Valparaiso dropped the opener of a doubleheader to Centenary 8-1 on Saturday afternoon in Shreveport, La. Game two has been suspended after seven innings due to rain tied at five.

In the opener the Gents touched Valpo starter Nick Mazzone (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North H.S.) for four runs in the first and two more in the second. After Centenary added single runs in the fourth and fifth, the Crusaders finally found the scoreboard.

Kevin Kutansky (Schererville, Ind./Munster H.S.) doubled to plate Michael Arensdorff (Park View, Iowa/North Scott H.S.) with Valpo's lone run in the game.

Brandon Fulencheck (3-6) went seven strong innings to earn the win, scattering just four hits to Valpo batters while a pair of relievers allowed Crusader bats just one hit each in the eighth and ninth. Kutansky finished the game with two hits for the Brown and Gold while Justin Darr went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in and Jimmy Baker added two hits and three RBIs for the Gents.

In game two Valpo jumped in front 4-1 before the Gents tied the game at five after seven innings. Play was suspended just prior to 10 p.m. and action will resume at noon on Sunday prior to the regularly scheduled doubleheader.