Thursday, March 06, 2003

Bradenton, Fla. - Despite producing 28 hits, Valpo (2-4) dropped a pair of games on its spring trip. The Crusaders lost to Duquesne 11-10 and then fell to Boston College by a 13-11 score.

Against Duquesne, Marc Boggio had three hits and two RBIs, while Brandon Sadler delivered two hits, including a solo homer. Caleb Kimmel hammered two doubles and Eddie Hannan and Sean Peickert had two hits each for the Crusaders. Valpo finished with 13 hits, while Duquesne had four.

The Dukes (2-8) scored six runs in the seventh inning to overcome a 9-4 deficit. Valpo starter Elliott Gibbs allowed two hits and three earned runs, while striking out three and walking six in 6 innings. Kyle Nelson (0-1) took the loss in relief.

In the nightcap, the Crusaders scored four runs in the ninth and had the winning run on base before losing to Boston College. Valpo, which pounded out 15 hits, received three hits from Hannan and two each from Eric Snyder, Peickert, Boggio, Sadler and Mike Arensdorff.

Peickert, Boggio, Tyler Lowell and Matt Augustine had two RBIs apiece for Valpo. Boggio (0-2) started on the mound and pitched 4 2/3 innings.

The Golden Eagles (2-6), who had 16 hits, were led by Ryan Leahy with three RBIs.

Valpo plays Boston College on Saturday before concluding its spring trip on Sunday against Harvard.