March 25, 2012

Box Score

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Valparaiso University scored a pair of runs with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning to escape with a 3-2 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team Sunday afternoon at Emory G. Bauer Field.

The Panthers (6-14, 2-4 Horizon League) led, 2-1, and kept the Crusaders (8-14, 4-2 Horizon League) in check until the eighth. Back-to-back singles opened the frame but Milwaukee recorded consecutive outs to keep runners at second and third. Elliot Martin then sealed the series sweep, sending a seeing-eye single up the middle to plate both runs and take the 3-2 lead.

The Panthers put the tying run on base in the ninth when sophomore Ryan Solberg singled, but All-American closer Jarad Miller worked around the threat to record his second save of the season.

"This game was kind of a microcosm of the season so far," UWM head coach Scott Doffek said. "Our pitchers did a fantastic job but we were once again unable to get a two-out hit. Schneider was solid into the eighth inning and then Valpo gets a swinging bunt to lead off the inning. Both relievers do their jobs and then a weak groundball finds a hole and they score two runs."

Sophomore Mike Schneider (0-4) was tagged for the loss despite another quality start. He scattered eight hits and allowed the three runs, walking one and striking out one. Kyle Wormington (1-3) also threw well for the home team, striking out six and walking none in 8.0 innings of work.

UWM led 1-0 in the second on a RBI-groundout from senior Jim Lundstrom only to see Valparaiso tie it in the bottom of the inning.

The Panthers went back ahead in the fifth inning on an RBI single from senior Paul Hoenecke and it stayed that way until the decisive eighth. They left seven runners on base in the contest, suffering their third loss this season when leading after seven innings.

"We are really getting tested mentally," Doffek said. "We can go one of two ways here - give in to it, or fight through it. This program is about fighting and that's what we are going to do."

Solberg tied his career-high with three hits (3-for-4), joining juniors Alex Erdmann (2-for-4) and Will Fadness (2-for-4, run scored) with multi-hit efforts. Martin was 3-for-4 with those two RBI to pace Valpo.

Milwaukee has just one road game left before finally getting to play at home. Up next, UWM plays a midweek game at Northern Illinois Tuesday (first pitch of 3 p.m.) before welcoming UIC to Henry Aaron Field on the weekend.