PEORIA, Ill. - David Stagg limited host Bradley (22-24, 4-15 MVC) to one run over 7.0 innings as Indiana State (34-13, 13-6 MVC) steadily pulled away for a 9-2 win at Bradley in the opening game of the season's final Missouri Valley Conference series Thursday afternoon at Dozer Park.

Stagg improved to 7-3 on the season by scattering five hits and three walks, while striking out five. Hitters two through four in the Indiana State lineup each went 2-for-4 to pace a 9-hit attack by the visitors. Third baseman Cody Zimmerman doubled and drove in three, while catcher Mike Fitzgerald doubled, drove in two runs and scored two runs.

Max Murphy hit his 11th home run of the season in the fourth inning to pull Bradley within 2-1 and first baseman Drew Carlile was 3-for-4 with two doubles, including a run-scoring two-bagger in the ninth.

Elliot Ashbeck (5-3) took the loss for the Braves, allowing four runs, three earned, on five hits in his 6.0 innings of work.

The teams will continue the series with a 6 p.m. game Friday at Dozer Park, then will wrap up the regular season with a 1 o'clock game Saturday afternoon.