Valparaiso erupted for nine runs in the first inning and pounded out 18 hits total on the afternoon as the Crusaders returned to the victory column with a 17-1 triumph against Indiana-Northwest on Wednesday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field.

Steven Scoby (Delton, Mich./Delton Kellogg H.S.) went 4-for-4 with two homeruns, a double, and seven runs batted in while scoring four times to pace the Crusader attack.  Billy Cribbs (Rochester, Mich./Rochester H.S.) added three hits in four at bats, while driving home three and scoring three times.

The Crusaders jumped on top in the opening inning, sending 13 batters to the plate.  Cribs drove home a pair of runs while Scoby led off the game with a double before adding his first three-run homer to cap the scoring.

Scoby again unloaded with a three-run blast to right in the second as Valpo posted a 13-0 lead after two.

The Brown and Gold added a single run on a throwing error in the third and scored three more times in the fourth.  Scoby had a run-scoring single as did Damon McCormick (Louisville, Ky./Saint Xavier H.S.) while Kyle Gaedele (Arlington Heights, Ill./Rolling Meadows H.S.) plated Valpo’s final run with a triple to left-center.

Will Hagel (Arlington Heights, Ill./Prospect H.S.) earned his first collegiate victory (1-0), pitching four scoreless innings, scattering three hits and two walks while striking out four.  Andy Parker (Ottawa Hills, Ohio/Ottawa Hills H.S.) pitched two scoreless innings of relief while Greg Stiller (Indianapolis, Ind./North Central H.S.) pitched the seventh and final inning.

Gaedele, McCormick, and Justin Frane (Huntertown, Ind./Carroll H.S.) each had two hits for Valpo, which saw every starter record at least one.

Indiana-Northwest (1-34) scored its lone run in the seventh, taking advantage of two walks and two groundouts, with Alex Ramirez earning the RBI.

Jimmy Flores started and suffered the loss (0-5) for the RedHawks, allowing 14 runs, 13 of which were earned, and 13 hits in three innings of work.

Valparaiso (12-19) will continue its current homestand on Friday afternoon to begin a three-game Horizon League series against Cleveland State.  First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Emory G. Bauer Field.