Sunday, March 06, 2005

Bradenton, Fla. - Eric Brauer allowed one earned run in 6 2/3 innings and Josh Piazza had 3 RBIs to lift Valpo past Lehigh 5-4.

The game ended when shortstop Jeff Rickert and second baseman Jon Rupno turned a double play with runners on first and third and one out. Adam Knobel pitched 1 inning to record his second save.

Valpo (2-5) had four players finish with two hits - Piazza, Mike Arensdorff (double and RBI), Kevin Kutansky and Rupno. Brian Rzepka added an RBI single and Colin Reynolds belted a double.

The Crusaders pounded out 11 hits to seven for Lehigh. Valpo committed three errors, leading to three unearned Lehigh runs.

Brauer (1-1) allowed six hits, while striking out four and walking one. Chris Riley hurled 1 1/3 innings of relief, setting up Knobel for the save.

Valpo plays Bowling Green on Monday at 10 a.m. at IMG Academies in Bradenton.