Cincinnati, Ohio – Valpo and Xavier finished in a 5-5 tie in an 11-inning game that ended due to darkness. Kyle Young’s grand slam with nobody out in the ninth sent the contest into extra innings. Young drove in all five Crusader runs as the senior catcher also delivered an RBI single in the fourth inning. Nick Mazzone went 4-for-5, while Sean Peickert and Young went 2-for-5 each for Valpo (3-5-1).

Young’s grand slam occurred following consecutive walks to Peickert, Marc Boggio and Brandon Sadler off reliever Mike Gallagher. Valpo loaded the bases again with two outs in the ninth, but did not score. The Crusaders also had runners on second and third with one out in the 11th. Relievers Jordan Smolar (2 innings) and Adam Paetznick (1 inning) held the Musketeers scoreless the last three innings.

Tom Starck started for Valpo, pitching 6 innings. The lefty allowed three earned runs on six hits, while striking out four and walking three. Elliott Gibbs allowed one run in 2 innings.

Xavier starter Adam Jahnsen pitched 8 innings, allowing one run and seven hits, while fanning six and walking none. Jay Johnson went 2-for-5 with two RBIs for Xavier (4-6-1).

Valpo plays at Bethel in Mishawaka, Indiana on Friday at 3 p.m. EST. The Crusaders’ scheduled home opener is Saturday against Indiana Tech at 2 p.m. CST.