Youngstown State in the opening game of the Horizon League Championship Wednesday afternoon at Oil City Stadium in Whiting, Indiana. The junior scattered seven hits, struck out seven, and walked two en route to his second shutout in his last four starts.

Horizon League Baseball Championship Opens Wednesday

The Horizon League descends upon Northwest Indiana this week as an NCAA Tournament berth is up for grabs at Oil City Stadium. Fourth-seeded Valpo will host the fifth-seeded Youngstown State Penguins in the opening game at 12 p.m. CT. The Crusaders will send Dalton Lundeen to the hill as he shoots for his fifth win of 2015.

Crusaders Land Five on HL Postseason Award List

The Horizon League announced its postseason baseball awards Tuesday. Nate Palace, Spencer Mahoney, Nolan Lodden, Giovanni Garbella, and Chad Jacob were the five Crusaders that earned All-League distinction. For Mahoney, this marks the second time he has received Horizon League postseason accolades.

Valpo Falls in Regular Season Finale

Valpo dropped a 6-2 contest to Wright State in the regular season finale at Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton on Saturday. Spencer Mahoney moved to within two walks of the school record for bases on balls in a career while fellow senior Mark Johnson enjoyed a 2-for-3 day at the dish.

Sacrifice Flies Sting Crusaders on Friday

Wright State used a trio of sacrifice flies en route to a 4-1 victory over Valpo at Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton, Ohio on Friday night. Josh Clark and Daniel Delaney led the offensive attack for the Crusaders with two hits apiece.

Crusaders Suffer Setback in Series Opener at Wright State

Dalton Lundeen allowed just two earned runs in 7 1/3 innings Thursday, but Valpo made one too many miscues in its series opener against Wright State on at Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton, Ohio. Chad Jacob went 2-for-4 while senior Kyle Schneider provided an RBI double in the Crusader half of the fourth.

Crusaders, Raiders to Tangle with Tourney Seeds on the Line

With the Horizon League regular season wrapping up this weekend, four of the six seeds have yet to be determined for next week’s postseason tournament. A Valpo sweep of Wright State would earn the Crusaders the No. 2 spot - and a highly-coveted first-round bye. At 13-13 in League play, Milwaukee is still in the Brown and Gold’s rear-view mirror for third place.

9th Inning Rally Stalls in 6-4 Loss to Purdue

After trailing 6-0 following the top of the 3rd, Valpo managed to put the tying run in scoring position in the bottom of the 9th. However, Purdue reliever Matt Frawley recorded the final two outs of the game via strikeout to preserve a 6-4 Boilermaker victory. Spencer Mahoney led the Crusader offense with three hits.

Fritze Awarded Horizon League Pitcher of the Week

Junior Ryan Fritze was rewarded for his seven shutout innings against Youngstown State on Sunday with a Horizon League Pitcher of the Week award on Monday. Fritze did not allow a hit until the fifth inning as he scattered three hits and punched out a season-high nine batters.

Fritze Leads Valpo to 5-0 Series-Clinching Victory

In their final weekend game of the season at Emory G. Bauer Field, the Valparaiso Crusaders received Ryan Fritze's most dominant start since joining the Brown and Gold. The right-hander scattered three hits over seven shutout innings as Valpo took the rubber game, 5-0, over visiting Youngstown State.

Crusaders Recover to Earn DH Split on Senior Day

Senior Kyle Schneider went 4-for-6 in Saturday's doubleheader versus Youngstown State, including two runs batted in in the nightcap to propel Valpo to a 4-3 win. The Penguins collected a 5-2 win in the opener behind seven shutout innings from lefty Joe King.

Rain Postpones Friday's Game; Valpo, YSU to Play Two Saturday

Afternoon storms forced the postponement of Friday's single game versus Youngstown State. The teams will now play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. CT. Head coach Brian Schmack will honor Valpo's six seniors prior to first pitch of Game 1.

Baseball Hosts Final Home Weekend Series Beginning Friday

Saturday's Senior Day highlights this weekend’s series at Emory G. Bauer Field as the curtain begins to descend on the 2015 home slate. Seeding for the Horizon League Championship is still very much up in the air with six conference games to play. Valpo has historically fared well against YSU (28-3 in last 31 contests), but the Penguins have been playing .500 baseball since April 2nd.

Crusaders Beat Darkness, Western Michigan on Tuesday

With the clock reading 7:31 pm local time and the sun setting on a rustic Emory G. Bauer Field, Jeff Edwards cracked an opposite-field, 13th-inning single to score Giovanni Garbella and break a 7-7 tie. Spencer Mahoney tallied four hits as he was one of four Crusaders to record three or more hits.

Lundeen Tabbed Horizon League Pitcher of the Week

The southpaw was named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week Monday following his three-hit shutout of Milwaukee this past weekend. Lundeen, the 2014 Co-Pitcher of the Year, struck out five Panthers while walking just one in a 117-pitch gem on Friday afternoon. This represents his third career Pitcher of the Week honor.

Milwaukee Claims Series Finale with 8-6 Win

Freshman Giovanni Garbella laced his first career round-tripper in the home half of the seventh to draw Valpo within one run, but Panther catcher Daulton Varsho's ninth-inning two-run homer provided the insurance necessary for Milwaukee as the visitors notched an 8-6 win over the Crusaders in Sunday's series finale at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Panthers Rebound for 8-5 Win over Crusaders

Spencer Mahoney enjoyed another three-hit afternoon, but Milwaukee plated four runs in the final two innings en route to an 8-5 win over Valpo at Emory G. Bauer Field on Saturday. The series will be decided Sunday afternoon in a 12:00 pm first pitch.

Mahoney Records 200th Hit; Lundeen Tosses Shutout in Opener

Spencer Mahoney's solo shot on the first pitch of the day from UWM starter Brian Keller was all Dalton Lundeen needed as the junior spun a three-hit shutout in Valpo's 6-0 series-opening win over Milwaukee at Emory G. Bauer Field on Friday. Mahoney registered his 200th career hit in the fourth with an infield single. He finished the day 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two runs batted in.

Crusaders Open Eight-Game Homestand with Milwaukee

Milwaukee brings one of the league’s best pitching staffs into Emory G. Bauer Field this weekend for a key Horizon League series. Two games separate the Crusaders and Panthers for third place in the Horizon League standings. Furthermore, two games separate Valpo from second-place Wright State within a crowded leaderboard.

Huskies' Two-Out Hits Doom Crusaders in DeKalb

A barrage of two-out hits catapulted Northern Illinois to a 5-3 win over Valpo on Wednesday afternoon at Ralph McKinzie Field in DeKalb. Crusader starter Drew Hasler was coasting through the sixth inning until four straight singles resulted in a 2-0 deficit ballooning to 5-0. Dustin Beasley (2-for-4) recorded the Brown and Gold's lone extra-base hit, a double in the visitor's half of the second inning.

Mahoney's Walk-Off Hit Caps Extra-Inning Victory

Spencer Mahoney's 198th career hit lifted Valpo to a 2-1 win in 11 innings over Chicago State on Tuesday afternoon. The RBI single came with two outs to crack a tied game that had been 1-1 since the visitor's half of the seventh.

Crusaders Seize Series Behind Fritze's Seven Strong

The Crusaders kept the hit parade going Sunday as they parlayed 13 hits into six runs in a 6-2 win in the series finale at Oakland. Spencer Mahoney and Jeff Edwards slugged three hits each while Ryan Fritze limited the Golden Grizzly offense to two runs over seven innings. Valpo improved to 12-8 in Horizon League play after the series win.

Losi Restores Order in 14-1 Win over Golden Grizzlies

Seven Crusaders enjoyed multi-hit games at the plate while Mario Losi delivered seven innings of one-run ball in a 14-1 walloping of Oakland on Saturday. Freshman Giovanni Garbella drove in a game-high three runs in just his third collegiate start. The Crusaders and Golden Grizzlies will meet in the rubber game Sunday at 1 p.m. ET/12 p.m. CT.

Late Rally Comes Up Short at Oakland

The Crusaders scored all six of their runs between the 6th and 8th innings of Friday's opener against Oakland, but 15 hits fueled the Golden Grizzlies in an 8-6 win over Valpo. Nolan Lodden enjoyed his 14th multi-hit game of the season with a 3-for-5 afternoon at the plate.

Baseball Set to Tangle with Oakland this Weekend

With first place still within reach, the Crusaders head to Michigan to improve upon their 10-7 record in Horizon League play. Dalton Lundeen (3-4, 4.76) will take the ball in Friday's 2:00 pm CT opener in search of his first win away from home. The junior struck out 10 Golden Grizzlies while allowing just one earned run in a complete game effort two weeks ago at Emory G. Bauer Field. Live video is available for all three games.

Crusaders, Flames Split on the Diamond

The Crusaders were 4-for-26 with runners in scoring position on the day, but a two-run double from Daniel Delaney and a two-run single by Shea Molitor helped the Brown and Gold to a 5-4 win in the opening game of a doubleheader at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo stranded 14 runners on base in a 4-1 loss in the nightcap.

Big Innings Sink Crusaders in Opener

A pair of five-run frames was more than enough for the Flames as UIC cruised to a 12-3 win over Valpo on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Due to a chance of rain on Sunday, the teams will complete the series Saturday in a doubleheader beginning at 11:00 am CT.

Crusaders Welcome First-Place Flames to Town this Weekend

The second half of the Horizon League schedule launches this weekend and Emory G. Bauer will play host to a dandy. First-place UIC will make the short trip over from Chicago to take on Valpo, who enters the three-game series 1.5 games behind the Flames. The Crusaders boast a 7-1 home record.

Crusader Bats Stall Against Broncos

Western Michigan limited Valpo to just five hits in a 6-1 defeat of the Crusaders at Robert J. Bobb Stadium in Kalamazoo on Tuesday afternoon. Nolan Lodden collected his 29th RBI of the season while Drew Hasler threw six innings of two-run ball in the loss.

Triple Play Turned, All-Time Record Broken in Wild Series Finale Win

Crusaders turn a triple play in the seventh inning, Mahoney becomes the all-time assists leader, and Nate Palace rocketed his seventh home run of the season - all in a 3-hour, 45-minute 15-7 win over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies to complete the three-game sweep.

Valpo Baseball Announces Summer Prospect Camp Date

The Valparaiso baseball program announced plans for its 2015 Prospect Camp on Monday. The single-day camp will be held on June 9th from 9:00am CT until 4:30pm CT at Emory G. Bauer Field. The camp is open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, and/or grade level).

Valpo Hangs on for Frantic 8-7 Win over Oakland

Oakland put the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the 9th, but Bryce Yoder nailed down his fourth save of the season to safeguard an 8-7 win for the Brown and Gold on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Spencer Mahoney sent a two-run shot over the right-field wall for his first home run of the season. Daniel Delaney went 3-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

Crusaders Cruise to 9-3 Win Behind Lundeen's CG

Dalton Lundeen threw a career-high 136 pitches to earn his first complete game victory of 2015 as he dispelled Oakland 9-3 on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Nate Palace and Daniel Delaney had two runs batted in apiece as the former went yard for his sixth home run of the season.

Crusaders Greet Golden Grizzlies for Three-Game Set

After playing their last five away from Emory G. Bauer Field, the Crusaders return home to host the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in a three-game series this weekend. Friday's series opener begins an enticing stretch of the schedule that has the Crusaders playing 15 of their next 20 contests at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo is 3-0 in HL series openers thus far.

Valpo Falls in Midweek Contest to Notre Dame

Spencer Mahoney tallied his ninth double of the season while Nolan Lodden raised his season average to .365 after a 2-for-4 day, but the Crusaders were unable to cross the plate in a 6-0 loss to the Fighting Irish Wednesday night at Frank Eck Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Valpo, Notre Dame to Continue Series Wednesday

Wednesday evening's game between the Crusaders and Fighting Irish will represent the 93rd meeting between the instate rivals. Both clubs will trot out lefties to the mound as Notre Dame (20-10)'s Scott Tully will make his first start - 12th appearance - of the season. Meanwhile, freshman Connor Kaucic receives his third starting assignment for Valpo.

Tuesday's Baseball Game vs. Toledo Cancelled

Tuesday's baseball game between Valparaiso and Toledo has been cancelled due to a dicey weather forecast. The Crusaders will return to the diamond tomorrow evening at Frank Eck Stadium on the campus of Notre Dame. First pitch between the Fighting Irish and the Brown and Gold is slated for 6:05 pm ET/5:05 pm CT.

Crusaders Drop Series Finale to Panthers

Valparaiso fought back from a two-run hole to claim a 3-2 sixth-inning lead, but Milwaukee scored five runs off the Crusader bullpen to win the series finale, 7-3, at Henry Aaron Field on Saturday afternoon. Spencer Mahoney and Daniel Delaney cracked two hits apiece, but Valpo left 12 runners on base in the loss.

Milwaukee Slugs Its Way to 7-6 Win over Valpo

After Shea Molitor's two-out RBI single tied the game in the top of the ninth, Mike Porcaro delivered a single to center to give the Panthers a 7-6 walkoff win at Henry Aaron Field on Friday. Dalton Lundeen struck out ten without walking a batter over seven innings but did not factor into the decision. Nolan Lodden jacked his second home run of the season, a three-run shot in the fifth.

Crusaders Persevere in Extra-Inning Thriller at Milwaukee

Valpo rallied back from three separate deficits to claim an 11-10 win in 12 innings over Milwaukee at Henry Aaron Field on Thursday. Bryce Yoder pitched a career-most 4 1/3 innings out of the bullpen to earn the win while Spencer Mahoney and Josh Clark each had three-hit games at the plate.

Crusaders, Panthers Collide in Milwaukee Beginning Thursday

Valparaiso heads to Milwaukee on Thursday for its first Horizon League series away from the pastoral confines of Emory G. Bauer Field. Henry Aaron Field welcomes Valpo for the Panthers’ “official” home opener. The Crusaders enter this weekend two games ahead of UWM for third place in the HL standings.

Baseball Strands 13 in Loss to Ball State

Spencer Mahoney, Nolan Lodden, and Mark Johnson tallied two hits each Tuesday, but Ball State used nine extra-base hits to fly to a 13-4 win over the Crusaders at Ball Diamond in Muncie.

Baseball's Series Finale Cancelled

Impending winter weather has forced the cancellation of Sunday's series finale between Valparaiso and Wright State. The Crusaders will return to the diamond Tuesday afternoon at Ball State. First pitch from the Ball Diamond in Muncie is slated for 4:00 pm ET/3:00 pm CT. A link to the live stats will be available at ValpoAthletics.com.

Crusaders, Raiders Split Saturday Twinbill

Dalton Lundeen surrendered just one earned run over seven innings of the Crusaders' 7-6 game one win, but Wright State put up a three-spot in the seventh inning of the second game to spoil Valpo's bid for a DH sweep. The rubber game of this series will be held Sunday at 1 pm CT.

Key Horizon League Series Comes to Emory G. Bauer Field

Wright State rides into town on an 11-game winning streak ahead of its first road series in Horizon League play. The Raiders enter this series 31-4 in their last 35 league games, but three of those four losses have come at the hands of the Brown and Gold. At 6-0, WSU is two games ahead of 4-2 Valpo in the league standings.

Weather Leads to Change of Weekend Baseball Schedule

Valparaiso and Wright State's three-game series originally scheduled for Friday-Sunday has been adjusted due to cold temperatures. Friday's game has been pushed back a day as part of a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 12 pm CT. Game two will be played 30 minutes after the completion of the first tilt. Sunday's series finale will be played at 1 pm CT.

Balanced Attack Lifts Crusaders to 7-2 Win at Chicago State

Spencer Mahoney and Mark Johnson led a 14-hit day at the plate while Ellis Foreman kept the Cougars off the scoreboard until the seventh inning of Valpo's 7-2 victory over Chicago State Wednesday afternoon in the Windy City. Freshman Luke VanLanen shut the door for the Crusaders, providing two shutout frames of relief.

Losi Dazzles in 4-0 Victory over Youngstown State

Sophomore pitcher Mario Losi shutout the Youngstown State Penguins over nine fabulous innings as Valpo finished off a sweep with a 4-0 victory Sunday at Emory G. Bauer Field. Losi notched his first career shutout in the process, employing three double-play balls to erase potential threats.

Crusaders Clinch Series with 10-8 Win over Penguins

Daniel Delaney and Josh Clark both enjoyed four-hit afternoons while Nate Palace and Nolan Lodden combined to drive in five runs in Valpo's 10-8 series-clinching win over Youngstown State Saturday. Mario Losi will take the hill for the Crusaders on Sunday as the Brown and Gold seek to improve to 4-2 in Horizon League play.

Baseball Welcomes Defending HL Champs to Emory G. Bauer

The Crusaders will take Emory G. Bauer Field quicker than they imagined in 2015, playing Youngstown State in a “neutral” three-game series in Valparaiso. Field conditions at Eastwood Field were deemed unplayable early in the week so Valpo presented the next best opportunity. The Brown and Gold seek to rise above the .500 mark in Horizon League play with a strong showing.

Purdue Prevails 2-0 over Valpo

For the second straight day, the Crusaders received a strong effort from a starting pitcher, but were held scoreless inside a Big Ten park. Purdue defeated Valpo 2-0 at Alexander Field Wednesday afternoon despite Ellis Foreman turning in 6 2/3 innings of stellar pitching.

#24 Indiana Blanks Valpo, 4-0

Freshman Connor Kaucic delivered a quality start against the 24th-ranked team in the nation Tuesday, but Valparaiso was unable to break into the run column against a medley of Indiana pitchers in a 4-0 loss at Bart Kaufman Stadium in Bloomington.

Indiana, Purdue Play Host to Crusader Baseball This Week

Valparaiso hits the road this week to face a pair of Big Ten foes in Indiana and Purdue. Tuesday will represent the Crusaders’ first trip to Bart Kaufman Field since the 2013 NCAA Regionals. Valpo will get its first glimpse of Alexander Field Wednesday evening as the Boilermakers play host in a 5:30 pm ET/4:30 pm CT affair.

Crusaders Dominate in Series Finale at UIC

Nate Palace reached base in all seven of his plate appearances, Daniel Delaney delivered his third home run of the season, and Mario Losi fired seven shutout innings in a 15-1 Crusader victory Sunday at Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago.

9th-Inning Rally Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to UIC

Despite being stuck in neutral for the first eight innings, Valparaiso brought the tying run into scoring position in the ninth. However, Flame reliever Ryan Hinchley preserved a 3-2 win for Jake Dahlberg and UIC Saturday at Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago.

Flames Hang Six in Fifth; Defeat Crusaders in Opener

Daniel Delaney (Thousand Oaks, Calif./Thousand Oaks [Fresno State]) cracked his second home run of the season, but UIC plated six runs in its half of the fifth en route to an 8-2 win over the Crusaders at Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago.

Crusaders Open HL Play This Weekend in Chicago

Horizon League play commences this weekend as Valparaiso travels to Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago for a three-game series versus the Flames. UIC enters this weekend with the hopes of snapping an early-season cool streak. The Flames’ last win came on Valentine’s Day in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Meanwhile, the Crusaders aim to move closer to the .500 mark behind an offense that has supplied plenty of potency through 11 games.

Baseball Game vs. James Madison Cancelled

The final game of Valparaiso's spring trip has been cancelled due to rain. The Crusaders, who were scheduled to play James Madison today, will return to the diamond on Friday afternoon to open Horizon League play versus UIC in Chicago.

Palace Earns Horizon League Batter of the Week Honors

Sophomore Nate Palace was named the Horizon League Batter of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday. The first baseman cranked four home runs, drove in 17 runs, and scored 11 times in five games.

Spartans Mount Big Comeback to Overcome Crusaders

Nate Palace ripped his third home run in two games Sunday afternoon at Harley Park in Spartanburg, S.C., but USC Upstate came back from an 11-3 deficit to claim the series with a 17-13 victory over Valparaiso.

Power Surge Ignites Valpo to 17-5 Win over USC Upstate

Sophomore Nate Palace enjoyed a career day at the plate, launching a pair of home runs as part of a seven-RBI game in the Crusaders' 17-5 victory over the USC Upstate Spartans. Nolan Lodden drove in three runs, scored four times, and walked twice as the junior is the owner of a .476/.577/.810 slash line since moving to the second spot of the batting order a week ago.

Late Comeback Bid Falls Short in Spartanburg

Valparaiso rattled off five runs between the seventh and the eighth innings to trim USC Upstate's lead to 8-7, but the tying run was stranded 90 feet away in the Crusaders' third one-run loss. Outfielder Josh Clark went deep for the first time in his Crusader career.

Baseball Opens Series at USC Upstate Friday

After spending the first half of its spring trip in North Carolina, Valpo heads down to the Palmetto State to engage South Carolina Upstate in a three-game series beginning Friday at Harley Park. The Spartans enter this weekend riding a four-game winning streak that moved them to the .500 mark overall. Meanwhile, Valpo’s offense seems to have found its stride, having amassed 33 runs in their last three contests.

Offense Enjoys Banner Day in 18-5 Victory

Endowed with a 4-3 lead when play resumed, Valpo exploded for 18 runs, its highest output since April 2nd, 2010. Nate Palace accumulated six runs scored, and Dustin Beasley racked up seven runs batted in. Meanwhile, the Crusader bullpen kept a loaded Catamount offense at bay.

Rain Forces Completion of Valpo, Western Carolina Game to Wednesday

Valpo was leading Western Carolina 4-3 in the top of the third inning when rain moved into the Cullowhee, North Carolina area. The two teams will resume play Wednesday afternoon at 4 pm ET/3 pm CT.

Crusaders Capitalize in 8-7 Win over Catamounts

Five Western Carolina miscues parlayed into four unearned runs for the Brown and Gold in their 8-7 victory over the Catamounts at Hennon Stadium in Cullowhee, North Carolina on Monday night. Ellis Foreman came on in relief in the fourth inning of a game that appeared destined for double-digit run totals and delivered 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball. Bryce Yoder notched his first save of the season in a stomach-turning ninth.

Lodden's Grand Slam Not Enough in 8-7 Loss to Gardner-Webb

Nolan Lodden smacked an opposite-field grand slam as part of a six-run Crusader fourth inning Saturday, but Gardner-Webb's Kevin Hodge delivered the game-winner on an RBI single in the eighth inning of the Runnin' Bulldogs' 8-7 win over Valparaiso at John H. Moss Stadium in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

Bulldog Pitching Befuddles Crusaders Again Saturday

Gardner-Webb managed to keep the Brown and Gold off the scoreboard until junior Dustin Beasley's ninth inning solo jack thwarted the Runnin' Bulldogs shutout attempt in a 5-1 loss at John H. Moss Stadium in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. Valpo's bullpen didn't allow an earned run in three innings of work, but the offense went 0-for-13 at the dish with runners on base.

Lundeen Ks Career-High 10, but Crusaders Fall 5-1

Junior Dalton Lundeen retired 15 Runnin' Bulldogs in a row at one point during his career-high 10-strikeout performance Friday, but three errors came back to bite the Crusaders in a 5-1 loss at John H. Moss Stadium in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

Baseball Embarks on Spring Trip Beginning at Gardner-Webb

After inclement weather wiped out all three scheduled games last weekend in Nashville, Valpo hits the road for its Spring trip with the hopes of playing nine games in the span of twelve days. Early forecast models hint that the Crusaders may be in for more of the same as the Carolinas have received uncharacteristic winter precipitation already this week.

Baseball Series vs. Belmont Cancelled

Cold weather and ice have created potentially hazardous conditions at E.S. Rose Park in Nashville. As a result, Valpo and Belmont's Sunday doubleheader has been cancelled.

Crusaders Invade Music City this Weekend

Uncanny weather in the lower Midwest caused the cancellation of the Mule Mix Classic. Instead of a round-robin versus Middle Tennessee State, Lipscomb, and Belmont, the Crusaders will face the Bruins three times this weekend in Nashville. Audio and live stats will be available for all three scheduled games. Follow @ValpoBaseball1 for the latest information regarding game times.

Baseball's Weekend Series Altered

A forecast calling for inclement weather in Nashville has forced the cancellation of a round-robin style tournament involving Valparaiso baseball. Valpo will instead face Belmont only this weekend. The two teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Saturday (time TBA), and a single game on Sunday (time TBA).

Crusaders Can't Cash In Sunday versus San Diego State

Valparaiso left 12 runners on base in a 3-0 loss to San Diego State at Tony Gwynn Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Daniel Delaney enjoyed his third straight multi-hit game. The first baseman went 2-for-4 with a double, capping off a 6-for-11 (.545) weekend.

Aztecs Clinch Series in 22-12 Slugfest

All nine starters recorded at least one hit for the Crusaders including Dustin Beasley and Daniel Delaney, who both homered in Saturday's game. Valpo banged out 12 runs on 16 hits, but San Diego State scored four runs in three different frames and threw up a seven-spot in the eighth inning of a 22-12 slugfest at Tony Gwynn Stadium in San Diego, California.

Crusaders Can't Squeeze Opener in San Diego

Junior Dalton Lundeen pitched very well in his 2015 debut, but shaky defense cost Valparaiso in a 5-4 defeat in its season opener versus San Diego State Friday night. The Crusaders recorded four miscues altogether, but three in particular translated into four unearned runs for the Aztecs.

Valpo Set for Season Opener at San Diego State

Valparaiso raises the curtain on the 2015 season Friday evening in Southern California. The San Diego State Aztecs will play host to the Brown and Gold in a three-game set at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The Aztecs have been picked to finish second in the Mountain West Conference.

What You Need to Know - Valpo Baseball

For the first time in three years, Valpo baseball enters the spring as the hunter as opposed to the hunted. Second-year head coach Brian Schmack welcomes an array of newcomers highlighted by a handful of JUCO-proven transfers. The Crusaders open the 2015 campaign Friday evening in Southern California.

Crusader Baseball Picked 4th in HL Preseason Poll

The Horizon League released its preseason coaches' poll Wednesday afternoon. Valpo received 19 points in the survey, which landed them in fourth place in the six-team conference. The 19 points represent the same total as the 2014 poll.

Oil City Stadium to Host 2015 HL Baseball Championship

Located in nearby Whiting, Oil City Stadium will serve as the host facility for the 2015 Horizon League Baseball Championship.

C.J. Nitkowski Headlines 5th Annual Crusader Baseball Bash

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack has announced that former Major League Baseball player and current Fox Sports analyst C.J. Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) will serve as guest speaker at the 5th Annual Crusader Baseball Bash to be held on Saturday, January 31st inside the Aberdeen Manor Ballroom.

Baseball Unveils 2015 Recruiting Class

Valparaiso head baseball coach Brian Schmack announced the signing of four student-athletes to the recruiting class of 2015: C Scott Kapers (Schererville, In./Mt. Carmel), RHP Grant Inman (Ft. Wayne, In./Ft. Wayne Carroll), RHP Montana Quigley (Lake Forest, Ca./El Toro), and SS Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Ca./Chatsworth).

Team Turmoil Crowned Fall World Series Champs

Team Turmoil silenced numerous prognosticators Tuesday at Emory G. Bauer Field when they finished off a sweep of The Moneyballers in the Fall World Series. Mark Johnson was named Most Valuable Player while newcomer Luke Syens claimed the Series' Cy Young Award.

Fall World Series Begins Saturday Morning

Reigning Horizon League Co-Pitcher of the Year Dalton Lundeen will toe the hill opposite sophomore Mario Losi in Game 1 of the Fall World Series Saturday morning at 10 am. Games 2 and 3 will be held Monday and Wednesday, respectively.

Baseball's Golf Outing Scheduled for September 20th

Head coach Brian Schmack has announced Saturday, September 20th as the date for this year's Baseball Golf Scramble. The outing again will be held at The Course at Aberdeen in Valparaiso. Prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, and more will be awarded at the event. Register today!

Baseball to Hold Open Tryouts September 3rd

Valpo baseball announced that the team will hold walk-on tryouts for the 2015 roster on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd at Emory G. Bauer Field. Forms necessary to compete for a walk-on roster spot must be returned to assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Ben Wolgamot at the baseball office no later than Sept. 1st.

Schmack Adds White to Coaching Staff

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack announced the addition of Adam White to the Crusader coaching staff for the 2014-15 school year Wednesday. White spent the 2013-14 season with Oral Roberts. Prior to last season, White served as an assistant coach for three years with the Penn State Nittany Lions.

McClendon Featured in Seattle Times Column

Seattle Times' columnist Larry Stone featured former Crusader and current manager of the Seattle Mariners, Lloyd McClendon, in his Wednesday column. In his first year as skipper, McClendon has transformed a franchise stuck in neutral for the past few seasons into a playoff contender.

15 Crusaders Score HL All-Academic Spring Honors

Fifteen student-athletes across five sports were recognized by the league office Wednesday. Men's golf led the way for Valpo with four representatives, while baseball, and men's and women's outdoor track and field each boasted three.

Baseball Youth Camp on Tap

Three day camp from June 23rd-25th will cover technique and fundamentals for kids in grades K-8. The morning (9 am-12 pm) will serve as the "skills camp" portion while the afternoon (1 pm-3 pm) will be the "game camp."

Dodgers Select Kowalczyk in 37th Round of MLB First-Year Player Draft

The Los Angeles Dodgers made former Crusader Karch Kowalczyk (Peru, Ill./La Salle-Peru) their 37th round pick in Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft Saturday. He joins Dallas Cawiezell, Bryce Shafer, Bo McClendon, Kyle Gaedele, and Tanner Vavra as Crusaders chosen in the MLB Draft since 2007.

Crusaders Can't Complete Comeback; Season Ends in Mequon

A little less than five hours after the Crusaders ended UIC's season thanks to yet another dazzling pitching performance, Valpo saw 2014 come to a close following a 7-0 defeat to Wright State. The Brown and Gold concluded their season with a 25-28 overall record. The 25 victories were the most ever recorded by a first-year head coach in Valparaiso history.

Crusaders Survive and Advance Behind Lundeen's Gem

Dalton Lundeen's (Streamwood, Ill./Streamwood) prolific sophomore campaign continued Thursday at Kapco Park as the left-hander heaved 8 2/3 innings of shutout ball in Valpo's 2-0 win over the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The Crusaders will take on #2 UIC Thursday morning at 11:00 am.

Penguins Cool Down Crusaders in Horizon League Tourney Opener

Five Penguin pitchers combined to give Youngstown State a 7-3 win over Valpo in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament Wednesday at Kapco Park in Mequon, Wisconsin. Crusaders will face elimination games the rest of the way as Oakland awaits them Thursday morning at 11:00 am CT.

Valpo Aims for Third Straight HL Tournament Championship Beginning Wednesday

The Horizon League invades the city of Mequon, Wisconsin this week with the league’s NCAA Tournament berth up for grabs in the double-elimination HL Tournament. The Crusaders enter as the third seed and will face Youngstown State at 3 pm CT on Wednesday inside Kapco Park.

Lundeen Lands HL Co-Pitcher of the Year Award; Four Other Crusaders Honored

Five Crusaders received recognition for their respective 2014 seasons Tuesday as the Horizon League announced its baseball awards. Dalton Lundeen was voted Co-Pitcher of the Year; Michael Morman and Chris Manning were named to the First and Second Teams, respectively; pitchers Ellis Foreman and Mario Losi were elected to the Horizon League's All-Freshman Team.

Crusaders Cap Off Regular Season with Sweep of Youngstown State

A seven-run top of the third that saw plenty of pomp and circumstance propelled the Crusaders to a 9-1 victory over Youngstown State Saturday. In the process, Valpo collected its first weekend sweep of the season in Horizon League play.

Crusaders Take Two from Penguins Behind 10 Two-Out Runs

Valpo plated five runs with two outs in the top of the second inning in game one of Friday's doubleheader versus Youngstown State. In the second tilt, they put up four runs in the exact same scenario. The Brown and Gold collected their 10th and 11th victories in Horizon League play behind 6-2 and 5-3 wins at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio.

Thursday's Baseball Game Washed Out; Valpo/YSU to Play Two Friday

Rain has forced the postponement of Thursday's baseball game between Youngstown State and Valpo. The game will be made up as part of doubleheader on Friday starting at 1 pm ET/12:00 pm CT at Eastwood Field.

Crusaders Close Out Regular Season This Weekend vs. Penguins

The last time the Crusaders were on Eastwood Field, they celebrated their second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth. This weekend the curtain comes down on the regular season and third through sixth place have yet to be determined in the Horizon League.

Foreman Named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week

The Horizon League announced Ellis Foreman (Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point) as its Pitcher of the Week for the week of May 5th-11th on Monday. Foreman turned in nine dominating innings of shutout ball, striking out 11 Wright State Raiders, walking just one, and yielding six singles.

Foreman's Stellar Start Goes for Naught in Extra-Inning Loss to WSU

Ellis Foreman struck out eleven Raiders in nine shutout innings, but five Wright State pitchers combined to blank the Crusaders 1-0 in 12 innings. WSU's Sean Murphy ended the game with a solo home run to left center.

Crusaders Drop One to Wright State Saturday

A bottom of the seventh that saw Wright State plate three runs after two Crusader miscues was the difference in the Raiders' 6-4 win over Valpo Saturday at Nischwitz Stadiium in Dayton. Dalton Lundeen allowed two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings on the hill; Michael Morman was 3-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored, an RBI, and his 16th stolen base of the season.

Crusaders Romp Raiders in Dayton

Cole Webb tossed eight innings of one-run ball Friday as Valpo defeated the Horizon League regular season champion Wright State Raiders 11-1 at Nischwitz Stadium. Chris Manning, Andrew Bynum, and Andy Burns each had two hits while Bryce Hara collected three RBIs at the plate.

Horizon League Regular Season Champs Await Crusaders in Dayton

The Crusaders hit the road Friday as their final six games will be played in the state of Ohio. Wright State has already wrapped up the Horizon League regular season crown and, in effect, the #1 seed for the Conference Tournament. Valpo and Milwaukee are essentially in a deadlock for third place so plenty is at stake for the Brown and Gold these final two weekends.

Offense Keeps Clicking in 8-4 Win over Western Michigan

Crusader outfielder Chris Manning broke the school record for career runs in the seventh inning on an RBI single off the bat of Karch Kowalczyk. Valpo went on to beat Western Michigan 8-4 Wednesday afternoon at Homer Stryker Field in Kalamazoo. Michael Morman went 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs as Mario Losi went eight innings on the hill for his second win of 2014.

Baseball Wins Home Finale Behind 14-Hit Attack

Valpo moved into a tie for third place in the Horizon League standings as the Crusaders defeated Oakland 8-4 Sunday. For six seniors, the win represented their last game at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Drops Pitchers’ Duel Saturday

On Saturday, the Valparaiso baseball team celebrated the six seniors that would be graduating later this month and looked to send them off with a win, but Oakland pitching had other plans as the Crusaders were blanked in a lightning-quick nine-inning game, falling by a final score of 1-0.

Crusaders’ Offense Comes Alive Late for Extra-Inning Win

It looked like the same old story when it came to the Valparaiso offense on Friday, as the Crusaders picked up just five hits through the first seven innings. But a switch was flipped in the eighth inning, one which started an exciting Valpo comeback as the Crusaders defeated Oakland in 11 innings, 5-4.

Six Crusaders to be Honored Saturday at Baseball's Senior Day

Saturday’s Senior Day highlights the final weekend of the season at Emory G. Bauer Field. After Sunday afternoon’s tilt versus the Golden Grizzlies, the Crusaders will pay their final seven regular season games outside the state of Indiana.

Kowalczyk Named to Capital One Academic All-District Team

Designated hitter/closer Karch Kowalczyk was announced as the DH on the Capital One Academic All-District Team Thursday. Kowalczyk carries a 3.49 grade point average and is majoring in biology and chemistry.

Crusaders Get Back on Track with 8-3 Win over Cougars

The Crusaders snapped a five-game losing streak with an 8-3 win over the visiting Chicago State Cougars Wednesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Trevor Haas notched his second win of the season as the sophomore scattered eight hits over six innings.

Crusaders Strand 11 Runners in 3-2 Loss to Broncos

Michael Morman hit his first home run in nearly three years; Mario Losi tossed seven innings and allowed three runs in his first appearance since April 6th, but the Brown and Gold were shutout for the final eight innings in their tilt against Western Michigan on Tuesday.

Bullpen Leads Flames to Sweep over Crusaders

Valpo strands nine runners in a 6-3 loss to UIC on Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Karch Kowalczyk had his seventh multi-hit game of the season in addition to throwing a perfect inning in relief of starter Ellis Foreman.

Deja Vu for Valpo in 5-1 Loss to UIC

For the second straight day, the Crusader offense pushed a run across in the ninth after being flummoxed by a UIC starter for eight innings. Dalton Lundeen tossed seven innings of two-run ball as he punched out five Flames and walked just one.

Flames Strike First in Series-Opening Win over Valpo

Tomas Michelson kept the Crusaders off the scoreboard until the 9th; UIC's Mickey McDonald clubbed a 4th-inning grand slam in a 10-1 Valpo loss at Emory G. Bauer Field on Friday.

Plenty At Stake for Crusaders, Flames This Weekend at Emory G. Bauer Field

With .500 records in conference play, Valpo and UIC are part of a three-team logjam for second place in the Horizon League. Cole Webb and Dalton Lundeen have both been outstanding on the mound in HL play. They're faced with the challenge of containing a UIC offense that is 9th in the country in scoring (7.2 runs/game) beginning Friday at 3:00 pm.

Baseball Drops Midweek Tilt to Ohio Northern

Crusaders post an unearned run off lefty Matt Magni in a 2-1, two-hour loss to the Polar Bears. After yielding two first-inning runs, Trevor Haas settled in to give the Brown and Gold six strong frames.

Crusader Offense Breaks Out vs. Kalamazoo

The Crusaders waited out a 33-minute rain delay to defeat the Kalamazoo Hornets 10-3 at Emory G. Bauer Field Monday. Jeff Edwards, Chris Manning, Karch Kowalczyk, Grant Yoder, and Mark Johnson each had two hits at the plate as Drew Hasler threw five shutout innings to earn his second win of the season.

Webb Named Horizon League's Co-Pitcher of the Week

Senior right-hander shares the honor with UWM's Cody Peterson. Webb threw a two-hit shutout versus the Panthers on Thursday, walking one and striking out a career-high eight batters.

Crusaders Fall 5-0 in Series Finale

Milwaukee's Justin Langley struck out twelve Crusaders over seven innings Saturday at Henry Aaron Field as the Panthers claimed the series with a 5-0 victory. Valpo dropped to 1-7 in series finales as the Brown and Gold were held scoreless for the second straight game.

Panthers Even Series Behind Peterson's One-Hitter

A Jake Hanson infield single in the eighth inning was the lone Crusader hit Friday as Valpo fell 3-0 to Milwaukee. UWM's Cody Peterson and Dalton Lundeen both went the distance but a two-run Panther third inning was the difference.

Webb Spins Two-Hit Shutout vs. Milwaukee

Senior turns in his most dominating start of 2014 in a series-opening 4-0 win over the Panthers at Henry Aaron Field in Milwaukee. Jeff Edwards provided the lone RBI for Valpo as the Crusaders scored a run off a passed ball, a wild pitch, a balk.

Baseball Enters Hostile Territory Thursday

The last time a Horizon League team won a game at Henry Aaron Field in Milwaukee, Kevin Wild was on the mound, Steven Scoby was patrolling right field, and Tracy Woodson was in the dugout. Since April 29th, 2012, the Panthers have won twelve straight at home against HL opponents. The Crusaders look to snap that streak in the first of a three-game set Thursday afternoon at 3:00 pm CT.

Tuesday's Baseball Game at Toledo Cancelled

A forecast calling for cold temperatures and precipitation has prompted Tuesday's non-conference game at Toledo to be cancelled. The contest will not be made up. Valpo will return to the diamond Thursday to kick off a three-game set in Milwaukee. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 pm CT.

Johnson, Lundeen Sweep Weekly HL Baseball Awards

Dalton Lundeen collected his third Horizon League Pitcher of the Week Award of the season Monday. Lundeen struck out a career-high nine batters and didn't allow an earned run over eight innings Saturday versus Youngstown State. OF Mark Johnson batted .643 for the week, including two home runs, a triple, a double, and four RBIs in Saturday's doubleheader with the Penguins.

Offense Reigns Supreme in Baseball's Split on Saturday

Crusaders romp Penguins 13-1 in game one of the doubleheader; Youngstown State turns the tide in game two with a 12-4 defeat of Valpo to salvage a tilt in the three-game set. Dalton Lundeen was dazzling on the hill as he didn't allow an earned run over eight innings. Mark Johnson had a career day at the plate with two home runs. Karch Kowalczyk drove in a career-high six runs in the first contest.

Baseball Will Play Two Today

With inclement weather expected on Sunday, the Valparaiso Crusaders and Youngstown State Penguins have agreed to play a doubleheader today (Saturday). The first game will start at the originally scheduled 12:00 pm CT time, with game two beginning a half hour after the conclusion of game one. No changes have been made to the probable starting pitchers.

Six-Run Sixth Shoves Valpo Past Youngstown State in Series Opener

All nine batters recorded at least one hit as the back end of the Crusader bullpen preserved a 10-7 series-opening win for the Brown and Gold Friday at Emory G. Bauer Field. Valpo will go for the series win Saturday at 12:00 pm CT.

Baseball Aims to Maintain Dominance at Home vs. Youngstown State

Valpo is 26-5 all-time against the Penguins at Emory G. Bauer Field. At 3-3, the Crusaders are looking to vault into the top half of the Horizon League standings as they welcome Youngstown State to town for a three-game series starting Friday at 3:00 pm CT.

Northwestern Slugs Its Way Past Valpo

Wildcats score twelve unanswered runs in the first five innings as they downed Valpo 12-5 at Rocky Miller Park in Evanston on Tuesday. Jeff Edwards, Mark Johnson, Michael Morman, and Ray Bartolomucci each recorded two hits in the losing effort.

Crusaders to Tangle with Northwestern as .500 Mark Looms

Wildcats lead the all-time series 23-9 but Valpo and Northwestern have split the last twelve meetings since 2000. The Crusaders will trot out RHP Ellis Foreman while the Wildcats will send LHP Dan Tyson to the hill Tuesday in the 3:00 pm tilt at Rocky Miller Park.

Lundeen Lands Second HL Pitcher of the Week Award

The sophomore southpaw held Wright State scoreless through seven innings in Valpo's 2-0 win over the Raiders at Emory G. Bauer Field Saturday. With the victory, Lundeen improved to 3-0 lifetime against Wright State.

Baseball Falls to Raiders in Series Finale

Having already secured the series victory over Wright State, the Valparaiso baseball team was unable to close out a series sweep at Emory G. Bauer Field on Sunday, as the Raiders downed the Crusaders by a 4-2 score.

Crusaders Pick Up Big Doubleheader Sweep Over Wright State

The Valparaiso baseball team handed Wright State its first two losses in Horizon League play of the season Saturday at Emory G. Bauer Field, sweeping both ends of the twinbill from the Raiders, 3-1 and 2-0. The victories snapped the Crusaders' six-game losing streak and moved Valpo to 3-2 in Horizon League play.

Crusaders to Battle First-Place Raiders this Weekend

The 8-0 Wright State Raiders come to town for the first Horizon League series of the season at Emory G. Bauer Field. Due to a rain-filled weather forecast for Friday, the two teams will play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon. The second game of the twin bill will start approximately thirty minutes after the conclusion of game one.

Crusaders Can't Turn the Page vs. Northern Illinois

Despite drawing eleven walks, Valpo baseball dropped its sixth straight tilt Wednesday 10-6 to Northern Illinois. Michael Morman went 2-for-3, walked twice, scored three times and swiped three bases as the redshirt sophomore raised his average to .289. The Crusaders will host Wright State in a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon.

Valpo Drops Tuesday Night Affair to Notre Dame

Andrew Bynum and Michael Morman both had multi-hit games but the Crusaders fell 11-1 to the Irish. Valpo will host its home opener Wednesday afternoon versus Northern Illinois at 3 pm at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball to Play Northern Illinois Wednesday at Home

The club spent the better part of Monday afternoon getting Emory G. Bauer Field ready for games following four home cancellations already this season. First pitch between the Crusaders and Huskies is scheduled for 3:00 pm CT.

Tuesday's Baseball Game Moved to 7:05 pm CT

The Valpo-Notre Dame baseball game originally scheduled for 4:35 pm CT Tuesday has been pushed back to 7:05 pm CT at Four Winds Field in South Bend, Indiana.

Valpo Strands a Dozen in 5-3 Loss to Butler

Crusaders outhit the Bulldogs 10-8, but leave twelve men on base and commit three errors in a 5-3 loss at Bulldog Park in Indianapolis. Karch Kowalczyk went 4-for-5 at the plate with an RBI double off the left field fence.

Valpo and Butler to Meet on the Diamond Sunday

Crusaders will square off against former Horizon League foe Butler Sunday afternoon at 1 pm in Indianapolis. Single game could change to doubleheader beginning at noon if Bulldogs can't get both of their games in Saturday in Louisville.

Valpo Drops Low-Scoring Contest to Notre Dame Wednesday

Irish prevail 4-1 in a two-hour, two-minute tilt in South Bend. Michael Morman tallied his eighth multi-hit game of the season, but the Crusaders managed just five hits. Ellis Foreman was highly efficient on the mound for Valpo, needing just 79 pitches to record seven innings.

Baseball's Weekend Horizon League Series at Oakland Cancelled

Unplayable conditions at OU Baseball Field have forced the cancellation of this weekend's series. The three-game set will not be made up.

Baseball Adds Afternoon Tilt Wednesday at Notre Dame

In a move to offset a number of cancellations already this season, the Crusaders have added a game versus Notre Dame this Wednesday afternoon inside Four Winds Field at 5:35 pm ET/4:35 pm CT.

Tuesday's Baseball Game at Ball State Cancelled

Tuesday's baseball game against Ball State has been cancelled due to poor field conditions. It represents the sixth contest lost thus far this season. The Crusaders are currently scheduled to play Oakland this weekend in Rochester, Michigan.

Crusaders Drop Pair on the Road to UIC Saturday

Valpo lost a couple of tight contests Saturday to UIC. Dalton Lundeen's 7 2/3 innings and Chris Manning's 4-for-4 day at the plate weren't enough in the morning game as the Flames won 5-4. Spencer Mahoney was 3-for-5 with two runs scored out of the leadoff spot, but two errors and eight runners left on base came back to haunt the Crusaders in a 6-3 defeat in the afternoon tilt.

Baseball Defeats UIC 4-3 in Horizon League Opener

Cole Webb and Tomas Michelson went toe-to-toe for eight innings Friday night in Chicago. Spencer Mahoney scored the game-winning run in the 9th on an error in center field to give Valpo its first win in an HL opener since 2010. The Crusaders move to 4-0 in one-run games.

Crusaders and Flames to Meet in Inaugural HL Series at Granderson Stadium

The newly-constructed Curtis Granderson Stadium in downtown Chicago will play host to Valpo and UIC Friday and Saturday. The Crusaders and Flames have faced each other 16 times over the past two seasons. Valpo enters conference play above .500 for the first time since 1997.

Baseball Adjusts Weekend Schedule at UIC

Crusaders and Flames will meet up Friday night at 5 pm CT before playing a doubleheader beginning at 10:30 am CT at Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago.

Crusaders Flex Arms in 7-1 Win over Chicago State

After a 10-day hiatus, Crusaders return to diamond with a decisive 7-1 triumph over the Cougars. Ellis Foreman notched his first career win as he threw six innings of one-run ball. Jeff Edwards tallied his second multi-RBI game of the season while Spencer Mahoney and Andy Burns each had two-hit games.

Wednesday Tilt against Buffalo Cancelled

The thaw continues in Northwest Indiana, but Emory G. Bauer Field remains unplayable as baseball endures its fifth cancellation of the spring. Wednesday's non-conference game against Buffalo will not be made up. Valpo's game versus Chicago State Tuesday at 1 pm is still expected to go on as planned.

Monday's Baseball Game vs. Chicago State Moved to Tuesday

A forecast calling for blustery conditions has moved Monday's Valpo vs. Chicago State baseball game to Tuesday at 1 pm at the Chicago State University Baseball Stadium.

Baseball's Weekend Series Cancelled

Crusaders and Panthers will not play this weekend due to unplayable field conditions. Teams will meet Apr. 17th-19th in Milwaukee in the regularly-scheduled three-game set at Henry Aaron Field.

Tuesday Night's Baseball Game Cancelled

The final game of the Crusaders' spring trip has been cancelled due to unplayable conditions at Daniel Sullivan Field in San Antonio. Valpo will open Horizon League play this weekend versus Milwaukee at a site still to be determined.

Lundeen Named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week

Sophomore southpaw tossed a shutout against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in just his second start back from a battle with mononucleosis. Lundeen has yet to allow an extra-base hit in 11 1/3 innings of work this season.

Baseball Sweeps Doubleheader, Steals Series Behind Pair of Pitching Gems

Dalton Lundeen fired a shutout in a seven-inning tilt before Mario Losi scattered five hits over eight innings in Valpo's 5-1 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Saturday. Catcher Jake Hanson had a pair of RBIs and Karch Kowalczyk went yard for the second straight day in the 4-0 Game 1 win.

Shaky Defense Plagues Crusaders Against Islanders

Karch Kowalczyk hit an opposite-field, three-run homer in the fourth inning, but four errors on the infield coupled with nine strikeouts at the plate led to a 7-4 loss Friday night at Chapman Field in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Crusaders Seek to Get Back Above .500 Mark in Corpus Christi

Valpo (5-6) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (5-9) clash Friday in the first of a three-game series in southern Texas. Senior Cole Webb (2-1, 3.86) will battle Matt Danton (2-1, 2.53) on the mound in a 6:30 pm first pitch at Chapman Field.

Valpo Burns Bobcats in Extras; Foreman Impresses in Return to Texas

Ellis Foreman made a statement start for Crusaders as the redshirt freshman scattered four hits over seven innings, allowing one earned run. Ben Mahar got the win as he provided the bridge to Karch Kowalczyk in nailing down his fourth save of 2014.

#10 Texas Upends Crusaders 7-1

Crusader bullpen limited the Longhorns to just one earned run in four innings in relief of Dalton Lundeen. Lundeen, who made his first start of the season in front of over 4,500 in attendance, allowed two earned runs in four frames. Michael Morman had two of Valpo's four hits on the evening.

Crusaders to Tangle with #10 Texas Tuesday Night

First-year head coach Brian Schmack will call the shots across the diamond from 46-year veteran Augie Garrido Tuesday night in Austin as Valpo meets #10 Texas for the first time. Kevin Dunn and Greg Swindell will have the call live on the Longhorn Network at 6:00 pm CT.

Manning Goes Deep Twice, Crusaders Fall in Sunday Slugfest

Valpo pushed seven runs across in a busy first two innings before McNeese State rallied back from 7-3 deficit to claim rubber game 15-8 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Crusaders prepare for Tuesday tilt with #15 Texas.

McNeese State Evens Series with Win over Valpo Saturday

Cowboys took advantage of three Crusader errors in an 8-0 win over the Brown and Gold. Michael Clemens struck out two Valpo batters in a five-hit shutout. Sunday's rubber game will begin at 1:00 pm CT.

Crusaders Hang on in Opener versus McNeese State

Crusaders score five early in Louisiana, stave off late Cowboy rally in 6-5 victory. Chris Manning sent a three-run shot to left while Cole Webb threw seven strong innings.

Valpo Baseball Seeks to Tame McNeese State this Weekend in Louisiana

The Crusaders will play their next nine in the deep south as their spring trip begins Friday. Before heading to Texas, Valpo will tangle with McNeese State (5-2) in a three-game series. The Cowboys enter the weekend with 22 stolen bases thus far.

Brian Schmack Joins the Valpo Coaches Show

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack sat down with Brad Collignon for this week's episode of the Valpo Coaches Show ahead of his team's spring break trip through Louisiana and Texas. In the #talkingschmack segment, the Crusader skipper addressed what he looks for when determining whether a starting pitcher goes out to the mound in the latter innings.

Gamecocks Take Rubber Game over Crusaders

Jacksonville State plated three runs in the bottom of the 7th as Valpo fell 6-3 in Alabama Sunday afternoon. Chris Manning and Michael Morman both had two-hit games for the Crusaders, who will embark on their Spring Break trip Friday.

Crusaders Return Favor to Jacksonville State with 10-3 Win

One day after falling 10-0 in the series opener, Valpo answers with emphatic 10-3 victory over Gamecocks. Karch Kowalczyk's bases-clearing double in the 7th helped the senior to a five-RBI afternoon. Drew Hasler tossed seven strong innings as the sophomore registered his first win of the season.

Gamecocks Silence Crusader Offense in Opener

Valparaiso was limited to three hits in Friday's 10-0 series-opening loss to Jacksonville State. Second baseman Andy Burns went 2-for-4 for the Crusaders. Valpo sets its sights on evening the series Saturday at 1:00 pm in Alabama.

Baseball Returns to 'Bama for Series vs. Jacksonville State

The Crusaders head south for a three-game set with the Gamecocks. The two teams face off for the first time in 35 years Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm CT. Cole Webb (1-0, 3.00) will take the hill opposite JSU's Taylor Shields (1-0, 1.80) at Rudy Abbott Field in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Brian Schmack Joins the Valpo Coaches Show

Crusader head baseball coach Brian Schmack joined the Valpo Coaches Show this week to talk about his team's success this past weekend at Samford and to look ahead to a three-game set with Jacksonville State. The Valpo Coaches Show introduced a special, interactive "#TalkingSchmack" portion in this week's segment.

Mahoney Named Horizon League Batter of the Week

Junior did it all the plate as his .583/.688/.750 weekend versus Samford garnered him the first Horizon League Batter of the Week Award of the season.

Losi Dazzles in Debut; Bullpen Can't Hold Lead

Freshman fires seven innings of two-run ball; Kowalczyk, Palace go yard but Samford scores nine in final three innings in 10-7 come-from-behind win over Crusaders.

Crusader Bats Carry Valpo to Series-Clinching Win

Bynum, Manning, Mahoney, Kowalczyk each had multi-RBI games in an 11-8 victory over Samford in Alabama. Bryce Yoder collected his first collegiate win as Kowalczyk worked a scoreless ninth for his second save in as many days. Crusaders off to 2-0 start for first time since 2009.

Crusaders Open With a Bang, Hang on for 6-5 Win at Samford

Valpo plates four in the 1st inning, tack on two in the 4th to give Webb the win. Kowalczyk notched the save with a nail-biting ninth. Hanson, Mahoney both recorded two-hit games for the Crusaders.

Baseball's Season Opener Moved Up to 4:00pm

With inclement weather heading towards Alabama, first pitch of the Valpo/Samford game has been changed to 4 p.m.

Crusaders Voted 4th in Horizon League Preseason Coaches' Poll

Valpo lands Manning, Hara, Kowalczyk on Preseason All-League Team; Milwaukee Panthers, the 2013 regular season champions, received 33 points and three first-place votes.

What You Need to Know - Valpo Baseball

The Crusaders take to the diamond Friday as their quest to become back-to-back-to-back Horizon League champions begins in Homewood, Alabama versus Samford. Despite recent unprecedented success, head coach Brian Schmack and his team remain hungry.

Kowalczyk Named to NCBWA Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List

A year removed from a 12-save season, redshirt senior Karch Kowalczyk is one of just 50 relievers named to National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List.

Baseball's Trip to Dominican Republic a Success

Click the video to see highlights of Valpo baseball's trip to the Dominican Republic. The team spent a week in the some of the most underprivileged areas of Latin America as they performed community service, toured historical sites, and played a handful of games.

Baseball Announces Winter Camp Dates

Crusader coaching staff will host hitting camps December 28th and 29th at the Emory G. Bauer indoor complex in Valparaiso. High school-aged campers will have three times to choose from each day.

Baseball Heads to Dominican Republic - for Work and Play

Head coach Brian Schmack and his team begin a week-long trip to the Dominican Republic today. The journey includes community service time with local children at orphanage, games against Dominican & MLB farm teams.

Baseball Inks Four for 2014-15

Delaney, Garbella, Lodden, Van Lanen highlight another stout recruiting class for Crusaders on the diamond. Garbella is a member of the Italian National Baseball Team, while Van Lanen was the #4 prospect out of the state of Wisconsin.

Four Teams Honored at Championship Night

In addition to raising the basketball banners, director of athletics Mark LaBarbera presented rings to the baseball, softball, and men's golf Championship teams from 2012-2013 at the season opener versus Murray State.

2014 Baseball Schedule Released

Out-of-conference contests versus Texas, Notre Dame highlight schedule; Crusaders open 2014 season on Feb. 14th in Homewood, Alabama against Samford. Home opener set for Mar. 14th versus Milwaukee. Get head coach Brian Schmack's take on the spring slate in this week's edition of Inside Valpo Athletics.

Lloyd McClendon Named Manager of Seattle Mariners

Valpo alum Lloyd McClendon was amongst first group to be inducted into Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame; McClendon was drafted by the New York Mets in 1980.

Conclusion of World Series Signals End of Fall Team Practices

Chris Manning led the Grey team to a 2-0 sweep in the best-of-three World Series at Emory G. Bauer Field last week. The Crusaders will continue individual workouts before official practices begin in January.

Fall World Series Starts Saturday

Senior Karch Kowalczyk will captain the Black team while fellow senior Chris Manning will guide the Grey team in Valpo's Fall World Series held at Emory G. Bauer Field. The intrasquad competition represents the conclusion of fall team practices.

Schmack Adds Stalowy, Wolgamot to Staff

After stints at Illinois State and Bellarmine, Mike Stalowy named top assistant at Valpo. Ben Wolgamot, who last served as recruiting coordinator at Eastern Illinois, slotted as assistant coach/recruiting coordinator. Wolgamot was an All-Big Ten second baseman at Purdue.

Hit the Links with the Crusaders September 21st

Baseball will hold its annual Golf Scramble Saturday, September 21st at Aberdeen GC. Shotgun start will be at 12:30 pm. Prizes will be awarded for longest drive, closest to the pin, and much more.

Dates for Baseball Camps Announced

Head baseball coach Brian Schmack released the dates for this year's Fall Prospect Camp. All players in grades 9-12 are invited to attend on Sunday, October 6th and Saturday, October 26th for skill development and evaluation.

Brian Schmack Named Valparaiso Baseball Head Coach

Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced today that Brian Schmack has been named the 17th head coach in Crusader baseball history and just the sixth since 1946.

Woodson Steps Down as Crusader Baseball Coach

Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced today that Tracy Woodson has stepped down as the head coach of the Crusader baseball program in order to accept the same position at Richmond.

Crusader Baseball Players in Summer League Action

As two-time defending Horizon League champions, the Valparaiso baseball program isn't resting on its laurels, as many Crusaders are preparing for next season by spending their summer sharpening their skills in collegiate wood-bat leagues from coast to coast.

19 Crusaders Earn Academic All-League Recognition

Valparaiso placed 19 student-athletes over seven sports on the Horizon League's 2013 Spring Academic All-League Teams, as announced by the league office. The 19 honorees tied for the most from any league institution.

Kowalczyk Earns All-Region Accolades

Valparaiso closer Karch Kowalczyk (Peru, Ill./La Salle-Peru) earned another honor for his strong 2013 season on Thursday, as he was named to the ABCA/Rawlings Second Team All-Mideast Region.

Vavra Chosen by Minnesota Twins in 2013 MLB Draft

Valparaiso senior second baseman Tanner Vavra (Menomonie, Wis./Menomonie [Madison]) became the fourth Crusader in the last four seasons to be drafted in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, as he was chosen in the 30th round by the Minnesota Twins with the 890th overall pick.

Webb, Mahoney Named to All-Tournament Team

Starting pitcher Cole Webb and shortstop Spencer Mahoney were named to Bloomington's All-Tournament Team on Sunday. Webb held #13 Indiana to one run in seven innings, Mahoney went 5-for-12 with a home run in three games.

Crusaders Check Out of NCAA Tournament with 5-4 Loss to Austin Peay

Governors score a run in five separate innings, end Valpo's season at 32-28. Loss caps off a season that included a second Horizon League championship and an NCAA Regional win for the first time since 1966.

LATER, GATORS

Down 4-1, Crusaders storm back for four runs in the bottom of the seventh to eliminate the Florida Gators. Kyle Wormington earned the win out of the bullpen, and Spencer Mahoney hit his first career home run as Valpo secured its first win in an NCAA Regional since 1966.

#13 Indiana Deals Valpo a Heartbreaking Loss

Andrew Bain went 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Cole Webb threw seven innings of one-run ball. However, Hoosiers plate four in the bottom of the 9th to steal 5-4 win from the Crusaders. Facing elimination, Valpo will play Florida on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm ET/1 pm CT.

Valpo Holds Final Workout Before Showdown with #13 Indiana Friday

Woodson, Webb, Vavra addressed media after practice at Bart Kaufman Field in Bloomington.

Crusaders Primed for NCAA Tournament Friday

Riding a seven-game winning streak, Valpo enters Friday's NCAA Regional tilt versus #13 Indiana looking for its first Tournament win since 1966. Junior Cole Webb (5-7, 3.59) will make his 15th start of the season for the Crusaders as he takes on the Hoosiers and 6'10'' RHP Aaron Slegers (9-1, 1.93).

Schedule and Ticket Information for Bloomington Regional

Valparaiso, Indiana, Austin Peay, and Florida will all meet at Bart Kaufman Field in Bloomington, Indiana this weekend for the NCAA Regionals. Tickets go on sale Tuesday morning.

Crusaders are Bloomington Bound

Valpo will open postseason versus host Indiana. Opening game will be Friday at 7 pm ET/6 pm CT.

Join the Crusaders Monday at 11:00am as NCAA Reveals Their Destination

Valpo baseball team will learn where it is heading for the NCAA Regionals during the Selection Show Monday morning at 11:00 am. Fans are welcome to watch along with them at Wings Etc.

GOLDEN BOYS

Dalton Lundeen provided the pitching and Chris Manning supplied the big hit as Valpo tops Wright State 3-0 in Championship Game to cap a dizzying race through the Horizon League Conference Tournament. Crusaders will learn their postseason fate Monday at 11:00am during the NCAA Selection Show.

Crusaders Back in the Championship Game with 6-4 Win over Milwaukee

Valpo scores five in a wild first inning; DeBoo turns in outstanding pitching performance as the Brown and Gold return to the Horizon League Championship Game. Valpo will face winner of the Milwaukee/Wright State game for a return trip to the NCAA Tournament. First pitch is at 11:00am ET/10:00am CT.

Weather Forces Adjustments to Horizon League Baseball Tournament

Crusaders have Friday off; #3 Valpo will play #1 Milwaukee Saturday morning 11am ET/10am CT.

Valpo Survives Scare; Downs UIC 8-7 in Opening Game of HL Tourney

An 8-2 lead shrivels to 8-7, but Crusaders advance to Saturday's semifinal game versus #4 Wright State/#1 Milwaukee. Five Valpo batters enjoy multi-hit games as Crusaders solve Michelson; Kowalczyk shuts door for his tenth save of the season.

Crusaders Kick Off Conference Tournament Thursday Versus Familiar Foe

#3 Valpo and #2 UIC duel Thursday morning at 11 am ET/10 am CT in both team's first game of the Horizon League Conference Tournament. The meeting is the 16th between the Crusaders and the Flames in the last 13 1/2 months.

Valpo Well-Represented as Horizon League Announces Baseball Awards

Ten Crusaders recognized by Horizon League for their play in 2013; Karch Kowalczyk named Relief Pitcher of the Year. Valpo tied first-place Milwaukee for most recipients in the League.

Chris Manning Named Horizon League Player of the Week

Junior outfielder hit his third home run of the season Saturday in a 3-2 over Youngstown State. For the week, he scored three runs, stole a base, and hit .313 helping the Crusaders win all four of their games.

Seniors Lead Valpo in Nail-Biting Win to Conclude Regular Season

Wormington induces game-ending double play with bases loaded in the 9th; Crusaders hang on 3-2. Valpo will face UIC Thursday morning at 11:00 am ET/10:00 am CT in Niles, Ohio in the Horizon League Conference Tournament.

Crusaders Clinch Series with 7-4 Defeat of Penguins

Chris DeBoo worked into the eighth inning as he earned his fourth win of the year; Bain, Bynum, Burns all had multi-hit games Friday against Youngstown State. Valpo goes for sweep Saturday at 1:00 pm on Senior Day.

Crusaders Slide By Penguins in Series Opener

Youngstown State outhits Valpo 12-7, but mistakes on the bases cost Penguins Thursday. Crusader bullpen works three hitless innings to preserve Cole Webb's fourth win of the season.

Senior Day Highlights Regular Season-Ending Series with Youngstown State