BRADENTON, Fla. -- Senior first baseman Jason Newburger's eighth-inning two-run double gave sophomore pitcher Eitan Barbalat (1-0) his first career victory as Bradley (3-6) opened its 7-game Florida trip with a 5-3 victory versus Valparaiso (2-6) Sunday morning at the IMG Sports Academy.

A sophomore right-hander from Thornhill, Ontario, Barbalat replaced starter Michael Christl to begin the eighth inning and the Braves trailing 3-1.  Although he surrendered four singles in the eighth, Barbalat kept the Crusaders off the board thanks to junior second baseman Ryan Curry's throw to cut down Valpo's Brian Rzepka trying to score from second on a Kevin Kutansky's infield single.  Barbalat finished off the Valparaiso rally by striking out designated hitter Matthew Augustine.

Christl went seven innings for the Braves, allowing just four hits and two earned runs while striking out seven in the no-decision.

After Bradley pulled within 3-1 in the seventh on Ryan Eigsti's two-out double to plate Paul Rice, Bradley rallied for four runs in the home half of the eighth.  Junior center fielder Brad Jones started the rally with a one-out single, which was followed by consecutive base hits from junior left fielder Pat Ryerson and Curry to load the bases.  It appeared Valparaiso reliever Dallas Cawiezell would get out of the jam when he got All-Valley third baseman Rice to hit a routine ground ball, but Crusaders second baseman Jon Rupno's attempt to start the inning-ending double play resulted in a wild throw into left field.  Jones and Ryerson both scored on the play, knotting the score at 3-3, while Curry and Rice advanced to third and second.

After designated hitter John Lequia grounded out to a drawn in infield, Newburger delivered the game's deciding blow with his first extra base hit of the season.

Senior lefty Peter Elmer gave up a pair of singles in the ninth inning, but struck out Kevin Perri to end the game for his first save of the season.

Bradley will continue its play in Bradenton with a 2 p.m. (CST) game Monday versus Eastern Kentucky.