The Illinois State baseball team pounded out 17 hits in an opening 12-6 victory over Valparaiso on Saturday, but dropped the doubleheader's nightcap, 4-2, at Bauer Field in Valparaiso, Ind.
John Rave, Derek Parola and Gunner Peterson all belted home runs for the Redbirds in the first Missouri Valley Conference game. Joe Aeilts stroked three doubles, and Jordan Libman had three RBIs.
ISU starter Jeff Lindgren (3-2) was the winner with Colton Johnson following Lindgren's five innings with three scoreless frames.
A Sam Shaikin home run in the sixth inning of the second game put Valpo (6-21, 1-5) ahead 3-2.