Game five of the MVC baseball tournament kicked off the day with Evansville run-ruling Bradley 12-2 in 7 innings.
Patrick Schneiders pitched a “complete game,” striking out 7 batters and walking just two.
All-MVC second baseman Trey Hair was the catalyst of the Purple Aces offense, going 2-3 with 3 RBI.
Evansville survives and advances on the losers’ side of the bracket, playing the loser of the Dallas Baptist/Indiana State game.
Bradley is eliminated from the tournament, but senior outfielder Evan Gruener looked on his time with Bradley with great pride, helping the 2015 squad reach the NCAA tournament as a two seed, their first playoff berth since 1956.
“It was an honor being a part of history. What a fun season that was,” said Gruener, a Rogersville, Mo. native, as he reflected and was grateful to end his career in his hometown. “It’s always fun to come back home to my family. And thanks to those who have come to watch me play in Peoria and here in Springfield over my career. Hammons Field is a great place to play.”
