Friday, March 10, 2006

Jon Rupno's (Green Bay, Wis./Pulaski H.S.) one-out single in the bottom of the ninth capped Valparaiso's come-from-behind 4-3 victory over Bowling Green in Bradenton, Fla. on Friday morning as the Crusaders snapped a four-game losing skid.

Rupno's single plated Matthew Augustine (Muskego, Wis./Antigo H.S.) with the winning run. Augustine tied the game earlier in the inning with a single to score Kevin Kutansky (Schererville, Ind./Munster H.S.).

Bowling Green jumped in front with three runs in the second, two of which were unearned. Kurt Wells two-run double started the scoring and Dash Yost plated the other run on a squeeze bunt.

Valpo answered got on the scoreboard in the sixth when Michael Arensdorff (Park View, Iowa/North Scott H.S.) homered down the right field line. Valpo added another run in the eighth on a Brian Rzepka (South Bend, Ind./Penn H.S.) single to score Rupno, setting the stage for the ninth.

John Snelten (Ingleside, Ill./Antioch H.S.) started and went seven strong innings, allowing just seven hits and one earned run for the Crusaders. Dallas Cawiezell (Long Grove, Iowa/North Scott H.S.) pitched two scoreless innings to record his first victory of the season, striking out four.

Alan Brech started for the Falcons pitching six innings allowing just one run and six hits. Nick Cantrell suffered the loss in relief for Bowling Green (6-5), as the Falcons suffered their fifth straight defeat.

Valparaiso (2-5) will have an off day on Saturday before returning to the diamond on Sunday morning to face Bradley in Bradenton. First pitch is scheduled for 9 a.m. CST.