USI scores in the ninth for the win

GAME SCORE: USI 2, #6 GVSU 1
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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana sophomore second baseman Kyle Niemeier (Evansville, Indiana) drove in the game-winning run with a walk in the bottom of the ninth to lead the Screaming Eagles to a 2-1 victory over sixth-ranked Grand Valley State University Friday evening at the USI Baseball Field. USI rises to .500 mark with a 2-2 mark, while GVSU starts the 2014 campaign 0-1.

The Eagles took the early 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when junior shortstop Matt Charvaria (Carlsbad, New Mexico) drove in senior designated hitter Jonathon Wandling (Evansville, Indiana) with an RBI-single to left field. The one run would stand up until the ninth inning when the Lakers evened the score with a two-out single and set the stage for Niemeier in the ninth.

USI sophomore first baseman Andrew Cope (Evansville, Indiana) doubled to start the bottom of the ninth and advanced to third after Wandling was given an intentional pass and Chavarria walked to load the bases. Niemeier gave USI the win after picking up the RBI with a 3-1 walk that drove in Cope.

On the mound, senior right-hander Brandon Shaw (Cuba, Illinois) picked up the win after pitching one inning. Shaw (1-0) allowed a walk and the game-tying hit in the ninth.

USI junior right-hander Ben Wright (Newburgh, Indiana) was masterful through eight-plus inning, but earned a no-decision. Wright allowed four hits, one run, and one walk through his second outing of the year.

The Eagles and the Lakers continue the three-game series Saturday at 1 p.m. The series concludes Sunday with a noon first pitch.