Life in the Valley

After weather changed schedules around to the point that we only had 1 game on what was supposed to be Missouri Valley Conference play Opening Day, things were much busier on Saturday as a total of 7 games were played across The Valley. Here is a quick look at what went down as Sunday action is already underway.

Old Rivals UE, SIU Sweep Doubleheaders to Earn Pole Position

Evansville and Southern Illinois both jumped to the lead early in The Valley season with doubleheader sweeps Saturday to go 2-0 in conference play. The Salukis downed UIC 6-2 and 3-1, while Evansville picked up a couple of solid wins on the road at Missouri State, 12-7 and 7-3.

For SIU, Bennett Eltoft and Kaeber Rog combined to go 5-for-7 with 4 runs and all 6 RBIs in the Salukis’ 6-2 triumph. Eltoft homered twice, while Ron doubled and homered. Rog’s homer was his first of the season – SIU has hit 29 so far in 23 games. Eltoft has 4 home runs. In Game 2, Steven Loden doubled and homered, driving in 2 as the Salukis (11-12, 2-0) were victorious, 3-1. Loden leads the Salukis with 6 homers. SIU starter Jake Combs went 5 innings, allowing just 3 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Combs lowered his season ERA to 2.73. UIC fell to 8-10, 0-2.

In Evansville’s (15-7, 2-0) sweep in Springfield, the Purple Aces slugged 8 homers in 2 games to overwhelm the Bears. Simon Scherry and Ty Rumsey each homered in both games, while Chase Hug, Eric Roberts, Danny Borgstrom, and Brent Widder all also went yard for UE. Roberts also stole 2 bases in Game 1. Nick Smith got the start in Game 1 but was uncharacteristically done after just 4 innings with a no-decision. Reliever Michael Parks picked Smith up, however, working the final 4 2/3 innings to get the win. Tyler Denu went 7 innings and struck out 10 to get the win in the nightcap. Missouri State’s (11-10, 0-2) power duo of Spencer Nivens and Zack Stewart each homered on the day for the Bears.

Belmont Clips Redbirds to Join Party at Top of MVC

New Valley members Belmont (14-11, 2-0) took down Illinois State again on Saturday, after having won the lone game played Friday. Down 3-1 in the 5th inning, the Bruins scored 3 runs to take the lead and added a couple insurance runs to capture a 6-3 victory. Jeff Clarke’s 2-run single proved to be the game-winning hit, and he added an RBI double later. Daniel Pacella hit a 2-run homer for Illinois State (6-11, 0-2). Belmont reliever Will Pryor got the win, pitching 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief with 4 strikeouts.

Bradley Collects Road Win at Murray State

Trailing 5-4 entering the 8th inning, Bradley scored 5 runs over the final 2 innings to down Murray State, 9-5. Carson Husma’s 2-run triple in the 8th inning gave the Braves (7-10, 1-0) the lead for good. Racers ace Jacob Pennington started and went 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts, but got a no-decision. Logan Bland and Seth Gardner both homered for Murray State (10-12, 0-1).

Indiana State Rolls in Conference Opener

Indiana State scored in each of the first 6 innings, building a 10-0 lead and coasting to a 10-1 win over visiting Valparaiso in the Valley opener for both teams. The Sycamores (9-11, 1-0) snapped a 3-game losing streak thanks to a 15-hit attack that featured 3 hits (2 homers), a stolen base, and 6 RBIs from Seth Gergely, while Grant Magill had a 3-hit day, as well. Indiana State #1 starter Matt Jachec pitched 8 innings on just 92 pitches (3.83 ppo), walking 0 and allowing just 1 run on 4 hits. Ryan Maka drove in the lone run for the Beacons (7-8, 0-1).