PEORIA, Ill. - Designated hitter Elliot Ashbeck came through with a 2-out, 2-run double in the fifth inning to put the home team in front and four Bradley pitchers combined on a 6-hitter, lifting the Braves (26-10, 5-4) to a 3-2 win against Wichita State (14-25, 6-6 MVC) Sunday afternoon at Dozer Park.

Bradley won the final two games of the weekend to earn its first series win against Wichita State since taking 3-of-4 during the 2003 series at Dozer Park. Bradley closer Matt Dennis got the final five outs and struck out the side in the ninth for his fourth save of the week and MVC-leading 9th of the season, setting the school single-season saves record.

Bradley starter Brent Stong (5-2) cruised through the first four innings before running into trouble in the fifth. Taylor Sanagorski and Tanner Kirk hit consecutive 1-out doubles down the left field line for the game's first run and Trey Vickers followed with a single to left to give the Shockers a 2-0 lead. Wichita State stole its own momentum, however, as leadoff hitter tanner Dearman followed the trio of solid base hits from the bottom of the order with a sacrifice bunt. Stong got Daniel Kihle to pop out to end the inning.

Wichita State starter Jeb Bargfeldt worked in and out of troube through the first four innings, stranding two runners in both the second and fourth innings. Bargfeldt started the fifth inning strong, before the Braves put together a 2-out rally. Second baseman Chris Godinez started the rally by drawing a walk. Isaac Smith and Spencer Gaa followed with singles and Gaa's grounder through the left side of the infield brought home Godinez to pull Bradley within 2-1. Ashbeck fouled off two straight full-count pitches before ripping his 2-run double off the right field wall to put the Braves on top.

With a light rain falling for most of the rest of the game, both bullpens kept the offenses in check the rest of the way. Bradley managed only one hit over the final three innings, while the trio of Alex Doty, David Koll and Dennis limited Wichita State to two hits over the final three innings.

The Braves will continue their 7-game home stand Wednesday with a 6 p.m. non-conference game against Western Illinois. The Braves, who jumped Wichita State for third place in The Valley standings, will host Evansville in a 3-game series next weekend at Dozer Park.

Admission for Wednesday's game against the Leathernecks will be free.