The Valparaiso University baseball team seemed poised for victory after breaking a 6-6 tie with four runs in the bottom of the eighth, but Murray State mounted a stunning comeback in the top of the ninth to steal an 11-10 win in Thursday’s series opener at Emory G. Bauer Field. Patrick Ilitch, Spencer Warfield, and Case Sullivan all homered for the Beacons in the hard-fought contest.
How It Happened
Murray State took an early lead, scoring three runs in the top of the second, including a solo homer by Will Vierling. Valpo responded quickly in the bottom of the second as Ilitch and Warfield hit back-to-back home runs on consecutive pitches. Ilitch’s homer was followed by Warfield’s blast to left, tying the game at 3-3. A single by Aidan Thaxton later in the inning gave Valpo a 4-3 lead.
Murray State answered with another three-run frame in the third, regaining the lead at 6-4. The Beacons continued to battle, scoring one run each in the fourth and sixth innings to tie the game at 6. Sullivan’s home run in the fourth and an unearned run in the sixth were key in keeping the game close.
After a rough start, Valpo ace Connor Lockwood settled in, shutting down Murray State’s offense for five consecutive innings. He retired the side in order in four of those innings, allowing the Beacons to stay within striking distance.
In the eighth inning, Valpo seemed to take control of the game. Sullivan led off with a double, and the Beacons followed with four straight singles, pushing four runs across to take a 10-6 lead.
Lockwood returned to the mound in the ninth with hopes of closing out the game, but after retiring the leadoff batter, the next three Murray State hitters reached base. A RBI double and an intentional walk set the stage for a bases-clearing triple by Luke Mistone, tying the game at 10. A throwing error by the shortstop allowed the go-ahead run to score, completing Murray State’s dramatic rally.
Up Next
The Beacons (8-24, 3-10 MVC) will look to rebound in the second game of the series on Friday at 1 p.m. at Emory G. Bauer Field. Admission is free, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
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