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6/12/2017
Valpo Baseball Announces Youth Camp
The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced dates for its annual Youth Camp, which will take place from July 17-19 at Emory G. Bauer Field.
6/7/2017
Tieman Named Freshman All-American
Valparaiso University baseball freshman Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) received a distinct honor on Wednesday as he was tabbed a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
5/25/2017
Valparaiso University to Join Missouri Valley Conference
Valparaiso University president Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., announced today that the University has accepted an invitation to join the Missouri Valley Conference on July 1, 2017. The Crusaders will begin competing for MVC championships in the 2017–2018 academic year.
5/24/2017
Season Comes to Close with Loss to Oakland
The Valparaiso University baseball team saw its season come to an end with a 6-4 loss to Oakland in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament on Wednesday afternoon at Granderson Stadium in Chicago. The Crusaders finished the season at 24-29 and will bring back the bulk of their team for the 2018 season. Valpo does bid farewell to five seniors who have been key contributors during their time with the program.
5/23/2017
Two Crusaders Achieve All-League Honors, Three Others Named to All-Freshman Team
Five Valparaiso University baseball players received recognition on Tuesday as the Horizon League announced its all-league teams and league award winners. Seniors James Stea and Jake Hanson were named to the all-league second team. Stea filled an outfield slot, while Hanson earned the honor at designated hitter.The Crusaders had three players named to the Horizon League all-freshman team – pitcher Jon Tieman, pitcher Easton Rhodehouse and outfielder/DH Christian Barczi.
5/22/2017
Baseball Ready for Horizon League Tournament in Chicago
The Valparaiso University baseball team enters the most important week of the season playing well at the right time. The Crusaders won four of their final five regular season games to latch down the No. 4 seed in this week’s Horizon League Tournament, which will be hosted by UIC at Curtis Granderson Stadium in Chicago.
5/20/2017
Rain Thwarts Doubleheader Between Crusaders, Panthers
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Saturday’s doubleheader against Milwaukee. The two teams attempted to play the middle game of the series on Friday, but it was pushed back to a Saturday double dip due to steady rain throughout the day. Rain started to fall heavily again on Saturday morning, and was projected to continue for the remainder of the day.
5/19/2017
Rain Prevents Friday Baseball at Emory G. Bauer
The Valparaiso University baseball team made every effort to play Friday’s scheduled game against Milwaukee, but Mother Nature had other plans. A relentless rain throughout the day rendered baseball impossible, causing the postponement of the game.
5/19/2017
Hanson Recognized on Horizon League All-Academic Team
Valparaiso University senior Jake Hanson was honored by the Horizon League on Friday as the league announced its 2017 baseball all-academic team. Hanson was one of 14 Horizon League players honored for their success both on the playing field and in the classroom.
5/18/2017
Crusaders Continue Winning Ways with Walk-off Walk
The Valparaiso University baseball team notched its fourth win in the last five games on Thursday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Freshman Christian Barczi (Naperville, Ill. / Naperville North) worked a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth to force in the winning run and send the Crusaders into celebration following a 5-4 victory over Milwaukee. All four Valpo base runners in the ninth came via walks, two of which were intentional.
5/17/2017
Saturday's Senior Day to Culminate Final Home Weekend
The Valparaiso University baseball team will close out the regular season with a three-game series at Emory G. Bauer Field beginning on Thursday afternoon as Milwaukee comes to town. Saturday’s game will mark the final Valpo home athletic event of the 2016-2017 academic and athletic year. It’s also Senior Day for the Crusaders as they recognize James Stea, Nate Palace, Mario Losi, Ellis Foreman and Jake Hanson prior to the game.
5/15/2017
Rhodehouse Honored as Horizon League Pitcher of the Week
The stellar performance of Valpo freshman Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) was recognized by the Horizon League as the league unveiled its weekly awards on Monday.
5/14/2017
Freshman Relievers Shine in Doubleheader Split with First-Place Flames
The Valparaiso University baseball team came up on the wrong end of a 2-0 pitchers’ duel in Game 1 of Sunday’s doubleheader against first-place UIC, but the Crusaders bounced back by pulling out a 7-6 victory in a seesaw Game 2 on Sunday at Emory G. Bauer Field. After winning three of four during a difficult stretch of four games in two days in two locations, Valpo has clinched a berth in the upcoming Horizon League Tournament. Freshman Jake Larson kept the Crusaders in the first game with five shutout innings of relief, then classmate Easton Rhodehouse dominated over four perfect frames to earn the win in Game 2.
5/13/2017
Crusaders Sweep Critical Doubleheader from Panthers
The Valparaiso University baseball team took a giant step toward securing its place in the upcoming Horizon League Tournament on Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader from Milwaukee at Henry Aaron Field. The Crusaders cruised to an 11-3 win in the opener before holding on for a 7-4 triumph in Game 2. Senior James Stea (Los Alamitos, Calif. / Los Alamitos) homered in both games and also tripled and drove in five in the second game. Valpo can clinch a spot in the league tournament on Sunday with either at least one victory over UIC or at least one Oakland victory over Youngstown State.
5/12/2017
Important Stretch of Four Games in Two Days Next Up for Valpo
The Valparaiso University baseball team will embark upon the final seven-game stretch of the regular season with four games in two days this weekend. The Crusaders finally play Milwaukee for the first time all season with a Saturday doubleheader at Henry Aaron Field, then come home for a double dip with UIC on Sunday. Five teams can finish anywhere from third to seventh in the Horizon League, with everyone fighting to avoid being the one team left out of the league tournament.
5/9/2017
Crusaders, Boilermakers Washed Out
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Tuesday’s scheduled game against Purdue has been cancelled due to rain. The game will not be made up.
5/9/2017
Crusaders Seek to Sweep Season Set from Instate Rival Purdue
The Valparaiso University baseball team will renew an in-state rivalry on Tuesday afternoon as the Purdue Boilermakers make their way to Emory G. Bauer Field. It’s the final midweek game of the season and the last nonleague affair of the year. After this tune up, the Crusaders will gear up for the final seven Horizon League games of 2017, an important stretch for league positioning.
5/7/2017
Doubleheader Split a Tale of Two Games for Valpo Baseball
The two games of Sunday’s doubleheader represented quite the contrast to one another for the Valparaiso offense. The Crusaders banged out 18 hits on their way to a 13-3 win over Oakland in Game 1, but didn’t save any firepower for Game 2, when they scratched out just one hit and fell 7-0. The games were originally scheduled to take place in Rochester, Mich., but were moved to Emory G. Bauer Field.
5/6/2017
Crusaders to Host Relocated Twin Bill at Emory G. Bauer
The Valparaiso University baseball team received the pleasant surprise of a weekend without leaving town, as Sunday’s doubleheader was moved from Rochester, Mich. to Valpo due to field conditions at Oakland. The Grizzlies took two of three from the Crusaders when they visited Emory G. Bauer Field earlier this season. Oakland will be the home team for both games and have last at-bats.
5/5/2017
Crusaders Bounce Back with Game 2 Win to Split Twin Bill
The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a tough 4-3 loss to Youngstown State in Game 1 to notch a 6-2 victory in the nightcap of Friday’s doubleheader at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders coughed up a ninth-inning edge in the opener, but rode a strong pitching performance from Jon Tieman to a Game 2 victory.
5/4/2017
Crusaders, Penguins Lock Horns Twice More on Friday
After dropping two of three to Youngstown State last weekend in Niles, Ohio, the Valparaiso University baseball team still has an opportunity to win the season series as the Crusaders welcome the Penguins to Emory G. Bauer Field for a doubleheader on Friday afternoon. Last weekend, the Crusaders salvaged the series finale against Youngstown State with a 10-7 win on Sunday.
5/4/2017
Sunday Doubleheader Moved to Emory G. Bauer Field
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Sunday’s doubleheader against Oakland scheduled to take place in Rochester, Mich. has been moved to Emory G. Bauer Field.
5/3/2017
Larson’s Strong Pitching Performance Helps Crusaders Down Huskies
When the first four Northern Illinois batters of the game drew bases on balls, it looked like it could be a long Wednesday afternoon for the Valparaiso University baseball team. That’s when head coach Brian Schmack summoned Jake Larson from the bullpen. The freshman right-hander delivered 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to propel the Crusaders to an 8-2 victory over the Huskies at Emory G. Bauer Field.
5/2/2017
Crusaders, Huskies Postponed to Wednesday
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Tuesday’s scheduled game against Northern Illinois has been postponed due to field conditions. The game will be made up on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Emory G. Bauer Field.
5/1/2017
Garbella Garners Batter of the Week After Continuing Hot Streak
Valparaiso University junior Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) gained attention from the Horizon League office on Monday after his recent trend of success continued this week.
4/30/2017
Eggimann Home Run Helps Crusaders Past Penguins
For the third time in the series, the Valparaiso University baseball team engaged in a back-and-forth affair with Youngstown State on Sunday afternoon at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio. This time the Crusaders got the last laugh, as Jayden Eggimann belted his first Valpo home run in the top of the ninth, a three-run shot that proved to be the difference in the game.
4/29/2017
Series Finale Postponed by Rain
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that the third game of its weekend series at Youngstown State, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday, has been postponed due to inclement weather.The series finale is now set for Sunday at 11 a.m. CT at Eastwood Field in Niles, Ohio.
4/28/2017
Crusaders Drop Both Games of Friday’s Doubleheader
The Valparaiso University baseball team had late leads in both games of Friday’s doubleheader with Youngstown State at Eastwood Stadium in Niles, Ohio, but the Crusaders couldn’t hold on to the edge in either game. The Penguins walked off with a 6-5 win in the opener, then rallied for five in the eighth to beat the Crusaders 9-7 in Game 2.
4/27/2017
Crusaders, Penguins Set for First Meeting of Season
The Valparaiso University baseball team will make the longest Horizon League journey this weekend as it heads to Youngstown State for a three-game set with the Penguins. Note that the series schedule has been altered due to weather, as the two teams are now scheduled to play a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 1 p.m. CT. All five of the meetings between the Crusaders and Penguins will occur in an eight-day span, as Valpo and Youngstown State get together next Friday, May 5 for a doubleheader at Emory G. Bauer Field
4/27/2017
Weather Alters Baseball Series
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a schedule change to its series at Youngstown State this weekend. The Crusaders and Penguins will play a doubleheader on Friday at 1 p.m. CT at Eastwood Field due to an unfavorable weather forecast for the remainder of the weekend.
4/25/2017
Crusaders Fall to Notre Dame
The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered a 10-3 loss to Notre Dame on Tuesday night at Frank Eck Stadium. Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) provided a bright spot for the Crusaders by continuing his recent stretch of offensive success with two doubles.
4/25/2017
Valpo, Notre Dame Face Off in Midweek Affair
The Valparaiso University baseball team will make the trip to Notre Dame on Tuesday evening for a midweek meeting with the Fighting Irish. The Crusaders will spend the week away from Emory G. Bauer Field as the Notre Dame game will be followed by a three-game weekend set at Youngstown State.
4/24/2017
Foreman Wins Horizon League Pitcher of the Week After Shutting Down Wright State
Fifth-year senior Ellis Foreman (Round Rock, Texas / Stony Point) made his first start of the season one to remember on Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. He shut down perennial Horizon League powerhouse Wright State to the tune of a complete game shutout.
4/23/2017
Foreman Heaves Complete Game Shutout as Crusaders Earn Split with Raiders
Valparaiso University fifth-year senior Ellis Foreman hadn’t started a game all season, but he sure looked comfortable in a starting role in Game 2 of Sunday’s doubleheader against Wright State at Emory G. Bauer Field. Foreman did make 23 starts over his first four collegiate seasons, but few of them matched the caliber of Sunday’s gem.
4/22/2017
Crusaders, Raiders to Play Two on Sunday
The Valparaiso University baseball team will round out its first four-game league weekend of the season with a pair of contests at Emory G. Bauer Field on Sunday afternoon. The Crusaders will look to knock off Wright State after dropping all three games in Dayton earlier this season. The Raiders face a difficult turnaround after playing a home doubleheader then traveling to Valpo on Saturday.
4/21/2017
Crusaders Earn Doubleheader Split with Lopsided Game 2 Win
The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a 14-5 loss in Game 1 to salvage a doubleheader split with Northern Kentucky on Friday, winning Game 2 17-4 at Bill Aker Complex in Highland Heights. Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) was productive at the plate in both games, Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) collected six RBIs in the second game and freshman Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) earned a win in his first collegiate start.
4/20/2017
Crusaders Visit Norse for Twin Bill
The Valparaiso University baseball team will have its first four-game weekend of the year, beginning with Friday’s doubleheader at Northern Kentucky. The Crusaders will attempt to continue their success against the Norse after taking two of three against them at Emory G. Bauer Field two weeks ago.
4/18/2017
Garbella Cracks Two Home Runs to Help Crusaders Over Cougars
The Valparaiso University baseball team has played the last four games without its most established hitter with first baseman Nate Palace sidelined by an illness, but Giovanni Garbella has helped make sure the offense hasn’t skipped a beat.
4/15/2017
Grizzlies Take Rubber Match from Crusaders
The Valparaiso University baseball team couldn’t overcome a nine-run Oakland fourth inning on Saturday afternoon in an eventual 19-9 defeat at Emory G. Bauer Field. It was a day of big innings as the Grizzlies set the tone with four runs in the top of the first, while the Crusaders had a six-run fifth to chip into the large hole created by the nine-run fourth. Chad Jacob had three hits to lead Valpo.
4/14/2017
Crusaders Draw Even with Late Rally, Fall in Extras
The Valparaiso University baseball team came from behind late for the second straight day, but this time the rally came up shy as Oakland scored three times in the top of the 10th and held on to beat the Crusaders 9-6. The Crusaders plated three runs in the bottom of the ninth to draw even after the Grizzlies had grabbed two insurance tallies in the top of the ninth.
4/13/2017
Stea Grand Slam Propels Crusaders to Dramatic Win
One swing of the bat from senior James Stea altered the complexion of Thursday’s series opener between the Valparaiso University baseball team and visiting Oakland. The Grizzlies played long ball early to build the lead, but it was Stea’s big fly that mattered most as his eighth-inning shot over the left-field fence put the Crusaders up 7-6, a lead they did not relinquish.
4/12/2017
Crusaders, Grizzlies to Face Off Beginning Thursday
The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to put together another winning weekend at Emory G. Bauer Field as it welcomes Oakland to town for a holiday weekend set. The three-game series begins on Thursday and runs through Saturday.
4/11/2017
Crusaders Suffer First Midweek Loss of Season
The Valparaiso University baseball team couldn’t keep its run of midweek success alive on Tuesday afternoon in Muncie, Ind., as Ball State defeated the Crusaders 11-2. Valpo received two hits apiece from Chad Jacob, Christian Barczi and Sam Shaikin in the losing effort.
4/10/2017
Baseball Looks to Sustain Midweek Success on Tuesday
The Valparaiso University baseball team will return to the road as it visits instate foe Ball State in Muncie on Tuesday afternoon. The Crusaders will attempt to remain unbeaten in midweek games as they hold a 5-0 record in midweek affairs entering Tuesday.
4/9/2017
Crusaders Fall to Norse in Series Finale
Trey Ganns hit three home runs, Northern Kentucky scored multiple runs in six of the nine innings and the Valparaiso University baseball team couldn’t slow down a powerful Norse lineup in an 18-7 loss on a windy Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders (12-17, 3-6 Horizon) still took two of three in the series after Saturday’s doubleheader sweep of the Norse (11-9, 6-3 Horizon).
4/8/2017
Crusaders Fend Off Northern Kentucky Rallies, Sweep Doubleheader from Norse
It wasn’t easy by any means, but the Valparaiso University baseball team pulled off a doubleheader sweep of Northern Kentucky at Emory G. Bauer Field on Saturday. Both games saw the Crusaders build sizeable leads, then hold on for dear life in exhilarating victories. Valpo picked up an 8-7 win in Game 1, before winning the nightcap 10-9.
4/6/2017
Crusaders Begin Home Slate, Host Northern Kentucky
The Valparaiso University baseball team will finally begin its home slate after starting the season with 26 consecutive road games. The scheduled home opener against Western Michigan on Wednesday was canceled due to inclement weather, then the scheduled series opener on Friday was postponed due to unplayable field conditions. The Crusaders will finally lift the lid on their home season with Saturday's doubleheader.
4/6/2017
Field Conditions Alter Series Schedule
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the postponement of Friday’s scheduled series opener against Northern Kentucky due to unplayable field conditions.
4/4/2017
Inclement Weather Cancels Wednesday’s Game Between Crusaders, Broncos
The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Wednesday’s scheduled game against Western Michigan due to anticipated inclement weather.
4/4/2017
Crusaders Edge Redbirds in 12-Inning Marathon
It took longer than the regulation nine innings, but the Valparaiso University baseball team grabbed its first one-run win of the season on Tuesday night at Illinois State. A go-ahead bases-loaded walk by Chase Dawson in the top of the 12th helped the Crusaders top the Redbirds 4-3 at Duffy Bass Field. The Crusaders prevailed in a battle of the bullpens that saw both teams go scoreless from the sixth through 12th innings.
4/3/2017
Western Michigan, Illinois State Up Next for Valpo Baseball
The Valparaiso University baseball team rounds out a stretch of 26 straight road games to begin the season on Tuesday evening, then finally opens the home slate, weather permitting, on Wednesday afternoon. The Tuesday trip will be to Normal, Ill. to take on Illinois State, while the Wednesday home affair will welcome Western Michigan to Emory G. Bauer Field. Both games this week feature former Valpo assistant coaches on the opposing staff.
4/2/2017
Wichita State Walks Off Again as Crusaders Drop Finale
The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered its third straight one-run loss on Sunday afternoon in Wichita, Kan. Travis Young, the same player who lashed a walk-off single to beat the Crusaders on Friday night, struck again. This time he snapped a 3-3 tie in the ninth with a one-out walk-off single to right to give the Shockers a 4-3 victory, their third straight one-run win in the series.
4/1/2017
Crusaders Incur Second Straight One-Run Loss on Saturday
The Valparaiso University baseball team has been competitive over the course of its tough road schedule to start the season, but one-run losses have been a bugaboo for the Crusaders. Valpo suffered its second straight one-run defeat to Wichita State on Saturday afternoon at Eck Stadium, falling to the Shockers by a score of 3-2.
3/31/2017
Wichita State Walks Off with Wild Win Over Valpo
Friday’s game at Eck Stadium featured no shortage of late drama, as the Valparaiso University baseball team put together a thrilling rally for two runs in the top of the ninth to take a 3-2 lead over Wichita State, only to see the Shockers bounce back with two of their own in the bottom of the frame. The game culminated with a two-out, walk-off single through the left side by Travis Young, giving the Shockers a 4-3 win.
3/30/2017
Valpo, Wichita State Ready for First Ever Meeting
The Valparaiso University baseball team steps outside of league play this weekend as the Crusaders visit Missouri Valley Conference foe Wichita State for a three-game series. This is the final weekend nonleague set for Valpo this year.
3/29/2017
Crusaders Best Boilermakers in West Lafayette
A strong start by Grant Inman set the stage, three hits by Chad Jacob helped the cause and a scoreless ninth by freshman Jon Tieman sealed the deal as the Valparaiso University baseball team dispatched instate Big 10 foe Purdue 5-1 on Wednesday night in West Lafayette. This marked the first time since 1977 the Crusaders won at Purdue, and they’ve now captured back-to-back wins against the Boilermakers after a triumph at Emory G. Bauer Field last May.
3/28/2017
Crusaders Face Instate Foe Purdue on Wednesday
The Valparaiso University baseball team will step outside of Horizon League activity for each of the next six games, a stretch that begins on Wednesday night at Alexander Field in West Lafayette. The Crusaders will attempt to repeat the success they enjoyed a year ago against their in-state Big 10 foe Purdue.
3/26/2017
Crusaders Can’t Capture Rubber Match in Chicago
The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the rubber match of a three-game weekend series at Granderson Stadium 8-1 to UIC on Sunday afternoon. The Flames jumped in front with two runs in the first inning and later pulled away on a pair of late two-run home runs.
3/24/2017
Crusaders Take Game 2, Split Doubleheader with Flames
The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a Game 1 defeat to split Friday’s doubleheader with a 4-2 win over UIC in Game 2 at Granderson Stadium in Chicago. The Flames held on for a 10-7 win in Game 1 as the Crusaders rallied for six unanswered runs but came up short. The win in the nightcap allowed Valpo (8-12, 1-4 Horizon) to notch its first league win of the season.
3/23/2017
Crusaders, Flames Begin Set with Twin Bill on Friday
After visiting the defending Horizon League champions to open league play at Wright State, another tough test is in store for the Valparaiso University baseball team with this weekend’s series at UIC. The Crusaders and Flames have amended the weekend slate due to the weather forecast and will play a doubleheader on Friday before finishing the series on either Saturday or Sunday.
3/22/2017
Baseball Announces Schedule Changes to UIC Series
The Valparaiso University baseball team has altered its schedule for this weekend’s series at UIC based on the weather forecast. The two teams will take advantage of a forecast that features 73-degree temperatures and mostly cloudy skies on Friday by playing a doubleheader instead of the originally-scheduled single game. The twin bill will begin at 12:05 p.m. CT.
3/21/2017
Bats Break Out as Valpo Downs Chicago State
After being limited to two total runs in a three-game weekend series at Wright State, the Valparaiso University baseball team made it clear early on that the offensive struggles would end on Tuesday night at Cougar Stadium in Chicago. The Crusaders had three extra-base hits in the opening inning and scored three times to set the tone for an eventual 13-1 rout of Chicago State.
3/20/2017
Crusaders to Clash with Cougars Tuesday in Chicago
The Valparaiso University baseball team has returned from its spring break trip, but will continue the lengthy season-opening stretch of road games on Tuesday afternoon at Chicago State. The Crusaders and Cougars clash in the first of two midweek showdowns between the two teams this season as Valpo tries to bring its six-game skid to a halt.
3/19/2017
Crusaders Drop Both Games of Twin Bill at Wright State
The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped both games of a doubleheader at Wright State University’s Nischwitz Stadium on Sunday. A go-ahead, fifth-inning home run by Wright State’s Brandon Giltrow turned the tide in Game 1, an eventual 6-1 victory for the Raiders. Wright State scored early an often in Game 2 and went on to prevail 7-0.
3/18/2017
Wright State Nips Valpo in League Opener
The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered a 2-1 setback to Wright State on Saturday afternoon at Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton, Ohio. Valpo’s Mario Losi and Wright State’s Danny Sexton engaged in a quality pitchers’ duel that was won by Sexton, who tossed a complete game. Losi received no decision despite allowing just one run over seven innings.
3/17/2017
Friday’s Game Postponed, Weekend Schedule Adjusted
The Valparaiso University baseball team’s scheduled game at Wright State on Friday evening has been postponed due to inclement weather.The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday. The schedule for this weekend’s series has been adjusted, with the Horizon League opener now scheduled to begin at noon CT on Saturday at Nischwitz Stadium. The doubleheader is slated to get underway at 10 a.m. CT on Sunday.
3/15/2017
Crusaders Open Horizon League Play, Visit Defending Champs
The Valparaiso University baseball team will jump right into the Horizon League gauntlet by opposing the defending league champions on the first weekend of conference play. The Crusaders hit the road to face a Wright State team that is the preseason favorite to repeat its league title. The Horizon League season begins at Nischwitz Stadium, the same place last year’s season ended with Valpo falling to Wright State 7-2 in the Horizon League championship game.
3/12/2017
Valpo Rally Not Enough as USF Walks Off with 14th Straight Win
A late comeback, strong middle relief work and multi-hit games from three players were not enough for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Sunday afternoon. The Crusaders rallied from down three to tie the game at five, but Joe Genord belted a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to give USF a 6-5 victory and extend the Bulls’ winning streak to 14.
3/11/2017
Crusaders Allow Five-Run Third, Fall to South Florida
A big third inning for South Florida doomed the Valparaiso University baseball team on Saturday evening at USF Baseball Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Bulls tallied five runs in the third to snap a 1-1 tie, then held on for an eventual 8-1 win over the Crusaders.
3/10/2017
Crusaders Can’t Cool Bulls on Friday
The Valparaiso University baseball team ran into a red-hot South Florida squad on Friday evening in Tampa as USF pulled away for an 11-2 victory. The Bulls improved to 13-1 and extended their best start in school history, while the Crusaders slipped to 6-6 on the year. Junior Chad Jacob cracked a two-run homer in the ninth that got Valpo on the board.
3/9/2017
Crusaders Visit South Florida, Hope to Stay Hot
The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to continue its best start since 1997 as it faces a tough test this weekend at South Florida. USF is off to its best start in program history, winning 12 of its first 13. The last time the Crusaders held a winning record through 11 games, this year’s freshmen were not even born yet. Valpo has won five of its last six.
3/9/2017
Kapers Named to 2017 Johnny Bench Award Watch List
Valparaiso University sophomore catcher Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mount Carmel) was named to the official 2017 Johnny Bench Award Watch list on Thursday. Kapers is one of only two Horizon League players on the list, joining Milwaukee junior Daulton Varsho. The award is given annually to the top Division I collegiate catcher.
3/8/2017
Crusaders Pummel Quakers for Fifth Win in Six Games
A day after coming out on the winning end of a pitchers’ duel, the Valparaiso University baseball team brought the bats on Wednesday afternoon in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The Crusaders busted out for their most productive inning of the season by scoring five times in the fifth and never looked back on their way to a 16-3 rout of Pennsylvania.
3/7/2017
Stellar Pitching, Three-Run Ninth Lift Crusaders Over Quakers
Michael Mommersteeg may have been making his first collegiate start, but the freshman southpaw looked like a seasoned veteran on Tuesday afternoon at First Data Field, the Spring Training home of the New York Mets. The Crusaders posted a three-run ninth inning to snap a scoreless tie and held on to beat Pennsylvania 3-0 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
3/5/2017
Crusaders Can’t Close Series Sweep Sunday
The Valparaiso University baseball team saw its three-game winning streak snapped on Sunday afternoon at Sessions Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., as the Dolphins held the Crusaders scoreless for the final five innings of a 6-3 Jacksonville victory.
3/4/2017
Late Comeback Lifts Crusaders to Third Straight Win
The Valparaiso University baseball team continued its strong start to the season on Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla., putting together some late-inning drama for the second consecutive contest. Valpo trailed 2-1 as late as the eighth inning, but scored a run in the eighth and three more in the ninth to beat the host Dolphins 5-2.
3/3/2017
Crusaders Start Weekend with Extra-Inning Win over Jacksonville
The Valparaiso University baseball team started its spring trip in style on Friday evening in Jacksonville, Fla., prevailing 6-3 in a 10-inning contest. The Crusaders have won back-to-back games, including Friday’s win over an Atlantic Sun contender and strong warm-weather foe.
3/2/2017
Valpo Visits Jacksonville to Begin Spring Trip
The Valparaiso University baseball team embarks on its annual spring trip as it heads to Jacksonville, Fla. to meet the Dolphins on Friday evening, the first of eight straight games in the Sunshine State. The Crusaders won’t return to campus until after their first Horizon League series of the year concludes on March 19.
2/26/2017
Offense Breaks Out as Crusaders Bury Blazers
The Valparaiso University baseball team pounded out 15 hits on Sunday afternoon in Birmingham, Ala., as the Crusaders had seven players enjoy multi-hit days in a 9-5 victory over UAB. The win allowed Valpo to salvage one game in the three-game weekend series and achieve a Sunday triumph for the second consecutive week.
2/25/2017
Crusader Bats Quiet in Saturday Loss to UAB
Valparaiso University baseball player Nate Palace continued his hot start to his senior campaign by launching a home run, but the remainder of the Crusader battles were quiet in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to UAB at Regions Field in Birmingham, Ala. Easton Rhodehouse (Gilbert, Ariz. / Highland) continued his strong start to the season with 2 2/3 scoreless frames of relief.
2/24/2017
Crusaders Lose Opener at UAB
The Valparaiso University baseball team entered Friday in a select group of NCAA teams that had not committed an error yet this season, but two miscues in the sixth inning led to two unearned insurance tallies in an eventual 5-1 loss to UAB. The Crusaders (1-3) grabbed an early lead, but their bats were stymied for the rest of the day by UAB (4-1) starter Garrett Whitlock, who went the distance.
2/23/2017
Baseball Back in Action Against UAB
The Valparaiso University baseball team will hit the road again this weekend, traveling to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to take on a Blazer team that has won three of its first four games. This marks the second straight series against a team from Conference USA. The series will be played at Regions Field, also the home of the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.
2/19/2017
Baseball Picks Up First Win of Season
Sophomore Grant Inman hurled five solid innings, senior Nate Palace launched his first home run of 2017 and freshman Jon Tieman nailed down his first career save as the Valparaiso University baseball team defeated Western Kentucky 5-2 on Sunday afternoon at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky. The win marked the first of the season for the Crusaders.
2/18/2017
Crusaders Suffer Second Straight One-Run Defeat
The late innings haunted the Valparaiso University baseball team for the second consecutive day on Saturday afternoon in Bowling Green, Ky. Western Kentucky followed Friday’s walk-off win with another one-run victory, nipping Valpo 4-3 after snapping a 2-2 tie with two runs in the eighth. Junior college transfer Wes Gordon turned in a quality start in his Crusader debut, but received no decision.
2/17/2017
Western Kentucky Uses Walk-Off Home Run to Beat Valpo on Opening Day
The Valparaiso University baseball team came within one out of opening the season with a victory on Friday afternoon in Bowling Green, Ky., but Western Kentucky’s Kaleb Duckworth belted a walk-off home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Hilltoppers a 6-5 victory over the Crusaders.
2/16/2017
Crusaders Ready for First Pitch of Baseball Season
The Valparaiso University baseball team will begin its annual stretch of road games to start the season as the Crusaders crank up the 2017 campaign on Friday in Bowling Green, Ky. The Crusaders take the diamond against the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky for a three-game weekend series.
2/15/2017
Opportunity Knocks as Crusaders Turn the Page to 2017
Some of the household names of recent years have departed from the Valparaiso University baseball team, but head coach Brian Schmack and his staff enter 2017 optimistic about their chances of putting together another quality season.
2/14/2017
Valpo Picked Fourth in Baseball Preseason Poll
The Valparaiso University baseball team has been picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League by a vote of the league’s head coaches.
12/15/2016
Valpo Releases 2017 Baseball Schedule
The Valparaiso University baseball program has released its schedule for the 2017 season. The Crusaders will begin the new campaign on Feb. 17 at Western Kentucky for the first of a three-game series, the first meeting between the two teams since 2002. The series will take place at newly-renovated Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky.
12/1/2016
Valpo Announces Three Additions for 2018 Baseball Season
The Valparaiso University baseball team has inked three players to National Letters of Intent for the 2018 season. Head coach Brian Schmack and his staff will welcome junior college transfer Blake Billinger (Los Gato, Calif. / Mountain West [Mission College]) and true freshmen Zach Orn (Royville, Ind. / Eastside) and Andy Samuelson (LaPorte, Ind. / LaPorte) to the program next year.
10/25/2016
Valpo Baseball Team Makes World Series Predictions
With the World Series set to begin on Tuesday night in Cleveland, it’s time for the Valparaiso University baseball team to weigh in. Members of the 2017 Crusaders offer their prognostication of what will unfold this week between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs.
7/14/2016
Lodden Named HL Spring Scholar-Athlete of the Season
Valpo senior outfielder Nolan Lodden received co-Horizon League Spring Scholar-Athlete of the Season accolades, as announced by the league office Thursday. Lodden, a First Team Academic All-American, carried a 3.949 grade-point average in the classroom. On the diamond, he led the Crusaders in batting average (.356), hits (83), runs scored (57), doubles (18), and walks (36).
