Valpo Baseball Announces Youth Camp

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced dates for its annual Youth Camp, which will take place from July 9-11 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Scott Kapers Selected by Texas Rangers in MLB Draft

The ultimate dream of anyone who has ever stepped foot on a baseball diamond came to fruition for Valparaiso University’s Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mount Carmel) on Wednesday.

Tieman Named to MVC Scholar-Athlete Team, Garbella Receives Honorable Mention

Valparaiso University baseball sophomore Jon Tieman was honored for his performance both academically and athletically on Tuesday as the right-handed pitcher was named to the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete First Team. In addition, senior Giovanni Garbella was named MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention.

Kapers Named to MVC All-Tournament Team

After the Valparaiso University baseball team turned heads with its performance at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in Dallas this week, junior catcher Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mount Carmel) has been recognized as a member of the all-tournament team.

Strong Showing in MVC Tournament Comes to an End on Friday

The long day in Dallas that featured a little bit of everything ended with the Valparaiso University baseball team bidding farewell to its 10-member senior class on Friday evening. The Crusaders gave host DBU a scare by sprinting out to a 5-0 lead at Horner Ballpark, but the Patriots came from behind to edge the Crusaders 7-5, avoiding a second straight loss to the seventh-seeded Crusaders that may have dashed DBU’s NCAA Regional hopes.

Resilient Crusaders Fall Just Shy on Thursday Against Bradley

The Valparaiso University baseball team simply wouldn’t go away on Thursday night and into the early hours of Friday morning in a winners’ bracket second-round Missouri Valley Conference Tournament game at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. Every time Bradley appeared to open the game up, the Crusaders had a response, but in the end the Braves prevailed 11-9 when the Crusaders stranded the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Bradley finds itself one victory from the MVC championship game, while the Crusaders are forced into a quick turnaround for an elimination rematch with DBU on Friday afternoon.

Grand Entrance: Valpo Knocks Off Host DBU in First MVC Tournament Game

A Valparaiso University baseball team that is no stranger to winning on the big stage gained its most memorable victory yet in Wednesday’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament opener by upstaging host DBU 13-10 under the lights at Horner Ballpark in Dallas. The second-seeded Patriots have won three of the last four MVC Tournament titles, but Wednesday night belonged to a poised group of MVC newcomers who sure didn’t look like the tournament’s seventh seed.

Five Crusaders Honored on Baseball All-Conference Teams

The Valparaiso University baseball team has five representatives on the all-Missouri Valley Conference teams, which were announced by the conference office on Tuesday.

Baseball Set for MVC Tournament in Dallas

The Valparaiso University baseball team will spend the week in the Lone Star State as Dallas Baptist University hosts the 2018 Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament. The eight-team, double-elimination event will commence on Wednesday and conclude on Saturday with the winner earning an automatic NCAA Tournament berth. The seventh-seeded Crusaders will face an immediate test in their tournament opener as they clash with host DBU, the No. 2 seed, under the Horner Ballpark lights to conclude the first day of MVC Tournament play.

Valpo Baseball Honors Seniors on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team celebrated its 10-member senior class on Saturday afternoon prior to the regular season finale against Indiana State at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders started five seniors and used four more out of the bullpen in an 8-2 loss to the Sycamores.

Valpo Falls to Indiana State on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 16-0 to Indiana State on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Sycamores did all of their scoring in the first four innings in a game that was shortened to seven frames because of the 10-run rule.

Five-Run Sixth Lifts Indiana State Past Valpo in Series Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team was hurt by one big Indiana State inning in Thursday’s series opener between the two Missouri Valley Conference foes at Emory G. Bauer Field. All six hits in the Sycamore sixth were singles, leading to a five-run uprising and an eventual 6-3 victory over the Crusaders. Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) tied the program record for doubles in a single season with his 23rd of the year in the eighth inning.

Valpo Hosts Indiana State for Senior Weekend

The regular season reaches its conclusion this week as Valpo welcomes in-state foe Indiana State for a three-game series that begins on Thursday. The Crusaders and Sycamores will go at it in an important set as teams across the conference battle for seeding in next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. The series will culminate with Senior Day on Saturday as the Crusaders recognize their 10-member senior class prior to the group’s final game at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Two-Out Rally in Ninth Propels Valpo to Dramatic Win

Even the most optimistic fans of the Valparaiso University baseball team had to admit that the outlook was bleak with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders hadn’t scored since the second inning and faced a 2-1 deficit with nobody on base and one out left to work. Then, the fortunes turned. The next three batters reached, setting the stage for a two-run single by Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) as Valpo stunned Chicago State 3-2 in walk-off fashion.

Baseball Drops Series Finale in Normal

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 8-0 to Illinois State on Sunday afternoon at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill. The Redbirds sprinted ahead 7-0 through two innings before the Valpo bullpen slowed them down to the tune of one run over seven frames. However, the Crusader offense was stymied by Illinois State starter Matt Walker, who pitched six shutout innings and garnered the win.

Valpo Drops Middle Game at Illinois State

After waiting out a three-hour rain delay, the Valparaiso University baseball team was on the wrong end of a 13-3 score at Illinois State on Saturday night at Duffy Bass Field in Normal. The Redbirds used an eight-run second inning to set the tone and eventually invoked the 10-run rule in the bottom of the eighth. Junior Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) drove in all three Valpo runs and launched his eighth home run of the season, moving into a tie for the team lead.

Tieman Tosses Complete Game to Help Valpo to Heart-Pounding Win in Series Opener

Starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) turned in a complete-game gem, Zack Leone (Pelham Manor, N.Y. / Fordham Prep [Susquehanna]) ripped a go-ahead ninth-inning double and Jayden Eggimann (Mesa, Ariz. / Desert Ridge [Central Arizona / Grand Canyon]) made a game-ending diving catch on a line drive to center. All of it added up to a crisp, entertaining and dramatic 2-1 victory over Illinois State for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Friday night in the series opener at Duffy Bass Field in Normal, Ill.

Key MVC Series Starts Friday for Valpo Baseball

With six games to go in the regular season, the Valparaiso University baseball team’s level of success in its first season in the Missouri Valley Conference has yet to be defined. How Valpo views its first year in The Valley on the diamond will largely be determined by what happens the rest of the way as the Crusaders have a pair of conference series the next two weekends that appear evenly matched. The stretch run starts on Friday as Valpo visits Illinois State to kick off a three-game set.

Valpo’s One-Year Wonder: MBA Program, Baseball Team Attract Leone to Valpo for Last Hurrah

A standout season on the Valparaiso University baseball team may have never happened for Zack Leone ’18 MBA if it weren’t for a variety circumstances that came together perfectly, uniting the fifth-year senior first baseman with the Missouri Valley Conference program.

Inclement Weather Causes Cancellation of Baseball on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Wednesday’s scheduled game against Western Michigan at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Billinger Launches Three Home Runs, Propels Valpo Past Western Michigan

From the moment he made his first plate appearance in a Valpo uniform, junior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) has racked up offensive accomplishment after offensive accomplishment. But he outdid himself on Tuesday, enjoying his most noteworthy day at the dish yet by becoming the first Valpo player in 10 years with a three-homer game. In the process, he helped Valpo to an 18-13 win over Western Michigan at Robert J. Bobb Stadium in Kalamazoo.

Strong Starting Pitching Not Enough on Sunday

For the second straight Sunday, starting pitcher Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake Country]) gave the Valparaiso University baseball team a quality chance to win against a high-level opponent. This time, a strong effort on the mound wasn’t enough, as visiting Missouri State used a four-run eighth to beat Valpo 6-2 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Absorbs Narrow Defeat to First-Place Missouri State

Senior Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) moved into a tie for the team lead with his seventh homer of the season and junior Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) extended his Missouri Valley Conference lead in doubles, but the Valparaiso University baseball team was handed another close loss to first-place Missouri State on Saturday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. Drew Millas clubbed a three-run homer in the fifth inning to help the Bears to an eventual 6-4 victory.

Late Comeback Allows Missouri State to Edge Valpo on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team got off to a favorable start with a four-run first inning against Missouri Valley Conference powerhouse Missouri State on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field, but the Bears came back with crooked numbers of their own in the third and eighth to win the game 6-5. The Crusaders led 5-3 for the bulk of the day until Missouri State’s three-run eighth inning turned the tables.

Baseball Continues Challenging Slate This Weekend

After hosting preseason MVC favorite DBU last weekend, the Valparaiso University baseball team continues its challenging slate by welcoming another high-level conference foe to Emory G. Bauer Field. This week, it’s 10-2 Missouri State making its way to Valpo. The Bears were one of two MVC teams to compete in the NCAA Tournament a year ago.

Baseball Announces Makeup Date vs. Western Michigan

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a makeup date for a game against Western Michigan that was postponed in early April.

Seven-Run Eighth Highlights Tuesday’s Game at NIU

The Valparaiso University baseball team ventured to the alma mater of head coach Brian Schmack on Tuesday afternoon for its annual nonconference showdown with Northern Illinois. The Crusaders took a significant bite out of a 10-0 deficit with a seven-run eighth, but the Huskies held on for the 10-7 win at McKenzie Field in DeKalb.

Valpo Upstages MVC-Leading DBU on Sunday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has added another name to the growing list of nationally-acclaimed programs it has defeated this season. The Crusaders topped a DBU team that entered the weekend 46th nationally in RPI in one-sided fashion, cruising to a 9-2 victory in Sunday’s series finale at Emory G. Bauer Field. The star of the day was starting pitcher Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake County]), who turned in a complete-game masterpiece against a formidable offensive club.

DBU Tops Valpo Baseball on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped the middle game of this weekend’s series to DBU by a score of 9-3 on Saturday afternoon. The visiting Patriots, a perennial NCAA contender and Missouri Valley Conference power, cruised to a series-clinching 9-3 win.

Baseball Drops Series Opener to DBU

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell 8-1 in the series opener against MVC preseason favorite Dallas Baptist on Friday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Crusaders received the bulk of their offensive production out of the six and seven spots in the lineup as Chad Jacob (Irvine, Calif. / Woodbridge) and Scott Kapers (Schererville, Ind. / Mt. Carmel) combined for five of the team’s eight hits.

DBU Makes First Trip to Emory G. Bauer Field This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will welcome the Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorites to Emory G. Bauer Field this weekend for a three-game conference series. Dallas Baptist has won seven of its nine MVC affairs after hauling in seven of the eight first-place votes in the preseason coaches poll. This marks the first of two straight home weekends where Valpo will host programs with proud baseball traditions, as DBU and Missouri State – both teams that played in the NCAA Tournament a year ago – come to town for the first time.

Late Comeback Comes Up Just Shy at Notre Dame

The Valparaiso University baseball team rallied with two runs in the seventh and two more in the ninth on Wednesday night at Frank Eck Stadium in Notre Dame, Ind., but the host Fighting Irish held on for a 6-5 victory. The Crusaders stranded the potential tying run in scoring position in the ninth in what marked their 10th one-run loss of the season.

Garbella Named MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week

Valparaiso University baseball outfielder Giovanni Garbella (San Diego, Calif. / Cathedral Catholic) has been selected as a Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week, presented by Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, for his performance in both the classroom and on the playing field this past week.

Baseball at Notre Dame Pushed to Wednesday

Tuesday’s scheduled Valparaiso University baseball game at Notre Dame has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up on Wednesday, April 25 at 5:05 p.m. CT / 6:05 p.m. ET at Frank Eck Stadium.

Valpo Makes Annual Visit to Notre Dame on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will be back in action on Tuesday as the Crusaders head to Notre Dame, Ind. to clash with the Fighting Irish, an instate foe from the Atlantic Coast Conference. Valpo will look to sustain the momentum from a successful week that saw the Crusaders win three of their four contests.

Shaikin Named to Brooks Wallace Award Watch List

Valparaiso University shortstop Sam Shaikin (West Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) has been named to the Brooks Wallace Award Watch List, which was announced by the College Baseball Foundation late last week.

Baseball Picks Up First MVC Series Win on Sunday

The Valparaiso University baseball team secured its first Missouri Valley Conference series win as a first-year member of the league on Sunday afternoon, playing quality baseball on the way to a 6-1 victory over Evansville at Braun Field. The Crusader pitching staff held the Purple Aces to two runs or fewer in both wins this weekend. Senior Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake Country]) was on the bump for Sunday’s series finale and turned in a quality start to garner his first victory of 2018.

Valpo Drops Middle Game, Sets Up Sunday Rubber Match

The Valparaiso University baseball team held an 8-3 lead as late as the sixth inning on Saturday afternoon at Braun Field in Evansville, but the Purple Aces roared from behind with three in the sixth and three more in the seventh to top the Crusaders 9-8. Valpo will play for its first Missouri Valley Conference series win in a rubber match on Sunday.

Early Offense Helps Valpo Take Series Opener From Evansville

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued its recent trend of scoring early and often on Friday night at Braun Field in Evansville, jumping out to an early lead with three in the first and three more in the second against the host Purple Aces. That was more than enough for sophomore starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge), who hurled a 112-pitch complete game win.

Baseball Heads to Evansville This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team returns to Missouri Valley Conference play this weekend with a trip to Evansville. The Crusaders will look to build upon the momentum created with Tuesday’s signature victory as they return to conference play and vie for their first series win as MVC members.

Valpo Baseball Knocks off No. 25 Illinois on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team notched another victory over a high-caliber program on Tuesday at Illinois Field – this time the team’s best win yet. The Crusaders knocked off Illinois 11-7, handing a team ranked 25th nationally its first loss in the last six games. Illinois (23-9) had won nine straight midweek game dating back to March 2017 and had lost by more than three runs only once all season. The win came on the exact 55-year anniversary of Valpo’s last win over Illinois.

Valpo, Illinois Meet for First Time in 37 Years on Tuesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play its third Big Ten opponent of the season on Tuesday night in Champaign, colliding with an Illinois team that has been nationally ranked at various points in the year. The Crusaders and Fighting Illini will get together for the first time since 1981.

Rain Washes Out Series Finale Between Crusaders, Spartans

Saturday’s scheduled game between Valpo and Michigan State has been canceled due to steady rain and an unfavorable forecast. The game will not be made up.

Ferketic Heaves Second Straight Complete Game, Valpo Takes Game 2 from Michigan State

The Valparaiso University baseball team secured a win against a team from the Big Ten Conference for the third consecutive season, splitting Friday’s doubleheader at McLane Stadium in East Lansing by virtue of a 7-6 triumph in Game 2. The Crusaders dropped the opener 5-4 in a 12-inning marathon before starting pitcher Trey Ferketic (Laguna Niguel, Calif. / JSerra [UC San Diego]) heaved all nine innings for the second straight start and didn’t allow a run after the third as Valpo came from behind for the Game 2 victory.

Big Ten Foe Michigan State Awaits Valpo This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will step outside of Missouri Valley Conference action this weekend for a three-game series against Big Ten foe Michigan State. This marks the second of three Big Ten squads Valpo will oppose this season, as they played Purdue earlier in the year and will visit Illinois next week. The Crusaders and Spartans altered this weekend’s slate to dodge raindrops and will now play a doubleheader on Friday and a single game on Saturday.

Highest Run Total Since 2010 Helps Baseball Down Milwaukee

The Valparaiso University baseball team set the tone with a seven-run first-inning explosion, and that was only the beginning on a windy Wednesday at Emory G. Bauer Field. With temperatures in the 60s for the first time since the team returned to the Midwest, the Valpo offense took full advantage of a hitters’ day by dispatching visiting Milwaukee 23-5. The Crusaders produced their highest run total in eight years with Jayden Eggimann (Mesa, Ariz. / Desert Ridge [Central Arizona/Grand Canyon]) leading the way by launching a grand slam and racking up seven RBIs.

Valpo, Michigan State Announce Alteration to Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that this weekend’s nonconference series at Michigan State has been tweaked in an effort to dodge anticipated raindrops in East Lansing, Mich.

Baseball to Host Milwaukee in Midweek Matchup

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play its lone home contest over a 12-game stretch on Wednesday afternoon as the Crusaders welcome former Horizon League foe Milwaukee for a midweek matchup. The game will take place on the University’s annual Valpo Day.

Baseball Drops Rubber Match in Southern Illinois

The Valparaiso University baseball team suffered an 8-0 setback to Southern Illinois on Friday at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Ill. as one rough inning hurt the Crusaders. Valpo yielded seven runs in a bottom of the fifth that changed the game’s complexion, while the Crusaders managed just five hits for the game.

Billinger Leads Offense, Ferketic Goes the Distance in Win Over SIU

The Valparaiso University baseball team excelled in all three facets of the game on Saturday afternoon at Itchy Jones Stadium, using sound pitching, hitting and defense to put together a well-played 6-2 win over host Southern Illinois in Missouri Valley Conference play. Starting pitcher Trey Ferketic (Laguna Niguel, Calif. / JSerra [UC San Diego]) turned in a strong start, Blake Billinger (Los Gatos, Calif. / St. Francis [Mission]) racked up a career-high five hits and the Crusaders played flawless defense on their way to creating a rubber match in the three-game weekend series.

Baseball Drops Series Opener in Carbondale

The Valparaiso University baseball team dropped its first Missouri Valley Conference road game on Friday in Carbondale, Ill. The two starters engaged in a pitchers’ duel early, but host Southern Illinois pulled away late for a 6-2 victory in the opening game of the three-game weekend series.

Crusaders Head to Carbondale to Battle Salukis

The Valparaiso University baseball team will be back in action this weekend as the Crusaders head to Carbondale for a three-game series with Southern Illinois. Valpo will hit the road for the first time in Missouri Valley Conference play, while the Salukis will compete in their first home MVC contests of the campaign.

Tuesday’s Game Canceled Due to Field Conditions, Weather

“Spring” in the Midwest continues as the Valparaiso University baseball team has announced the cancellation of Tuesday’s scheduled nonconference game against Western Michigan at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Baseball Drops Rubber Match to Bradley on Sunday

Series Finale Postponed to Sunday Due to Rain

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that the third and final game of this weekend’s series against Bradley has been postponed due to rain.

Historic Day for Valpo Baseball Ends in Epic Fashion

A day that started with the Valparaiso University baseball team embarking on its maiden voyage in the Missouri Valley Conference ended fittingly, with senior first baseman Zack Leone (Pelham Manor, N.Y. / Fordham Prep [Susquehanna]) ripping a three-run, walk-off home run to beat Bradley 5-2 in 10 innings in the second game of a doubleheader.

Valpo Baseball Announces Schedule Change for Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will play a doubleheader to open this weekend’s Missouri Valley Conference series with Bradley on Friday beginning at noon CT at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo Baseball Begins MVC Era on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball program will begin the Missouri Valley Conference era this weekend by hosting Bradley for a three-game Easter Weekend series at Emory G. Bauer Field. The University joined the MVC as a full-fledged member on July 1, 2017 after 10 years in the Horizon League.

Purdue Tops Valpo on Wednesday in West Lafayette

The Valparaiso University baseball team came up short against Big Ten foe Purdue on Wednesday night in West Lafayette as the Boilermakers edged the Crusaders 4-1 at Alexander Field. Purdue left-handed pitcher Ryan Beard dominated unlike any opposing pitcher Valpo has seen this season, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh until the Crusaders finally scratched out consecutive hits to end his day.

Crusaders Continue Instate Stretch at Purdue on Wednesday

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue a stretch of games against instate opponents on Wednesday night in West Lafayette. After taking on Butler and Ball State in their last two games, the Crusaders will face off with Big Ten foe Purdue. Valpo has won back-to-back meetings with Purdue for the first time since 1977 after beating the Boilermakers each of the last two seasons.

Five-Run Seventh Highlights Home Opener for Crusaders

The visitors from Ball State spoiled the home opener for the Valparaiso University baseball team on Monday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field. The Cardinals scored in seven of the nine innings including a dozen unanswered runs in the first six and a half frames. Valpo’s offense showed positive signs in the bottom of the seventh by scoring five times, but Ball State went on to win 13-5 in nonconference action.

Baseball Announces Schedule Change, Hosts Ball State on Monday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a schedule change for this week’s nonconference game against Ball State.

Snow in Indy Wipes Out Sunday’s Scheduled Doubleheader

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced that Sunday’s scheduled doubleheader at Butler has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Strong Start by Tieman, Six-Run Third Lift Valpo Over Butler

The Valparaiso University baseball team staked starting pitcher Jon Tieman (Crystal Lake, Ill. / Prairie Ridge) to a sizeable lead by virtue of a six-run third inning, and the sophomore right-hander did his part to make that early edge hold up. He turned in a quality start and picked up the win as Valpo downed rival Butler 9-2, capturing the first game of a three-game series in Indianapolis.

Valpo, Butler to Meet on Diamond This Weekend

A storied history across all athletic platforms between two Indiana institutions will continue this weekend. The Valparaiso University baseball team will take the diamond for a three-game series at Butler’s Bulldog Park beginning on Friday, marking the first time Valpo and Butler have played in baseball since 2014 and renewing a long history between the in-state rivals.

Inclement Weather Wipes Out Baseball at Chicago State

The Valparaiso University baseball game scheduled to be played on Tuesday afternoon at Chicago State has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Leone Drives in Seven to Propel Crusaders to Game 2 Win

The Valparaiso University baseball team bounced back from a Game 1 loss by capturing a 12-8 win over host Arkansas Pine Bluff in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex. Zack Leone (Pelham Manor, N.Y. / Fordham Prep [Susquehanna]) racked up seven RBIs and reached base in all six plate appearances in the second game. The Golden Lions came from behind to edge the Crusaders 6-5 in the opener.

Dawson Grand Slam Highlights Victory Over Arkansas Pine Bluff

A five-run seventh inning that featured a Chase Dawson grand slam helped the Valparaiso University baseball team break Friday’s game wide open. From there, the Crusaders coasted to a 14-7 victory over host Arkansas Pine Bluff at Torii Hunter Baseball Complex. Dawson also had a run-scoring triple, while Zack Leone returned to the lineup and contributed three hits to the winning cause.

Baseball Back in Action on Friday

The Valparaiso University baseball team has returned from its spring trip to California, but soon enough the Crusaders will be on the road again as they make their way to Pine Bluff, Ark. to begin a three-game weekend series with Arkansas Pine Bluff. The Crusaders and Golden Lions will play a single game on Friday followed by a Saturday doubleheader.

Baseball Concludes California Week by Dropping Doubleheader to LMU

The Valparaiso University baseball team fell in both games of a doubleheader on Sunday in Los Angeles. Loyola Marymount held on for a 7-4 victory in the first game before pulling away to win the nightcap 15-5. Chase Dawson had two hits in each game, Giovanni Garbella drove in five runs for the day and Blake Lutgen provided perhaps the biggest highlight by slugging his first career home run in Game 2.

Inclement Weather Postpones Middle Game of Series Between Crusaders, Lions

The middle game of a three-game weekend series between Valpo and Loyola Marymount has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. CT.

Three Juniors Lash Out Multiple Hits on Friday at Loyola Marymount

The Valparaiso University baseball team continued to get strong offensive production from its junior class on Friday night in Los Angeles, as Chase Dawson, Sam Shaikin and Scott Kapers picked up two hits apiece in a 10-3 defeat at Loyola Marymount. The Lions roared ahead with three in the first, tacked on another three spot in the fourth and cruised to the win after their third three-run inning in the seventh.

Baseball Heads to Loyola Marymount for Weekend Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will conclude its spring trip to the state of California this weekend as it matches up with Loyola Marymount for a three-game series. Both teams will look to get back on the winning track, as LMU will attempt to rectify a three-game losing streak, while the Crusaders dropped back-to-back games at UC Riverside earlier this week.

Dawson Delivers Big Day in Loss to UC Riverside

Valparaiso University junior Chase Dawson enjoyed a prosperous performance on Thursday night at UC Riverside, but the Crusader second baseman’s four hits and four RBIs came in a losing effort as the Highlanders notched a 14-5 victory over Valpo. The Crusaders racked up 11 hits, but left 10 on base, while UC Riverside had 16 hits and stranded only six.

Kapers Named to 2018 Johnny Bench Award Watch List

Valparaiso University junior catcher Scott Kapers was named to the official 2018 Johnny Bench Award Watch list on Tuesday.

Baseball Absorbs One-Run Loss at UC Riverside

The Valparaiso University baseball team began the California portion of its spring break trip on Tuesday night with a 4-3 loss at UC Riverside. On an evening when the Crusaders faced the challenge of playing in their fifth game in five days, a taxed pitching staff held the Highlanders to four runs, but the offense was kept scoreless outside of a three-run fifth inning.

Valpo Begins California Week at UC Riverside

The Valparaiso University baseball team has long stocked its roster with talent from the state of California. For the first time since the opening series of the 2015 season, the Crusaders will make an appearance in the Golden State on Tuesday night, the first of five games in California this week, starting with back-to-back midweek affairs with UC Riverside.

Eggimann Finishes Trip to Home State with Home Run, Helps Valpo Defeat Grand Canyon

When the Valparaiso University baseball team arrives in California for the second stop on its spring trip, 11 Crusaders will be back in their home state. But on Sunday, it was Jayden Eggimann’s moment in the sun in The Valley of the Sun. The Mesa, Ariz. native clubbed a ninth-inning home run and drove in five to help Valpo ensure that his homecoming ended on a high note with an 11-7 victory over Grand Canyon, the team Eggimann played for as a freshman. That allowed Valpo to bounce back from a 6-5 loss to CSUN earlier in the day.

Offense Keeps Rolling as Valpo Tops Grand Canyon

The Valparaiso University baseball team sustained its status as an early-season offensive juggernaut on Saturday night at GCU Ballpark in Phoenix, Ariz., downing host Grand Canyon 12-6. Valpo scored three runs in the second, four in the third and three in the fourth before cruising to the victory.

Miraculous Comeback Not Enough as CSUN Holds off Valpo

If there’s one thing the Valparaiso University baseball team has proved through the first seven games of the 2018 season, it’s that the Crusaders can score on anybody. Trailing 13-4 entering the frame, they scored in the ninth inning of Friday’s GCU Classic opener against CSUN. And they scored. And they scored. And they scored. Eventually, Chase Dawson (Chesterton, Ind. / Andrean) drilled a game-tying home run to cap a nine-run frame and tie the game at 13, but the Matadors went on to win 14-13, sending Valpo to their third walk-off loss in five defeats this year.

Arizona the First Stop on Baseball's Spring Trip

The Valparaiso University baseball team will look to sustain its recent success this week as the annual spring break trip commences with a stop in the Copper State as the Crusaders partake in the GCU Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. Valpo will face off with the host Antelopes for a pair of games while also going at it with CSUN in two neutral-site contests.

Shaikin Named MVC Hitter of the Week

Valparaiso University baseball third baseman Sam Shaikin (Wes Hills, Calif. / Chatsworth) became the first Crusader baseball player to earn a Missouri Valley Conference weekly award on Monday, as he was recognized as the league’s Hitter of the Week for his impressive showing this past weekend in Norman, Okla.

Gordon Dominant as Valpo Drops Oklahoma Finale in Extras

Starting pitcher Wes Gordon (Gurnee, Ill. / Warren [Lake County]) had his finest day in a Valpo uniform on Sunday at L. Dale Mitchell Stadium in Norman, Okla. and the Crusaders pushed across a game-tying run in the ninth, but Oklahoma prevailed 3-2 in 10 innings in the weekend finale. The Crusaders outhit the Sooners 11-6 in the contest.

Banner Day for Valpo Baseball Concludes with Second Straight Rout of 2017 NCAA Tournament Team

If college baseball clubs who call cold-weather areas home are supposed to struggle offensively early in the season, nobody bothered to tell the Valparaiso University baseball team. There was no time for basking in the glory of a signature win over Oklahoma, a Big 12 team that had the third-most votes of teams outside the Top 25 in the USA Today Baseball Coaches Poll, on Saturday evening. Instead, the Crusaders were back on the field less than an hour later, whitewashing another team that went to the NCAA Tournament last year in a 20-6 win over defending Patriot League champion Holy Cross.

Baseball Knocks Off Oklahoma on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team started its weekend in Norman, Okla. by upstaging the host Oklahoma Sooners, a Big 12 team that received 46 votes in the USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll. The Crusaders dominated from the outset, scoring three in the first and six in the second on the way to the 11-4 victory. Starting pitcher Trey Ferketic twirled a gem to capture his first win in a Valpo uniform.

Inclement Weather Washes Out Battle of Crusaders

The Valparaiso University baseball team’s scheduled game against Holy Cross on Friday afternoon has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Baseball Faces Pair of Reigning NCAA Tournament Teams This Weekend

The Valparaiso University baseball team will continue its challenging nonconference slate this weekend by heading to L. Dale Mitchell Park in Norman, Okla. to play a pair of games against both Holy Cross and the host Sooners. After visiting a team from the SEC, which finished second nationally in conference RPI a year ago, the Crusaders will clash with Oklahoma – a member of the Big 12 Conference, first nationally in conference RPI last season. Both of this weekend’s opponents played in the NCAA Tournament last year.

Baseball Edged by SEC Foe Alabama on Saturday

The Valparaiso University baseball team scored five runs in the first four innings against Alabama on Saturday afternoon at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, but the bats went quiet after that and the Crimson Tide eventually rallied from 5-1 down to capture a 6-5 victory in walk-off fashion.

Newcomers Shine as Valpo Baseball Drops Opener

The Valparaiso University baseball team saw a pair of newcomers enjoy noteworthy debuts on Friday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but the Crimson Tide defended their home field with a 16-2 victory on Opening Day. An eight-run fourth inning turned the tide, transforming a one-run Valpo edge into a seven-run deficit.

Crusaders to Take on Crimson Tide in Season-Opening Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team will throw out the first pitch of the 2018 season on Friday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, Ala. as the Crusaders begin a challenging nonconference schedule by visiting SEC foe Alabama for a three-game weekend series. As always, Mother Nature has the Crusaders on the road for the season’s early portion, as this weekend starts a season-opening stretch of 23 straight games away from Emory G. Bauer Field.

2018 Valpo Baseball Season Preview

As the Valparaiso University baseball team enters the 2018 season, the Crusaders are ready to embrace the role of underdogs in their first season in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Valpo Baseball Announces 2018 Schedule

The Valparaiso University baseball team has revealed its schedule for the 2018 season, the program’s first year of competition in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Valpo Baseball Announces Incoming Recruiting Class

The Valparaiso University baseball team has announced a group of eight individuals who have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Crusaders for the 2018-19 academic and athletic year.

Baseball Poised for Fall World Series

The Valparaiso University baseball team is set for its annual version of the Fall Classic, which is slated to begin on Monday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m. CT at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Valpo In The Valley: Baseball

Continuing the #ValpoInTheValley series, which will take a look at each of the Missouri Valley Conference’s 17 sports, is baseball. Learn about the landscape of The Valley in baseball, how Valpo has fared against opponents from The Valley in the past, and hear from head coach Brian Schmack as he talks about what the program is looking forward to entering its first season of MVC competition and who will lead the way in 2018 for his team.

Crusader Baseball Announces Alumni Golf Outing, Game

The Valparaiso University baseball program has announced that this year’s Alumni Golf Outing and Alumni Game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Sunday, Sept. 24.