Valparaiso won its sixth straight game on Wednesday afternoon, giving the Crusaders their longest winning streak since 2001, as the Brown and Gold defeated Anderson 4-3 at Emory G. Bauer Field.

“We were fortunate we were able to scratch out some runs early, head coach Tracy Woodson said.  “Anderson came out here and was ready to play which is to their credit.”

The Crusaders jumped on top in the opening inning as Kyle Muhlsteff (Yorba Linda, Calif./Esperanza H.S.) doubled to the opposite field and scored on a single by Josh Wallace (Bellefountaine, Ohio/Bellefountaine H.S.).

Valpo added to its lead in the third as Matt Lenski (Milwaukee, Wis./Marquette University H.S.) singled and advanced to second on an error by the right fielder.  A two-out double by Steven Scoby (Delton, Mich./Kellogg H.S.) made it 2-0 and Andrew Quinnette (Kokomo, Ind./Kokomo H.S.) added a single to plate Scoby and increase the lead to three.

John Snelten (Ingleside, Ill./Antioch H.S.) worked the first five innings on the mound for the Crusaders to get the win (1-3), allowing just three hits and a walk while striking out four.

Anderson (15-13) got on the scoreboard in the sixth as Chris Jarrett tripled to lead off the inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jeremy Hazen.  Ryan Shober (Inverness, Ill./Fremd H.S.) helped Valpo get the run back in the bottom of the sixth, drawing a one out walk.  After stealing second and advancing to third on a balk, Shober scored on a two-out single by Dan DeBruin (Combined Locks, Wis./Kimberly H.S.).

The Ravens tried to rally in the seventh, scoring twice.  David Addington doubled to lead off the inning and scored on a Brady Roundtree single.  After Roundtree stole second and went to third on a wild pitch, he scored on a squeeze bunt by Brad Schnepp.  Anderson was not able to tie the game, and Jarad Miller (Fort Wayne, Ind./Carroll H.S.) came on to pitch a scoreless ninth to earn his eighth save of the season.

Ranko Ivetic (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central H.S.) and Kyle Gaedele (Arlington Heights, Ill./Rolling Meadows H.S.) each had two hits to pace Valpo’s 11-hit attack, as every starter had at least one base hit.  Jarrett and Cody Young each had two hits for Anderson.

Shane Nevers started and suffered the loss (3-1) for the Ravens, working the first three innings and allowing three runs on eight hits.

Valparaiso (16-15) moves over the .500 mark and will continue its 10-game homestand on Friday afternoon as the Crusaders host Wright State in the first of a key three-game Horizon League series.  First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Emory G. Bauer Field with all the action carried live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso) and online at www.valpoathletics.com.