Wednesday, March 03, 2004

Bradenton, Fla. - Valpo scored four runs in the late innings, but was defeated by Northeastern 5-4. Jeff Rickert had two hits for the Crusaders.

After Northeastern took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, Valpo (0-5) scored three times with two outs. Colin Reynolds, Keith Keslinke and Brian Rzepka (RBI) each had singles during the frame. All three runs were unearned as a result of two Northeastern errors.

In the bottom of the eighth, Rickert doubled, Eddie Hannan followed with a bunt single and Kevin Kutansky plated Rickert with an RBI single to right field. Hannan advanced to second with no outs, but the Crusaders could not produce the game-tying run.

Northeastern (3-2) scored one run each in the second, third and fifth innings, and added two in the seventh.

Kyle Obenauf (0-2) started and pitched 6 innings for Valpo. The sophomore allowed three runs and nine hits, while fanning one and walking three. Jordan Thomson (2-0), who struck out eight and allowed one earned run and eight hits in 7 innings, earned the win. Tim Bush hurled the last 2 innings for his first save.

Valpo plays Boston College on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. CST.