EVANSVILLE, Ind. - Behind a "lights out" performance from junior right-hand hurler Adam Lukas, timely hitting and clutch defense, the University of Evansville baseball team stayed hot, winning their third game in a row, beating Creighton 7-1 in the Braun Stadium opener Friday.

"It's always exciting to be back at Braun Stadium, for the fans to finally see this team," said University of Evansville head coach Wes Carroll. "The first 13 games were on the road, and I've seen the life that we have and the competitiveness that we have. It's great to see our fans come out and watch today. Here we are, set up on Saturday to hopefully win a series." 

Lukas opened the game by walking the first batter he faced, then proceeded to strike out the next five batters he faced. The Aces' bats went to work on Blue Jays' starting pitcher Mitch Ragan (2-1) in the second frame. After putting a pair aboard, senior center fielder Nate Reeder delivered a clutch two-out single to center, scoring freshman designated hitter A.J. Fritz for the icebreaker. After a walk loaded up the bases, Troy Beilsmith stroked a hot shot that the Creighton third baseman couldn't handle, allowing senior left fielder Matt Jones to tally, making it 2-0 Evansville. Sophomore first baseman followed that up with a single through the right side of the infield, plating both junior shortstop Craig Shepherd and Reeder, doubling the UE lead to 4-0. Senior third baseman Sam Troyer capped the scoring eruption with a two-run triple to center, putting Evansville up 6-0. Junior right fielder Troy Beilsmith would tack on another tally in the fourth, making it 7-0 Aces.

"We had some really great two-out at bats", said Coach Carroll. "If you look at that inning, we just kept extending it, getting some good at-bats, getting some barrels on baseballs."

That would be more than enough run support for Lukas (2-2), who simply dominated the potent Blue Jays lineup, striking out a grand total of 12 batters, while no-hitting Creighton through six frames. The Jays would finally get to Lukas in the seventh, getting their first hit of the contest. However, that's all Creighton would get, as Lukas exited the game after seven shutout innings.

"He was outstanding," said Carroll. "He just went out there and threw everything in this series on his back, giving us a chance right out of the gate. He was just absolutely outstanding with a 12 strikeout performance. He just gave us an overall great effort. I'm really proud of him." 

Freshman left-hander Michael Parks would come in to close out the game, pitching a shutout frame in the eighth, then gave up one run in the ninth for the only Creighton score of the game.

The victory moves Evansville to 8-6 on the season, while dropping Creighton to 7-4.

Game two of the three game series is back at Braun Stadium, set for a 2 p.m. first pitch.