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Vincennes University

Blazers Battle No. 18 Wabash Valley in Road Test

Blazers Battle No. 18 Wabash Valley in Road Test
Box Score
February 25, 2026

MT. CARMEL, Ill. — Vincennes University Baseball faced its toughest challenge of the young season Wednesday afternoon, falling 26–9 on the road to NJCAA Division I No. 18 Wabash Valley College. Competing against one of the nation's top Division I offenses, the Trailblazers move to 5-7 overall.

VU showed early offensive life, scoring in four of the first five innings and building a 9-run performance at the plate despite the final margin. Freshman Matthew Everroad paced the Trailblazers offensively, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with a home run, three runs scored, and three RBIs.

"Today was a really tough day for our baseball team," said Head Coach Chris Barney, who is in his 18th season at the helm of the Trailblazers. "We ran into the best offensive club we've faced all season. They capitalized on mistakes, and against a team of that caliber you simply can't give away opportunities."

Sophomore Tyler Singleton added a strong performance, going 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, and an RBI. Freshman Carson Reed contributed an RBI single, while freshman Braden Casebier drove in a run as part of a balanced effort that saw the Trailblazers collect nine hits and draw nine walks.

VU opened the scoring with a run in the first inning before adding another in the second and two more in the third. The Trailblazers continued to apply pressure with a three-run fifth inning and two additional runs in the sixth.

Despite the offensive production, Wabash Valley's lineup proved difficult to contain throughout the afternoon. The Warriors scored six runs in the opening inning and added multi-run frames across the middle innings to build separation. "Our pitchers have to do a better job commanding their secondary pitches and throwing strikes," Barney said. "We issued too many free passes, and when you allow runs to score with two outs the way we did today, it makes it extremely hard to slow momentum."

Freshman Hayden May took the loss after starting on the mound. Sophomore Grayson Reichert provided 1.1 innings of relief, allowing two runs — none earned — while striking out two. Freshmen Parker Clarida, Jacob Tenbarge, Elijah Papalios, Carter Williams, and Aiden Leonard, along with sophomore Tyler Singleton and freshman Palmer Schiff, also saw action as VU worked through multiple arms against the nationally ranked opponent.

VU pitchers combined to issue 12 walks, while Wabash Valley capitalized on timely hitting throughout the contest. "Offensively, we continued to compete and put up nine runs ourselves," Barney added. "That shows what this group is capable of, but we have to clean up execution on the mound and defensively as we move forward."

The Trailblazers will look to bounce back Friday, February 27, when they return home to Jerry Blemker Field to host North Iowa Area Community College. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.

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