TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Drew Carlile hit a go-ahead, 2-run home run in the eighth inning and Matt Dennis pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth inning, leading Bradley (30-12, 8-5 MVC) to a 5-2 win at Indiana State (20-22, 5-11 MVC) to open a 3-game Missouri Valley Conference series Friday night at Bob Warn Field.

Bradley snapped a 2-game losing streak and earned its 30th win of the season for the 15th time in program history. The Braves had not won 30 games in a season since 2007 (32-21).

With Bradley facing a 2-1 deficit in the eighth, Paul Solka started Bradley's go-ahead rally with a 1-out single and Carlile hit the next pitch over the left centerfield wall for his fifth home run of the year and a 3-2 Braves lead. Bradley tacked on two more runs in the ninth, thanks to a third-strike wild pitch, a 3-base outfield error and Carson Weber's RBI single.

Braves starter Elliot Ashbeck (9-3) earned the win by working into the eighth inning. Closer Matt Dennis entered with one out and a runner at second in the eighth and got a pop out and fly out to preserve the 3-2 lead. The ninth inning was more of an adventure, however, but Dennis nailed down his 11th save of the year by striking out Hayes with the bases loaded.

Bradley collected six hits, two walks and a hit batsman against Indiana State starter Jake Degano, but he responded with 11 strikeouts to strand eight runners in his 7.0 innings of work. Ashbeck allowed two runs on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts in his 7.1 innings.

Spencer Gaa (2-5) was one of three Braves to bang out two hits, including a RBI single in the seventh to get Bradley on the board. Solka and Carlile also both went 2-for-5.

The teams will continue their series with a 1 p.m. (ET) first pitch at Bob Warn Field. Junior right-hander Steve Adkins (6-2) will be Bradley's scheduled starter Saturday.