Box Score
WICHITA, Kan. – The University of Evansville baseball team (29-23) was defeated 9-2 by the Bradley Braves (33-18) in the opening game of the 2015 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament 9-2.
 
"It was just unfortunate we got out to this type of start in the tournament," said UE head coach Wes Carroll. "It started on the mound for us, we weren't missing many bats."
 
Bradley took the lead early with a four run second inning. Tyler Leffler and Chris Godinez both produced RBI singles and Issac Smith followed with a two run triple.
 
Ahead by four, Bradley tallied another five runs in the fourth.
 
Trailing 9-0, Evansville received a two-run, eighth inning  home run from outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski. It was the fifth home run of the year for Kaczmarski and brought UE within seven. Bradley would go on to win the contest 9-2.
 
Braves starter Eliot Ashbeck (11-4) earned the win, allowing just two runs on five hits in 8.0 innings.
 
Evansville starter Brodie Harkness (6-4) took the loss, yielding a career-high nine runs in just 3.1 innings pitched.
 
Infielder Stewart Nelson extended his hitting streak to five with a 1-for-3 day with a run scored.
 
Outfielder Jarod Perry was unable to reach base in his four at-bats, ending his on-base streak at 52 consecutive games.
 
Reliever Jimmy Ward threw 2.2 hitless innings out of the bullpen.
 
With the loss, Evansville will now play the loser of the #2 Dallas Baptist and #7 Indiana State game on Thursday, May 21 at 9:00 a.m. CDT. Right-handed pitcher Ryan Billo (7-1, 3.42 ERA) is the probable pitcher for the Aces. The game will be broadcasted on WUEV 91.5FM as well as on ESPN3.
 
For all of the latest information on Evansville baseball, log on to GoPurpleAces.com or follow the team's Twitter account @UEAcesBaseball.