Peoria, Ill. – The Braves will celebrate their seniors as they return home to face the Valparaiso Beacons in their final homestand of the season.
Schedule
Game 1: Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Dozer Park
Game 2: Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Dozer Park
Game 3: Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Dozer Park
Bradley Braves Overview
The Braves (11-33) are 2-2 in their last four games and have outscored their opponents in that stretch. In their last game, Bradley fell to the University of Illinois 6-4. Cole Smith went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, a walk, an RBI, and a run scored, extending his hitting streak to six games, including four multi-hit efforts.
Beau Durbin has been a consistent bat for the Braves recently. He currently has a hit in each of his last 11 games with an at-bat, and over that timeframe, he has hit 17-for-43 with three doubles, a triple, and two homers. He has also recorded seven RBI over this span.
On the mound, Bradley's pitching staff has started to put together consistent outings. Josh Vaughn has been on fire recently, allowing just three earned runs over his last three starts while striking out 13 over 15 ⅓ innings pitched. In his last outing against Indiana State, he held the Sycamores hitless over five innings to earn his first collegiate win.
Valparaiso Beacons Overview
The Beacons (8-35) have dropped their last 16 games heading into their weekend series against the Braves. Kevin Denty has gone 3-for-5 in his last two games and currently leads all qualified Beacons hitters with a .781 OPS, eight doubles, and a .406 on-base percentage.
On the mound, Connor Lockwood has been a solid starter for the Beacons all season. He currently leads the team with a 5.31 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts. In his last outing, Lockwood pitched eight innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out five.
Matchup Outlook
The Braves' pitching staff will need to continue to build on their recent success and carry that momentum as they make a final push for an MVC Tournament appearance. Bradley is currently one game behind Evansville, who hold the final postseason spot in the MVC, so the Braves are going to need to take any win they can over their final six games.
