Missouri Valley Conference Archive

Wichita State found themselves one win away from clinching their first regular season MVC title since 2010 with, but poor fielding and lack of hitting came back to haunt the Shockers who lost two of three to Creighton this weekend at Eck Stadium. As a result, the Shockers (who are now done with conference play) go into the last weekend of the season with a final conference record of 15-6. Thanks to the Shockers’ two losses this weekend, the Illinois State Redbirds leapfrogged into first place with a series win against visiting Evansville. The Redbirds dropped their opener in a pitchers’ duel 3-2, but came back to outscore the Aces 31-7 in the last two games—run-ruling UE twice to take the series. The Shockers loss is now the Redbirds opportunity as the door is open for Illinois State to take the regular season title, and an all-important number one seed in the tournament, if they can take all three in their final series against Southern Illinois. The Salukis will be looking to make sure that does not happen and with their sweep this weekend against last place Bradley have given themselves a chance at a 6th place finish if they can string together at least two more wins this season. Elsewhere in the conference, Missouri State played a non-conference series against Wright State and Indiana State swept visiting Alcorn State. Read the rest of this entry »

We have reached the mid-way point in the Missouri Valley conference series schedule, with some unexpected results this season. With their second straight conference sweep, the Illinois State Redbirds—who were picked to finish fourth in the pre-season standings—have surprised many throughout the Valley by shooting to the top of the standings after compiling a 9-3 record. To no one’s surprise, right behind them sit Missouri State and Wichita State tied for second. The Bears were able to pick up another series victory by outlasting a scrappy Evansville team, while the Shockers slugged their way past Southern Illinois to add two more wins to their record. Fourth place Creighton played their out of conference weekend against the trio of Nebraska, Rutgers and #24 Oklahoma State in Omaha. Indiana State’s weekend series against UT Martin was canceled due to rain. Read the rest of this entry »

College Baseball Daily MVC Players of the Week:

Creighton – 2B Jake Peter, 9-13, 2B, 4 RBI, SB

Indiana State – LHP Sean Manaea W(2-1); CG, 6 H, R, BB, 9 K

Illinois State – RHP Brad Sorkin W(4-1); 8.0 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 8 K

Creighton Takes Series over Pacific

Creighton (10-4) took two of three from visiting Pacific (6-12) in Omaha this weekend. In Friday’s 7-2 win, freshman starter Tommy Strunc shut down the Tigers going seven and a third, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out eight. Second baseman Jake Peter had the start of a tremendous weekend, going four for five and knocking in three runs. Pacific rebounded in the second game however, besting the Jays 5-2. Despite another four for five day from Peter, the Jays left twelve on base and struggled to get the timely hit against the duo of Cory Popham and Kyle Crawford. In the rubber match, five CU pitchers held the Tigers to just one earned run as the Jays were able to take the series with a 5-2 win.  Read the rest of this entry »