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6/17/2016
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.
6/11/2016
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.
6/3/2016
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.
5/28/2016
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.
5/27/2016
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.
5/26/2016
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.
5/26/2016
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.
5/25/2016
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.
5/24/2016
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.
5/24/2016
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.
5/23/2016
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.
5/21/2016
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.
5/20/2016
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.
5/19/2016
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.
5/18/2016
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.
5/16/2016
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.
5/15/2016
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.
5/13/2016
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.
5/12/2016
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.
5/11/2016
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.
5/8/2016
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.
5/6/2016
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.
5/6/2016
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.
5/5/2016
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.
5/3/2016
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.
5/1/2016
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.
4/30/2016
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.
4/29/2016
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.
4/28/2016
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.
4/26/2016
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.
4/25/2016
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.
4/23/2016
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.
4/22/2016
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.
4/21/2016
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.
4/20/2016
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.
4/18/2016
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.
4/18/2016
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.
4/17/2016
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.
4/16/2016
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.
4/15/2016
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).
4/14/2016
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.
4/13/2016
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.
4/12/2016
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.
4/8/2016
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.
4/7/2016
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.
4/6/2016
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.
4/5/2016
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.
4/4/2016
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.
4/3/2016
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.
4/2/2016
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.
4/1/2016
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.
3/31/2016
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).
3/30/2016
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.
3/29/2016
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.
3/28/2016
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.
3/26/2016
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.
3/25/2016
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.
3/23/2016
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.
3/21/2016
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.
3/20/2016
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.
3/19/2016
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.
3/18/2016
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.
3/17/2016
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.
3/15/2016
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
3/12/2016
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.
3/11/2016
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.
3/10/2016
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.
3/9/2016
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.
3/9/2016
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.
3/8/2016
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.
3/8/2016
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.
3/8/2016
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.
3/6/2016
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.
3/5/2016
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.
3/4/2016
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.
3/3/2016
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.
3/2/2016
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.
3/1/2016
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.
2/28/2016
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.
2/27/2016
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.
2/26/2016
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.
2/25/2016
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.
2/21/2016
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.
2/20/2016
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.
2/19/2016
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.
2/18/2016
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.
2/17/2016
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.
1/29/2016
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.
12/29/2015
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.
11/20/2015
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.
11/18/2015
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.
11/6/2015
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!
10/6/2015
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.
9/29/2015
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.
9/22/2015
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.
9/21/2015
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.
9/16/2015
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!
9/8/2015
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.
8/24/2015
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.
