Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Four Indiana State pitchers limited Valparaiso to just four hits as the Sycamores defeated the Crusaders 9-0 on Wednesday afternoon in Terre Haute, Ind.

The game started as a pitcher's dual over the first three-and-a-half innings with both teams recording just one base hit. The Sycamores broke through in the fourth with a pair of runs to jump in front. A throwing error on a stolen base attempt allowed Kyle Kolb to score the first run of the game and a Josh Abercrombie single brought in the second run.

Indiana State (6-5) broke the game open in the sixth with seven runs in the frame. Back-to-back homeruns by Tim Brewer, a two-run shot, and Nevin Ashley spearheaded the rally, which also saw Abercombie single home two more runs.

Ryan Manthei (Kenosha, Wis./Tremper H.S.) and John Giusti (Coventry, R.I./Coventry H.S.) accounted for all of Valparaiso's offense in the game, tallying two hits each. Manthei increased his batting average to .444 with the two hits. Ryan Bond tallied three hits in five at bats for the Sycamores.

Nick Mazzone (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North H.S.) started and took the loss for Valpo, throwing four innings and allowing two runs and four hits. Ryan Hayes earned the win for Indiana State with six innings of four hit ball.

Valparaiso (2-8) will return to the diamond next Tuesday to conclude the Crusaders' season-opening 11-game road trip. The Brown and Gold will face Indiana in Bloomington, Ind. beginning at 2 p.m. with the game carried live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso) and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.