Box Score (PDF)

PEORIA, Ill. – The University of Evansville baseball team (21-17, 5-8) received three hits from outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski on Friday night in a series-opening 5-3 loss at the Bradley Braves (28-10, 6-4). Kaczmarski, who entered the day with the second-highest batting average in the country, is now hitting .444 this season.
 
"Offensively, we just couldn't get the knock that we needed," said Evansville head coach Wes Carroll. "We have to score more than three runs on Friday to win."
 
The Purple Aces trailed early in the game when Bradley scored twice in the second. Outfielder Evan Gruener pushed the Braves ahead with an RBI single and outfielder Issac Smith tacked on a run producing single later in the frame. Smith's single to left nearly scored two but outfielder Josh Jyawook threw out runner Carson Weber at the plate to end the inning.
 
Down 2-0, UE then rallied back to tie the game. Jyawook's third inning single to right-center scored catcher Travis Tokarek to pull within a run. First baseman Eric McKibban then evened up the score with a sacrifice fly in the fourth.
 
The game stayed 2-2 until the fifth when Spencer Gaa plated a pair of runners with a single to right field.
 
Gaa struck again for a run producing single in the seventh to put UE behind 5-2.
 
Evansville threatened again in the eighth. Kaczmarski's bases-loaded single brought the Aces within two, but back to back outs prevented UE from drawing closer and left the bases loaded.
 
Braves right-hander Elliot Ashbeck (8-3) earns the win, yielding three runs (one earned) in 7.2 innings pitched. Brodie Harkness (5-3) took the loss. Making his Friday night debut, Harkness pitched 6.1 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits. Reliever Matt Dennis recorded the final four outs for his 10^th save of the season.
 
Outfielder Jarod Perry extended his on base streak to 39 games, but his career-best hitting streak ended at 14. Jyawook also advanced his hitting streak to 16 games with a two-hit night. McKibban's on-base streak was snapped at 26 games.  Kaczmarski has hit safely in 12 consecutive games. His fourth inning double gave him 59 in his UE career.
 
Game two of the series is set for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.
 
The Aces next home game is Tuesday, April 28 against Indiana. First pitch is 6:00 p.m. at Braun Stadium. Adult tickets are $7 as senior/youth tickets are just $5.
 
For all of the latest information on Evansville baseball, log on to GoPurpleAces.com or follow the team's Twitter account @UEAcesBaseball.