EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville baseball team didn't find its offense in a 2-0 loss to the Indiana State Sycamores on Thursday night.

The Purple Aces had a conference-low four hits against Indiana State in a pitcher's duel to begin the three-game series. UE starting pitcher Kenton Deverman (Dardenne Prairie, Mo. / Fort Zumwalt West HS) had his second-longest outing of MVC action, pitching seven innings, scattering seven hits, allowing two runs, not allowing a walk, and striking out seven batters. Second baseman Drew McConnell (Blue Springs, Mo. / Blue Springs HS) led Evansville on offense as the only batter with multiple hits, connecting in the second and fifth innings while also reaching base a third time on a fielder's choice.

The first third of the game went by quickly as the two starting pitchers combined for seven strikeouts and two hits in three innings of work. The Aces had the first hit of the game as left fielder Charlie Longmeier (Seymour, Ind. / Seymour HS) had a stand-up double to left in his first at-bat of the night. UE also picked up singles in the second and fourth innings from McConnell and first baseman Cal McGinnis (Kimberly, Wis. / Bradley).

It took until the fifth inning for Indiana State to score one of the only two runs of the game. After throwing five strikeouts and retiring 13 batters, Deverman gave up a solo home run to the Sycamores' lead-off hitter. Indiana State held on to the 1-0 lead despite Evansville threatening with two on in the bottom of the fifth.

The Sycamores doubled their lead in the top of the seventh on back-to-back hits from their first baseman and right fielder. The 2-0 lead held over the next three innings as the Aces were only able to get runners on base three more times in the final frames.

UE will look to bounce back on Friday night under the lights at Charles H. Braun Stadium. Evansville and Indiana State will meet in game two of the series starting at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18.