BOX SCORE (PDF)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla - Senior Mike Reitcheck turned in one of the sharpest outings of his career Tuesday at First Data Field, but the offense could not back him with any run support as Valparaiso scored three runs in the top of the ninth to hand the Quakers their fourth-straight loss, 3-0. Reitcheck allowed no runs and struck out five over seven and two-thirds innings in his first start of the season, while scattering six hits and walking none.

Valparaiso 3, Penn 0
WP: Ellis Foreman (1-0)
LP: Jake Nelson (0-1)
SV: Jon Tieman (4)

BY THE NUMBERS:
*4 - First baseman Sean Phelan has recorded a hit in each of the first four games after collecting two opposite-field singles Tuesday
*9.1 - LHP Mike Reitcheck has yet to allow a run through two appearances and nine and one-third innings pitched this season.
*17 - After allowing a single to lead off the top of the third inning, Reitcheck retired 17 of the last 20 batters he faced, including three perfect innings.
*24 - Freshman Thomas Pellis recorded his first collegiate hit in the third inning, lining a single to center to lead off the frame.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Penn and Valparaiso were locked into a scoreless tie through the first eight innings Tuesday, as both teams struggled to get any runners into scoring position in the early stages of the game. Starting pitcher Mike Reitcheck was dominant for Penn, pitching into the eighth inning without allowing a run and striking out five. Reitcheck retired 17 of the last 20 batters he faced to end his outing before handing the ball over to right-hander Jake Nelson who stranded both runners he inherited.

The Quakers had their chance in the bottom of the eighth when Valparaiso reliever Easton Rhodehouse ran into some control issues on the mound. With Chris Adams at first and two outs, Tim Graul was hit by a pitch and Sean Phelan followed with a five pitch walk to load the bases, but the Quakers could not get the go-ahead run across as Ellis Foreman was able to induce a ground ball to shortstop to escape any damage.

The Crusaders carried that momentum into the top of the ninth with back-to-back singles to open the frame before Jayden Eggimann's two-run double to left gave Valpo the only runs they needed. After adding an insurance run to make it a three-run game, Jon Tieman turned the Quakers away in order in the home half to seal the 3-0 victory.

WHAT'S NEXT
Penn and Valparaiso wrap up their two-game set Wednesday at 3 p.m. from Field #5 at the New York Mets Minor League Complex. Freshman RHP Mitchell Holcomb is scheduled to make his first career start on the mound for the Quakers.